JOHN F. KENNEDY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (KJFK)
TOWER SOP
TOWER SOP
1. Purpose. This document sets forth instructions for the manning of the Kennedy Air Traffic control Tower and
any positions within.
2. Procedural Deviations. Not all situations are covered within this document, in event that an unusual event
arises, the use of good judgment to adequately resolve the situation is advised.
Operational Positions
POSITION
Center
Approach
Departure
Tower
Ground
Clearance Delivery
ATIS
IVAO IDENT
KNZY_CTR
KJFK_APP
KJFK_DEP
KJFK_TWR
KJFK_GND
KJFK_DEL
KJFK_ATIS
CALL SIGN
New York Center
Kennedy Approach
Kennedy Departure
Kennedy Tower
Kennedy Ground
Kennedy Delivery
FREQ
125.320
125.700
135.900
119.100
121.900
135.050
128.720
IFR
3301-3327
3001-3017
3001-3017
3020-3037
3040-3057
3001
VFR
NA
4120-4227
4120-4227
4230-4237
4230-4237
4230-4237
CLEARANCE DELIVERY
IFR Aircraft should be directed to one of the departure gates, but, it is not a hard requirement.
EXIT GATE
WEST
NORTH
EAST
EXIT
SBJ*
RADIAL
LANNA*
PTW 059 / SBJ 274
SAX*
COATE
NEION
HAAYS
GAYEL
DEEZZ **
GREKE
MERIT
BAAYS
BDR *
SAX 311 / HUO 207
LGA 322
HUO 145
DPK 320
RNAV Only
CKM 057
LGA 055
BDR 054
EXIT GATE
EXIT
DIXIE
WHITE
SOUTH 1
SOUTH 2
RBV
RNGRR
YANKEE
ARD *
BETTE
HAPIE
SHIPP
WAVEY
RADIAL
JFK 221/ COL 192
JFK 221 / COL
204
RNAV Only
RNAV Only
JFK 109
JFK 124
JFK 139
JFK 156
* Propeller Only Exit (whenever possible)
** RNAV equipped turbojets only
a. Prior to issuing a clearance to a pilot, check the route of flight to see if there is a Standard Instrument
Departure filed, check for the exit gate and which runway and time of day GMT.
STANDARD INSTRUMENT
DEPARTURE (SID)
SID
BETTE3 (0300-1200z)
DEEZZ3 (RNAV)
GREKI3 (0300-1200Z)
HAPIE 3 (0300-1200Z)
KENNEDY1 (0300-1200Z)
MERIT3 (0300-1200Z)
SKORR3 (RNAV)
CLIMBS
BREEZY POINT
BRIDGE
CANARSIE
*GATEWAY
IDLEWILD
RWY 4L/4R
RT HDG 100 ^ 5,000
RT HDG 100 ^ 5,000
RT HDG 100 ^ 5,000
RT HDG 100 ^ 5,000
RT HDG 100 ^ 5,000
RT HDG 100 ^ 5,000
RWY 13L/13R
^ ON ASSG HDG 5,000
^LEFT 110
^ ON ASSG HDG 5,000
^ ON ASSG HDG 5,000
^ON ASSG HDG 5,000
^ ON ASSG HDG 5,000
RWY 22L/22R
^ RWY HDG 5,000 OR CLIMB *
^ RWY HDG 5,000 OR CLIMB *
^ RWY HDG 5,000 OR CLIMB *
^ RWY HDG 5,000 OR CLIMB *
^ RWY HDG 5,000 OR CLIMB *
^ RWY HDG 5,000 OR CLIMB *
RWY 31L/31R
APPROP CLIMB TO FIX HDG
^ INTRCPT CRS TO SKORR
APPROP CLIMB TO FIX HDG
APPROP CLIMB TO FIX HDG
APPROP CLIMB TO FIX HDG
APPROP CLIMB TO FIX HDG
^ INTCPT CRS TO SKORR
LEFT DIR CRI VOR.
OTBND RADIAL 223 TO
RNGRR MAINTAIN
5,000
LEFT DIR OGY NDB.
