Imagine yourself at the controls, preparing to land at Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport (AZO). Are you fully acquainted with its runway specifications, safety protocols, and recent updates? A flawless landing begins with thorough preparation. This comprehensive flight guide will ensure your operations remain safe and efficient.
Airport Overview: Essential Data
Located in Kalamazoo, Michigan, AZO serves various aircraft types with multiple runways. Key operational details include:
- Magnetic Variation: VA R5.7°W, changing at 0.0°W annually (as of January 2025)
- Runway Equivalents: RWYS 05-23, 09-27
- Usage Restrictions: Not authorized for Part 121/Part 380 air carriers
- Critical Note: Mandatory full readback of all runway holding instructions. Exercise heightened vigilance regarding runway crossing clearances
- Tower Designation: TWR
- Airport Elevation: 863 feet
Communication Frequencies
Maintain clear communication using these essential frequencies:
- Kalamazoo Tower: 118.3, 257.875
- Clearance Delivery: 121.75
- Ground Control: 121.9
- ATIS: 127.25 (F1 F2 DG GFFFDHC1 5C C C CAEE17C292800)
Runway Specifications
Runway 17-35
Dimensions: 6,034 ft × 100 ft
Strength Ratings: S-85, D-121, 2D-240
Pavement Condition Rating (PCR): 402 F/C/X/T
Runway 09-27
Dimensions: 6,502 ft × 150 ft
Strength Ratings: S-30, D-60
Pavement Condition Rating (PCR): 66 F/C/X/T
0.4% upward slope
Runway 05-23
Dimensions: 3,438 ft × 100 ft
Strength Ratings: S-30, D-45, 2D-60
Pavement Condition Rating (PCR): 354 F/C/X/T
Slope characteristics: 0.6° 0.7% upward (05), 0.6° 6.8% downward (23)
Airport Facilities
AZO provides comprehensive services for pilots and passengers:
- Ramp Areas: Includes cargo zones and general aviation parking
- Terminal Building: Passenger services and amenities
- FBO Services: Fueling, maintenance, and operational support
- Fire Station: Emergency response capabilities
- Aviation Museum: Historical exhibits for enthusiasts
Safety Considerations
Operational safety requires attention to these critical elements:
- Complete readback of all runway holding instructions is mandatory
- Exercise extreme caution regarding runway crossing clearances
- Note SRE EC-1 status, effective December 25, 2025 through January 22, 2026
Airport Layout
Familiarization with the airport's infrastructure enhances operational efficiency. Key features include antenna arrays, parking facilities, and cargo handling areas.
Runway Slope Considerations
The variable gradients of Runway 05-23 significantly affect aircraft performance. Pilots must account for these slope variations during takeoff and landing calculations.
Pavement Condition Ratings
PCR values provide crucial data for determining runway load-bearing capacity. Pilots should cross-reference these ratings with their aircraft specifications during pre-flight planning.
Conclusion
Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport maintains comprehensive facilities and standardized procedures. This operational guide provides the necessary information for safe and efficient flight operations. Thorough preparation remains the foundation of aviation safety.