Fixed-Wing Departure & Arrival Technique KFFZ local VFR procedures
Not for navigation. Verify against the official sources linked below before flight.
noise abatement Airport sponsor published verified 2026-08-28 (42 d ago)
Published by the airport sponsor; voluntary unless ATC assigns it. If ATC assigns this route to you in Class B, C or D airspace, that assignment is an ATC instruction and compliance is required (14 CFR 91.123) — and “unable” remains available to the pilot in command.
Vy to pattern altitude, downwind ¾ to 1 mile out, 4° PAPI on landing, and smooth power changes.
The route
- Avoid low-level, high-power departures; use reduced power settings whenever possible
- Climb at Vy until reaching at least 2,400 ft MSL (pattern altitude)
- Maintain patterns as close to the airport as possible, or ¾ to 1 statute mile on the downwind leg
- When landing, maintain a 4° glide path angle as indicated by the PAPI
- Make smooth adjustments on engine power settings to avoid sudden RPM changes and sudden noise events
- Simulated engine failure training only when a safe landing at the airport is assured
When it applies
- Runway 4L or 4R or 22L or 22R — all runways The technique items name no runway
Source text, verbatim
Fixed Wing Aircraft — Departures • Avoid low-level, high-power departures. Use reduced power setting whenever possible. • Climb at Vy airspeed (best rate of climb...) until reaching at least 2,400 feet MSL (pattern altitude). • Make smooth adjustments on aircraft engine power settings to avoid a sudden change in RPM unless required for the safety of flight and to avoid creating a sudden noise event. • Training procedures that simulate an engine failure will be practiced only when there is no doubt that the aircraft can make a safe landing on the runway. Arrivals • Maintain patterns as close to the airport as possible or 3/4 to 1 statute mile on downwind leg. • When landing maintain 4 degree glide path angle as indicated by PAPI lights [FAA Chart Supplement, worded differently:] CLMB AT VY UNTIL 2400 FT MSL; MNTN TFC PAT 3/4 MI FM RWY END.
The text above is the published source wording and is authoritative over any summary on this page.
Sources
- City of Mesa — Falcon Field Fly Friendly Program, Noise Abatement Guidance (Revised 11/04/2024) City of Mesa / Falcon Field Airport · retrieved 2026-08-28