ATL Traffic Management Tips

Departures:

The west operation provides the most flexibility for aircraft movement and is the preferred operation.

The Delta Concourses are located near the approach end of RWY 8R.  Delays are frequently encountered during periods of heavy departure demand due to limited aircraft movement areas and the close proximity of the concourses to the departure runway when ATL is departing to the east.

Triple runway departure procedures are available and are utilized when appropriate demand is present to justify the additional taxi time from the ramps.

RNAV departures are used for aircraft so equipped.

Departure runway assignment may be dynamically changed to balance runway or airspace demand.

Arrivals:

The west operation provides the most flexibility for aircraft movement and is the preferred IFR/VFR configuration.

Taxiway Victor allows arrivals on 08L/26R to taxi around 08R/26L without the need to cross or stop departures on 08R/26L.

LAHSO may be used for arrivals on runways 9R/27L and 8L/26R.

ILS PRM approaches will be the primary instrument approach in use.  PRM status will be displayed on the OIS SUMMARY page.  If unable PRM approaches, call ATCSCC TCA at 703-904-4452 to coordinate an arrival slot.

Triple runway arrival procedures are available and are utilized when demand is present.

CATIII approaches are available for RWY 9R, RWY 8L and RWY 10.

Arrival runway assignment may be dynamically changed to balance runway or airspace demand.

East and west operations are occasionally affected by winds aloft, predominantly in winter months and during periods of low ceilings and bad weather.  Winds have the most impact when ATL is in an east operation and southwest override wind conditions are present.  The southwest override wind component creates a fast final until aircraft reach approximately the outer marker then encounter a headwind and experience a rapid speed reduction.  Additional spacing between aircraft on final is required (4 to 5 miles between large aircraft) to provide required separation at the threshold.

All general aviation and the majority of air cargo operators park on the north side of the airport and prefer to land on RWY8L or RWY26R.  A80 TRACON will attempt to fix balance internally to facilitate these operations and maintain optimum runway utilization.

Summer months in ATL are renowned for hazy weather conditions and SILS approaches are frequently in use during VFR weather.