Imagine piloting an aircraft preparing to land at Arlington Municipal Airport, where complex conditions demand precision to avoid potential hazards. Ensuring safe operations during every takeoff and landing requires thorough knowledge of current airport conditions and critical procedures.
Airport Overview: Arlington Municipal Airport (GKY)
Located in Arlington, Texas at coordinates 32°40.5'N, 097°05.5'W, Arlington Municipal Airport (GKY) sits at an elevation of 628 feet. The airport features Runway 16-34 measuring 597 feet in length and operates a control tower (TWR) providing comprehensive air traffic control services.
Critical Information Update: December 25, 2025 - January 22, 2026
Pilots must note that important operational information remains valid from December 25, 2025 through January 22, 2026. Close monitoring of airport conditions during this period is mandatory.
Magnetic Variation: The Foundation of Precise Navigation
The magnetic variation at GKY is currently 0.1°W, with an annual change rate of 2.9°E as of January 2025 (VA R2.9°E). Accurate understanding of magnetic variation is essential for proper navigation and maintaining correct flight paths.
Runway Safety Alert: Mandatory Readback of Crossing Clearances
The airport emphasizes that pilots must read back all runway holding instructions when receiving crossing clearances. This critical procedure enhances ground safety by preventing runway incursions and potential conflicts.
Communication Frequencies: Maintaining Clear Contact
- Tower (TWR): 128.625 MHz, 127.375 MHz
- Clearance Delivery (CLNC DEL): 121.875 MHz
- Ground Control (GND CON): 121.875 MHz
- Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS): 118.85 MHz (when tower is closed)
Proper frequency usage ensures effective communication with air traffic control for timely information and instructions.
Airport Facilities: Supporting Aviation Needs
GKY offers comprehensive ground facilities including a fire station, apron areas, general aviation tenant facilities, and Fixed Base Operator (FBO) hangars to serve pilots' operational requirements.
Runway Gradient: Performance Considerations
The runway features a 0.5% upward slope. Pilots must account for this gradient during takeoff and landing calculations to ensure proper aircraft performance.
Flight Preparation: The Cornerstone of Safety
Thorough preflight planning requires careful review of airport diagrams, including layout details, runway information, taxi routes, and other critical data. Comprehensive preparation forms the foundation of safe flight operations.
Conclusion: Safety Through Attention to Detail
Arlington Municipal Airport remains committed to providing safe and efficient flight operations. By maintaining current airport knowledge, adhering to operational procedures, and ensuring clear communications, the aviation community can collectively guarantee safe flights. Operational safety begins with meticulous attention to detail.