FAA Revises Wake Separation Standards at MEM Based on a lengthy review
and detailed safety analysis of which ALPA was an active participant, the FAA is
implementing new standards for wake turbulence separation. The first
implementation site begins at MEM at 6:00 a.m. CDT (1100Z), on November 1, 2012.
Details are outlined in the FAA’s
Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) 12007, titled “Recategorization (RECAT) of
FAA Wake Turbulence Categories at Memphis International Airport (MEM).”
The new separation criteria established through RECAT is the culmination of
decades of wake turbulence research with the goal of enhancing air traffic
capacity while maintaining current safety levels. MEM is the first site for
permanent RECAT implementation. The FAA plans to expand RECAT to other airports
in 2013-2014.
The traditional method of basing wake turbulence
categorization solely on broad ranges of max certificated gross takeoff weight
resulted in a wide variety of aircraft weights, speeds, and wake characteristics
in actual operations. Under RECAT, aircraft by model are placed in one of six
categories (labeled A-F) based on weight, approach speeds, wing characteristics,
and lateral control characteristics. Pilots should be aware of how the new
categories apply to their aircraft. For aircraft models that typically operate
into MEM, most pairs will see approximately a 1-mile reduction in wake
separation.
Beginning November 1, 2012, all flights into MEM will be under the new RECAT
spacing criteria. Note that minimum radar separation standards in the terminal
area have not changed and, as always, the PIC retains the final authority for
the safe operation of the aircraft.
If you experience a wake encounter at MEM, as with any such encounter
anywhere, use your company’s approved reporting program, ASAP, or NASA’s ASRS
program. Be sure to include that the encounter happened at MEM and include as
much detail about the encounter as possible. Timely reporting will help all
involved parties evaluate the RECAT initiative. |