Wrong Surface Landings

• Wrong Surface Landing risks exist with offset parallel RWYs with staggered thresholds.
• RWY 18L is longer than and comes into view before the shorter RWY 18R. This is also the case with RWY 36R and the shorter RWY 36L.

• A Wrong Surface Landing risk exists whenever a TWY parallels the RWY. Pilots have mistakenly lined up on final for TWY M mistaking it for RWY 18R.
• 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.
• Runway Markings are White. Surfaces not used for Takeoff/Landing like Taxiway Markings, Chevrons, Runway Shoulder, and Runway Turn-on Markings, etc., are Yellow.

• A Wrong Surface Landing risk also exists at TUL when landing west. A drag racing strip near the airport and on final for RWY 26, has the same orientation and may be confusing. This risk can be more pronounced during sunset.
• For all these Wrong Surface Landing Risks, loading an instrument approach to the assigned RWY will help pilots ensure they are landing on the proper surface.

Additional Cautions

• A perimeter road with markings and signage circles most of the airport.
• A large, wooded area north of the airport contributes to increased bird activity in the vicinity of the airport.
• Several uncontrolled airports are located underneath the outer ring of the Class C airspace. Be alert for pop-up VFR aircraft.
• Do not confuse the multi-lane highway, US 169 which parallels RWY 18L/36R, for a RWY.

Traffic Patterns

• We primarily utilize RWY 18R/36L for aircraft in the traffic pattern. Pattern altitude is at or below 2500’ MSL.

Ground Control

• Let us know where you are parked and ready to taxi with current ATIS.
• All FBO parking and the terminal ramp areas are uncontrolled.
• The following areas are not visible from the ATCT:
  • Taxilanes (TXLs) LA, NN and QQ. (See illustration.)
• When exiting the TXLs, hold short of the TWY and contact Ground Control for instructions.

Runway Crossings

• Read back RWY crossing/hold short instructions with callsign in the same transmission.

Takeoff/Departure

• IFR departures will be issued RWY heading or a turn 50 degrees left or right depending on destination.
• TWR will try to issue VFR departures a turn toward their destination.

Avoidance Areas

Arrival/Landing

• Tulsa Approach Control will sequence all IFR/VFR inbound traffic. Pilots should review NOTAMS for the Letter to Airmen LTA-TUL-21 VFR PRACTICE INSTRUMENT APPROACHES AT SATELLITE AIRPORTS WITHIN TULSA APPROACH CONTROL AIRSPACE for specific information.
• When in the traffic pattern, the TWR will extend upwind/downwind as necessary.
• Pilots are expected to exit the runway at the first available taxiway unless a specific taxiway is issued.  

Weather

• The weather can change rapidly. There may barely be any wind and then 50kt gusts may occur.

Special Traffic (Military / Commercial / Helicopter, etc.)

• TUL is home to the 138th Fighter Wing, located on the north end of TWY E.
• TUL TWR also coordinates low-level helicopter operations, for the Oklahoma Army National Guard Unit, located about 1.25 NM northeast of the field. (See illustration below.)