HDG 220 MAINTAIN
5,000, THEN RADVEC
LEFT DIR CRI VOR.
OTBND RADIAL 176
MAINTAIN 5,000 THEN
RADVEC
TURN RIGHT INTRCPT
JFK RADIAL 232 THEN
LEFT HDG 220
MAINTAIN 5,000 THEN
RADVEC
^ RIGHT TO 2,000 HDG
090, THEN RADVEC
(CANNOT BE USED IF
LGA IS LANDING
LOC31)
b. JFK1 This is the standard Departure Procedure for John F. Kennedy International. It should only be issued if
the pilot states that he has the charts in possession, otherwise no SID Should be given and the pilot cleared to
their destination via radar vectors to the exit gate or first waypoint.
JFK1 uses climb procedures for departing aircraft from runway 31L/R or 22R. Climbs issued are pilot navigated .
The primary purpose for the use of climbs at Kennedy is to keep departure traffic flows separated.
PHRASEOLOGY — Cleared to (destination), via KENNEDY 1 departure, , (climb procedure as applicable),
radar vectors ____, then as filed, departure frequency
Squawk _________.
exit
c. BETTE3/ GREKI3 / HAPIE3/ MERIT3. This SID is for aircraft that file to join the North American Route (NAR)
system, this system is used to connect the mainland USA to an Oceanic entry point. These Departure Procedures
utilize the same climbs as the Kennedy Departure Procedure above.
PHRASEOLOGY — Cleared to (destination), via BETTE3 Departure, (climb procedure as applicable), radar vectors
BETTE, ____________ transition; then, as filed, departure frequency
, Squawk ______.
d. DEEZZ3. This SID is for RNAV equipped aircraft only, that file for a destination to the south.
PHRASEOLOGY — Cleared to (destination), via DEEZZ3 RNAV Departure, radar vectors DEEZZ, ________
transition; then as filed, departure frequency
, Squawk ______.
e. SKORR3. This SID of for RNAV equipped aircraft departing runway 31L/R only.
PHRASEOLOGY — Cleared to (destination) via SKORR3 RNAV departure, ________ transition, radar vectors
(exit), ; then as filed, departure frequency
, Squawk ______.
If the pilot has not filed one of the SIDs listed above, before issuing the clearance, check to ensure the pilot is
able to navigate the SID. If the pilot is not able to fly the SID, then assign Radar Vectors to the exit gate or first
waypoint/fix.
DEPARTING
CONDITIONS
ACFT
GATES
CLIMB ASSIGNED
1200-0300 UTC
ALL
ALL
NONE
0300-1200 UTC
ALL
ALL
GATEWAY
0300-1200 UTC
ALL
ALL
NONE
SOUTH 1
BREEZY POINT
OTHERS
CANARSIE
SOUTH1
BREEZY POINT
OTHERS
IDLEWILD
SOUTH1
BREEZY POINT
22R
22R
JETS
31L/R
NONE
PROPS
DEPARTING 22R
DEPARTING 4L
ALL
ALL
BREEZY POINT
BREEZY POINT
(UNLESS
(UNLESS
COORDINATED)
COORDINATED)
31L
NOT DEPARTING 22R BUT
LANDING 22L AND R
SOUTH 1
BREEZY POINT
OTHERS
CANARSIE
ALL
VFR aircraft calling for Clearance must be issued a discrete squawk code and clearance into the Class Bravo
Airspace.
PATTERN WORK
ATC Clearance and a discrete squawk code is required for ALL operations in the Class Bravo airspace. Provide the
pilot with an appropriate clearance and ATIS Information letter (if they do not indicate it). Assign a valid squawk
code and advise to contact Ground for taxi.
PHRASEOLOGY — Cleared into the New York Class Bravo Airspace, Squawk
________ for taxi. Information _____ is current.
. Contact Ground on
DEPARTING CLASS B AIRSPACE
Pilots exiting the Class Bravo Airspace will be given the general direction that the pilot intends to fly (North, East,
South, West) or which is specified by the pilot. An altitude will be assigned as shown in the table below.
