Pilot Resources
Overview. The airspace surrounding Atlanta is extremely congested. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport is the busiest airport in the world. Pilots that are beginners should avoid operating into or out of KATL airport due to the complex procedures often used and heavy traffic.
Runway Use. Runway selection is primarily based on wind direction with runways 8L/26R and 9R/27L typically being used for arrivals and runways 8R/26L and 9L/27R being used for departures.
Transponder. Leave transponder ON until parked at the gate.
Common Pilot Errors. The following have been recognized as common errors made by pilots while operating into and out of KATL:
- Failure to comply with published SID and pilots initiate turns on departure.
- Climbing above the initial altitude published on the SID chart.
- Failure to understand and comply with taxi instructions.
- Failure to file the valid Prop or Jet SID depending on your aircraft type and equipment.
- Taxing the wrong direction out of the ramp
- Taxing directly to E instead of F to the F-E intersection. or taxing via M instead of L-J-M.
Hotspots.
- Taxiway V, between the west end of runways 8L and 8R, has a unique position. Be aware taxiway V dips rather abruptly to a lower elevation. Also, be aware of the wingspan restriction 171’ (52m). Taxiway V meets separation criteria from the end of runway 26L.
Scenery. There are multiple add-on sceneries available for Atlanta. If using FSX/P3D, we strongly recommend that you download one because they incorporate recent taxiway changes that are not included in the default scenery. If you decide to fly with scenery not included in the approved list, then make every effort to follow the controllers’ instructions referencing the published taxiway diagrams. Check your scenery specifically for the inclusion of LA, LB, LC, and V.
| FSX/P3D Approved | X-Plane Approved |
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Uncontrolled Operations. The following frequencies should be utilized only when POSCON ATC is offline.
| Station | VHF Frequency |
| Atlanta ATIS (ARR/DEP) | 119.650/125.550 (currently offline) |
| D-ATIS | Available Arr/Dep - KATL |
| CTAF | 119.100 |
Terminals. The following airlines operate out of the following terminals:
| Terminal Assignments | |
| T- Gates | AAL, DAL, UAL |
| A, B- Gates | DAL |
| C- Gates | DAL, SWA |
| D- Gates | DAL, FFT, NKS |
| E- Gates | DAL, JBU, NKS, Other International |
| F- Gates | All Other International Carriers (F3 Only Gate configured for A380) |
Gate Assignments. Reserved
General Aviation. GA is located north of the airport accessed by A3, A5, and D. Signature is the FBO.
Cargo. There are two main cargo ramps at ATL, one on the north side, other on the south side. UPS/FDX use north cargo. Other cargo / international use south cargo.
- UPS / FDX cargo is located at north east side of the airport.
- South Cargo is located south of runway 27L/09R.
Pushback and Startup. Normally Pilot's discretion. During high traffic times Ground Metering may be opened. This will be indicated on the Departure ATIS. Transponder must be switched on mode C/S prior to pushback. Contact Ground at the holding point appropriate for your departure runway with your holding point. "DAL356 Holding point 3N ready to taxi 26L with W"
Gates B9, B14, and D1. Two engine taxi-in recommended.
Flight Planning. There are 2 Departure Gates for each cardinal direction out of the Atlanta Terminal Area. Each gate is available on the ATL1 non-RNAV departure. The ATL1 Departure is available to both Non-RNAV jets and props. RNAV SIDS must be used where the aircraft is RNAV capable, unless on a positioning flight.
West and Northbound departures expect runway 8R/26L. All others expect runway 9L@M2/27R. Runway will be assigned by ATC.
D-ATIS. Departure D-ATIS is available on 125.550.
Pre-Departure Clearances (PDC). Pilots of CPDLC capable aircraft should use the KUSA Logon code. PDCs and CPDLC-PDCs will not be issued until 30min before your proposed departure time. If you require an amendment to your filed flight plan contact clearance delivery.
Taxing Procedures. Contact Ground when number one at the hold point assignment and advise ramp number and position (i.e. “5 South”) and ATIS code. Hold position is painted on the ramp.
RWY 09L departures can expect intersection departure from Twy M2 with runway remaining 11,440’ (3487m).
Pay close attention to the entire taxi routes given. Failure to follow taxi instructions will result in departure delays.
ATC Procedure. Do not change from Ground frequency to Tower frequency until advised by ATC.
Expediting. Listen intently for takeoff instructions. Once you receive takeoff clearance, you are expected to depart immediately. Slow moving traffic often requires ATC to alter operations which can result in delays.
- Do not deviate from the published SID/STAR routings unless told do so by ATC. Doing so may lead to a loss of separation between your aircraft and aircraft operating into and out of other area airports.
- Runways 8L/8R, 26L/26R, 9L/9R, and 27L/27R are 1000 feet or less apart. Runway safety data indicates there is a higher risk of incursions at these locations
- Do not conduct engine run-ups on the ramp. Use minimum thrust and be cognizant of engine thrust on the ramp.
- 180° turns in ramp areas not authorized for B757 and larger. - All other aircraft require approval.
Arrival Routes. Atlanta has 8 RNAV STARs, 3 Non-RNAV stars and 4 arrival gates. Aircraft that are not on STARs will be given vectors by ATC to conform to the same STAR track.
The southern arrival RNAV STARs are dependent on KATL's landing direction. The GNDLF and SITTH arrivals serve in the east flow. HOBBT and JJEDI serve the west flow.
Speed Restrictions. Maintain current speed or 250kts unless specifically advised by ATC.
Missed Approaches. All missed approaches instructions are issued by ATC.
Clearing the Runway. Vacate the runway as soon as it is safe to do so to avoid aircraft being sent around. Continue taxing in direction of high speed exit, await ATC instructions. Do NOT stop unless safety of aircraft cannot be insured.
ATC Procedures. After landing, do not change from Tower frequency until advised.
- Expect clearance to join the taxiway after crossing the inner runways.
- Advise ground of ramp assignment on initial contact.
- Contact ramp control approaching entry spot and give gate assignment.
- Do not cross any runways without explicit ATC clearance
Runway 10 Approach Procedures. A220, A319/320/321, A330, A350, B757, B767: ILS CAT III not authorized. ILS CAT II authorized provided autopilot is disconnected after touchdown.
Land and Hold Short (LASHO) Procedures. The acceptance of a Land and Hold Short clearance is at the captain’s discretion after due consideration of all relevant safety factors. LASHO Procedures are only valid for US based Carriers.
| Landing Runway | Hold Short of Taxiway | Distance |
| 8L | Taxiway B13 | 8490' |
| 9R | Taxiway J | 8627' |
| 26R | Taxiway H | 8600' |
| 27L | Taxiway P | 8600' |