Calm-Wind Preferred Runways 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.
4L and 4R are preferred in calm wind because they route traffic over the Longbow golf course, industrial areas and the Salt River rather than housing.
The route
- Calm wind preferred runways are 4L and 4R — calm wind here means use of a preferred runway when weather conditions permit
- Runways 4L/4R are selected as preferred because they allow aircraft to minimize impacts to residential areas by flying over the Longbow golf course, industrial areas and the Salt River
- Training operations use runway 4L/22R whenever possible
- When the tower is closed, runway 4L/22R is typically closed unless there is construction or maintenance on 4R/22L — note the change in traffic pattern for 4R/22L when 4L/22R is closed
When it applies
- Runway 4L or 4R — northeast flow "Calm wind preferred runways are 4L and 4R"
Source text, verbatim
Fixed Wing Aircraft — Departures / Arrivals • Calm wind preferred runways are 4L and 4R. Note: calm wind refers to use of a preferred runway when weather conditions permit. Runways 4L/4R are selected as preferred because they allow aircraft to minimize impacts to residential areas by flying over the Longbow golf course, industrial areas and the Salt River. • Training operations use Runway 4L/22R whenever possible. • When Air Traffic Control Tower is closed Runway 4L/22R is typically closed unless construction/maintenance on RWY 4R/22L. Note change in Traffic Pattern for Runway 4R/22L when RWY 4L/22R is closed. [Boxed on the PDF:] All noise abatement guidelines are recommended; some may not be advisable for every aircraft/helicopter in every situation. Noise abatement guidelines should never compromise aviation safety.
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
- Falcon Field Airport — Noise ("These noise abatement recommendations, guidelines and procedures are voluntary") City of Mesa / Falcon Field Airport · retrieved 2026-08-28
- FAA Chart Supplement remark via NASR 28-day subscription, cycle 06 Aug 2026 (APT_RMK, FFZ: "RWY 04L & 04R PREFFERED") Federal Aviation Administration · retrieved 2026-08-28