PHRASEOLOGY — Cleared out of the New York Class Bravo Airspace to the __________ via radar vectors.
Maintain VFR at ______, Departure Frequency _______ Squawk _____, Information _____ is current.
REMAINING IN THE CLASS BRAVO
Pilots remaining in the Class Bravo Airspace will get a clearance similar to those departing the Class Bravo
Airspace.
PHRASEOLOGY — Cleared into the New York Class Bravo Airspace northbound Hudson River. Maintain VFR at
______ until further advised, Departure Frequency _______ Squawk _____, Information _____ is current.
AIRCRAFT
REQUESTED ALTITUDE
INSTRUCTIONS
FIXED WING
At or below 3,000
...maintain VFR at
[requested altitude]
FIXED WING
Above 3,000
...maintain VFR at 3,000
until further advised
Helicopter
Any
...maintain VFR at 1,000
until further advised
GROUND
Aircraft should be sequenced for departure by either, alternating Exit Gates, alternating Exits or by type of
aircraft (largest to smallest) Exit Gates and Exits are in the table above under Clearance Delivery.
a. Ground owns all Taxiways with the exception of the Taxiways between Runways 4R/22L and 4L/22R, these
are owned by the Local Controller (Tower).
b. Ground will receive a hand-off from the Tower, after the aircraft has entered the Taxiway from the Runway.
c. Ground has a couple of ways to hand-off aircraft to the tower, normally when the aircraft arriving at the
Hold-short area or when the aircraft is no longer needed by Ground, told to “Monitor Tower on ________”.
d . Ground will coordinate with Tower as needed to determine the traffic flow on the Taxiways and the “Active
Runway.”
e. Taxiway Alpha and Bravo are like a Freeway with driving on the right, Taxiway Alpha traffic flow is in a
clockwise manner and Taxiway Bravo is in a counter-clockwise manner.
f. John F. Kennedy International Airport is an ASDE-X surveillance System Airport. All aircraft shall operate
transponders with Mode C on all taxiways and runways
Initial contact
PHRASEOLOGY — Push and Start, Pilot discretion, advise when ready to taxi.
Taxi for Departure
PHRASEOLOGY — Runway 31L taxi via Bravo then Juliet hold short Runway 4R. Kennedy altimeter _______.
Squawk Mode Charlie at this time.
Intersection Departures
PHRASEOLOGY — Runway two two right at foxtrot, taxi left on bravo, hold short foxtrot
Taxi to Parking
PHRASEOLOGY — Terminal 5 taxi via alpha then golf then zulu.
Final contact
PHRASEOLOGY — Flight Plan closed at ________ zulu.
g. Taxiway Alpha and Bravo are like a Freeway with driving on the right, Taxiway Alpha traffic flow is in a
clockwise manner and Taxiway Bravo is in a counter-clockwise manner.
TOWER (LOCAL CONTROL)
Responsible Area – Tower owns 2,000 feet and below within 8 NM of the airport, except for portions south of
the shoreline between surface and above (but not including 500 feet and portions of the Northwest owned by La
Guardia.
Runway Selection
Wind Speed
Wind Direction
Runway Configuration
Depart
Land
0-4
Any
31L/R
31L/R
Greater than 4
000-099
4L
4R
100-159
13L/R
13L/R
160-259
22R
22L
260-359
31L/R
31L/R
RVR less than 1,800 feet but at or above 1,200 feet (CAT II)
Any
000-099
4L
4R
100-159
13R
13L
160-259
22R
22L
260-309
31L
22L
310-359
31L
4R
RVR less tha 1,200 feet (CAT III)
Any
000-099
RL
4R
100-129
13L
4R
130-159
13R
22L
160-259
22R
22L
260-309
31L
22L
310-359
31L
4R
Arrival Configuration
Land
Depart
Condition
31R and 31L
31L
VMC
22L and 22R
4R and 4L
22R
4L
Approaches Separation
ILS & VISUAL 31L VIS; 31R ILS
IMC
ILS
Simultaneous approaches Auth , 2nm stagger
VMC
ILS
1.5nm stagger between arrivals 22L and 22R
IMC
ILS
1.5nm stagger between arrivals 22L and 22R
VMC
ILS
1.5nm stagger btwn arrival 4R and 4L. 4L depart and missed
approach fly hdg 100. 4R Missed Approach fly hdg 140.
