Imagine piloting your aircraft for an approach to Chicago's Prospect Heights/Wheeling Airport (PWK) as night falls. The runway lights twinkle in the distance, but your focus must remain sharp—this airport's complex layout and potential runway hazards demand thorough understanding. This guide provides essential navigation updates for PWK to ensure safe and efficient operations.
Critical Navigation Updates
As of January 2025 data, PWK Airport reports a magnetic variation of 0.0°W with an annual rate of change. Pilots must account for this variation in navigation calculations to maintain course accuracy. Particular attention should be given to potential discrepancies in the VA R4.0°W reading, which may require adjustment.
Runway Safety Protocols
PWK's airport diagrams prominently display the warning: "CAUTION: BE ALERT TO RUNWAY CROSSING CLEARANCES. READBACK OF ALL RUNWAY HOLDING INSTRUCTIONS IS REQUIRED." This advisory highlights the airport's complex runway intersections and elevated risk of incursions. Pilots must maintain heightened situational awareness, strictly follow ATC instructions, and meticulously read back all holding instructions.
Airfield Configuration
Situated in Prospect Heights/Wheeling, Illinois, PWK features varying elevation (ELEV) markers across its terrain—645 feet, 643 feet, 640 feet, 644 feet, and 638 feet—all critical for precise altitude management during approach and departure.
Primary Runways
- Runway 16-34: 3,677 feet long, 50 feet wide, equipped with Engineered Material Arresting Systems (EMAS) at both ends for overrun protection.
- Runway 12-30: 5,001 feet long, 150 feet wide.
- Runway 06-24: 4,415 feet long, 75 feet wide.
Runways 16-34 and 12-30 share a Pavement Classification Number (PCN) of 39 F/D/X/T, indicating capacity for medium-weight aircraft. PCN data for Runway 06-24 requires separate verification.
Operational Services
PWK offers comprehensive ground services with the following key frequencies:
- Tower (TWR): 124.7 MHz
- Clearance Delivery (CLNC DEL): 121.7 MHz
- Ground Control (GND CON): 119.9 MHz
- Executive Tower: 124.2 MHz
- ATIS: L1S-72 and D-98 services
The airfield features numerous maintenance hangars (numbered 1, 5-13, 18-22, 40, 41, and 43) and multiple Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) for aircraft servicing. Customs facilities accommodate international operations. Pilots should exercise caution when taxiing through northeast and southwest areas with high hangar density.
Geographic Reference Points
Key coordinates including 42°06.5'N 87°53.5'W, 42°07.0'N 87°54.0'W, and 42°07.5'N 87°54.5'W facilitate precise navigation. Waypoints like AK5 and AKELAHSO serve as important flight planning references.
Temporary Notices
Pilots must review current NOTAMs for temporary changes, particularly EC-3 modifications effective December 25, 2025 through January 22, 2026.
Operational Summary
Successful operations at PWK require thorough preflight preparation, including detailed study of airport diagrams and NOTAM reviews. The airport's intricate layout and active runway crossings demand constant vigilance. By prioritizing safety procedures and maintaining precise navigation, pilots can ensure efficient operations at this vital Chicago-area facility.