Have you ever worried about misunderstood instructions on busy airport runways? At Ann Arbor Municipal Airport (ARB), aviation safety takes top priority. Beginning December 25, 2025, through January 22, 2026, the airport will enforce a critical safety protocol requiring pilots to verbally repeat all runway holding instructions.
Readback Requirement: A Layer of Safety
The new mandate requires pilots to clearly and accurately repeat any instructions regarding runway holds to air traffic control. This readback procedure ensures proper communication and minimizes the risk of runway incursions caused by misinterpreted commands.
Heightened Vigilance at Intersections
In addition to the readback protocol, ARB officials remind pilots to maintain extreme caution at runway intersections. The airport advises thorough visual scanning for other aircraft or ground vehicles, emphasizing that runway crossings should only occur after receiving explicit clearance.
Airport Specifications
Located at coordinates 42°13.5'N 83°45.0'W with an elevation of 839 feet, ARB's primary Runway 06-24 measures 2,750 feet long and 110 feet wide, accommodating aircraft up to S-45 and D-70 classifications. The runway features a 0.5° gradient on Runway 06 and 0.3° on Runway 24, supported by VOR/DME navigation aids.
Key communication frequencies include:
- Clearance Delivery/Ground Control: 121.6 MHz
- Tower: 120.3 MHz
- ATIS: 134.55 MHz
Facilities and Navigation Notes
The airport complex contains multiple structures including the control tower, FBO facilities, and terminal buildings, all clearly marked on airport diagrams. Pilots are urged to review these layouts before operations.
Navigation adjustments should account for the current 7.0° West magnetic variation, which remains stable as of January 2025.
Safety Reminders
- Strictly comply with all readback requirements for runway instructions
- Exercise heightened awareness at all runway intersections
- Thoroughly review airport diagrams before operations
- Account for magnetic variation in navigation calculations
These enhanced measures demonstrate Ann Arbor Airport's commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety for all operations.