IMC
ILS
1.5nm stagger btwn arrival 4R and 4L. 4L depart and missed
approach fly hdg 100. 4R Missed Approach fly hdg 140.
IFR Departure Headings
IFR Traffic flying a published climb are not assigned a heading, instead instruct the pilot to fly the climb.
PHRASEOLOGY — Delta 1369, fly the Canarsie Climb, wind 320 at 10, runway 31L, cleared for takeoff.
IFR traffic not flying a published climb will be issued a heading as part of the takeoff clearance as indicated in the
table below
Runway
Aircraft Gate or Exit
Heading/Instruction
4L
All
All
100
Props
South 1
Turn left direct CRI and CRI R-223* **
Jets
South 1
185
SHIPP or WAVEY
170
BETTE or HAPIE
155
North, East or West
110
South 1
185
SHIPP or WAVEY
170
BETTE or HAPIE
155
North, East or West
90
All
All
Runway Heading
Props
North, East or West
150*
Jets
North, East, West, South 2
170
13R
Props
13L
22R
31L
Props
31R
All
South 1
220
Props
North, East, West, South 2
90
*- Must be coordinated with Departure.
** - PHRASEOLOGY — Turn left direct canarsie, Canarsie two two three radial, radar vectors _____,
wind 310 at 5, Runway 4L, Cleared for takeoff.
Missed Approaches shall fly runway heading or track the localizer until reaching the departure end of the
runway, then follow the published missed approach procedures.
Go Arounds shall fly runway heading until reaching the departure end of the runway, then given a heading and
altitude assignment before contacting departure.
Runway
Heading
Altitude
4L
100
3000
4R
140
3000
13L
110
3000
13R
170
3000
22L
140
3000
22R
220
3000
31L
170
3000
31R
220
3000
Intersection Departures are acceptable at the intersections listed in the table below.
4L
13L
13R
22R
KB
9,600 UA
9,470 PD
13,800 C
13R/31L
7,500 CB
8,750 PC
J
6,800 V
H
5,450 W
31L
13,100 Y
8,700
13,300 13L/31R 10,500 22R/4L
12,300 22R/4L
7,750
7,600 PA
10,800 YA
11,750 ZA
7,000
6,300 N
9,250 F
9,150 KD
11,300 E
G
7,350 KE
10,900
State the usable runway distance available.
10,930 Y
31R
10,100 K
6,500
PHRASEOLOGY — Runway three one left at kilo delta, intersection departure, one one thousand three hundred
feet available. Winds 310 at 10, cleared for takeoff.
After the aircraft lands and has slowed down give a welcome message as follows
PHRASEOLOGY — Welcome to Kennedy International Airport, exit the runway to the ________ when able.
VFR Procedures
VFR aircraft should be given the most direct route out of the Class Bravo away from the IFR traffic.
All VFR aircraft should remain on the tower frequency unless leaving the towers delegated airspace.
VFR aircraft transiting the field have the aircraft proceed east/west along the shoreline at or below 500’. After
they have cleared the arrival/departure path, then they may be cleared to climb in to the Class Bravo up to
2,000’.
Departure Separation – The standard separation technique will be anticipated radar separation.
Runway Separation – Runways 4R/22L and 4L/22R are 3,000 feet apart and Runways 13R/31L and 13L and 31R
are approximately 6,700 feet apart and therefore are not considered the same runway for wake turbulence.
Pattern Work
Runway
Pattern Altitude - props 1,000feet
jets at 1,500 feet
Traffic Pattern
4L/R
Right
13L
Straight in landing only
13R
Right
22L/R
Left
31L
Left
31R
Straight in landing only