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Ithaca Tower is a pilot-friendly, service-oriented facility promoting a safe and efficient operating environment at a level one VFR tower. Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport has more daily operations than either Elmira or Binghamton airports, both of which have radar! We separate and sequence traffic based on pilot reported positions or radar from Elmira until we get you in view (yup...binoculars)! Your accurate position reports (distance, direction AND altitude) facilitate the flow of traffic and enhance safety. We consider safe and efficient air traffic flow to be team effort, involving the tower controller and a knowlegable and cooperative pilot. We operate by the standard rules of the controller's handbook; 7110.65. Pilots follow the FARs as well as the AIM for guidance. Between all these documents there are some "gray areas" and confusion which we hope to dispel with this web site. Please use these references and let us know how our service is working for you! We want Ithaca to be a preferred destination for your operations and to provide you superior air traffic service. Click here for current flights at Ithaca. Click here for airport data (AirNav). Letter to Airmen with new runway lengths ("How much runway do we have?) |
Initial Contact and Pattern Entry |
Pattern and Runway Procedures |
Taxi and Take-Off Procedures |
Ithaca Diagram (pdf) |
IFR/VFR |
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If you fly at one of the 72 busiest airports in the United States, you'll notice something different as you taxi to the runway hold-short line. These are now located at Ithaca also. Yellow dashes placed on both sides of the taxiway centerline within 150 feet of the runway hold-short line (see image). This is intended to alert pilots that they are approaching a runway holding position and should cross-check their taxiing instructions to determine if they are cleared to cross the hold-short line. See pictures below for specific locations at Ithaca.
Current construction is relocating the antenna for the localizer further from the runway. This project is resulting in occasional closings in the evening: be alert for NOTAMS.
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| Notice new taxiway "hotel" and "enhanced centerline" at Runway 32 indicating a "hold short" ahead | "Charlie" now "Delta" with new enhanced centerline indicating a hold short ahead | Localizer antenna is being relocating due to the extension of the runway: Also, the new PAPI should soon be operational at both runway ends. |
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