Hot Spots

HS 1 - RWY 10L hold short line on TWY L is located prior to the bend in the taxiway.

• Pilots have failed to recognize that the hold short line is located on TWY L and have made the turn onto TWY L1 entering the Runway Safety Area for RWY 10L.

Wrong Surface RWY Landing Risks

(See Arrival Alert Notices.)

• If available, back up all visual approaches with an instrument approach or GPS Waypoint to help ensure that you are lined up for the correct surface.
• RWY markings are white. Markings on surfaces not used for takeoff/landing like TWY markings, chevrons, RWY shoulder and RWY turn-on markings etc., are yellow.
• View the From the Flight Deck-Wrong Surface Landings video for additional mitigation strategies.

Surface Risk – Movement Area Cautions

• Aircraft exiting Jet Aviation, during east traffic operations, and instructed to taxi via TWY J, TWY L, TWY E should note that TWY E comes up very quickly once you have turned onto TWY L.
  
• Pilots sometimes miss the Hold Short line in the turn.

• Pilots have become confused when taxiing in the vicinity of TWYs L, N, and RWY 14/32.

• There is a vehicle service road near the customs ramp. Do not confuse this Vehicle Service Road with TWY F.

Ground Control

• During periods of busy departure demand (i.e., Sundays from December – April), PBI will normally open Gate Hold for air carrier and business traffic.
  • Generally, once an aircraft receives their clearance, they will be instructed to contact Gate Hold for an engine start time once they are ready to depart.
  • Gate hold will then instruct the aircraft to monitor Ground Control at the appropriate time.
  • Generally, Gate Hold tries to meter aircraft in 15-minute increments with an attempt to keep 7-10 aircraft at the end of the runway, ready for departure.
• Frequency congestion on Ground Control becomes an issue when ground stops or re-routes are initiated, because aircraft then start requesting re-routes or new times.
  • It is recommended that you contact clearance delivery if you want to inquire about a new route or time.
  • Do not contact ground control, as they are focused on aircraft movement on the airfield.
• The best practice is to be patient and wait for the controller to reach out to you, versus tying up the frequency while other aircraft are attempting to get their initial clearances.
• Another best practice is to monitor ground control (versus checking in) when instructed by gate hold.  By monitoring ground control, the ground controller can ensure he/she talks to the right aircraft at the right time to set up the sequence for local control based on miles in trail, EDCTs, etc.  
• Aircraft that taxi from Jet East ramp can expect taxi instructions via TWYs Juliette, Lima, Echo for RWYs 10L, 14, or 10R.
  • Use caution for a quick left turn from Lima onto Echo.  

Runway Crossings

• The controllers at PBI will be specific with runway crossing instructions.
• Ensure you readback all runway crossing instructions including your call sign.

Departure/Takeoff

• Aircraft should expect to fly the RNAV SIDS unless otherwise instructed or equipment limitations prevent this.
• During periods of heavy departure demand, you may be issued an initial departure heading and altitude. In these cases, expect to resume the assigned SID.

Arrival/Landing

• RWY 10R/28L is hard to see and the threshold for 10R/28L does not align with RWY 10L/28R. Pilots sometimes mistake TWY L for RWY 10R/28L. Ensure you have RWY 10R/28L clearly in sight prior to short final.
• Land and Hold Short (LAHSO) clearances may be issued to general aviation aircraft. Advise if you are unable to participate.

• Pilots requesting practice approaches should review NOTAMs for the Letter to Airmen: LTA-PBI-11 “IFR Separation Services for VFR Aircraft Conducting Practice instrument Approaches”.

Weather

• PBI airspace is exposed to thunderstorms predominantly from June through October.
• LLWAS equipment is available at PBI to help detect windshear around the field.
• PIREPs are always appreciated, including PIREPs for no significant weather when thunderstorms are forecast for the area.  

Special Traffic

• PBI has a variety of helicopters based at the field, including law enforcement, local news, agriculture, and medevac.
• Use caution for low flying helicopters as you approach the field from the east and west.
• PBI uses a “shoreline” transition procedure to allow VFR aircraft to transition from north to south (or vice versa) at low altitudes. Generally, these aircraft will be at 500’ over the shoreline or 1,000’ 1NM offshore.
•  Use caution when departing RWY 10L for these low flying aircraft.  

Additional Information

• Due to the location of PBI, expect frequent Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) for VIP movement and special events.
  • Always check NOTAMs prior to flying in/around PBI airspace to ensure these TFRs are not in effect.
  • TFR restrictions will be listed in the NOTAM.
  • These TFRs are subject to frequent change.
• During periods of high volume at PBI, expect additional delays for practice approach requests.
• PBI will initiate programs to manage traffic inbound to PBI during periods of high arrival traffic. During these times, pilots changing their destination from a different airport to PBI may have their request denied.
• Operate transponders with altitude reporting mode and ADS-B (if equipped) enabled on all airport surfaces.