• Determine taxi/tow/follow-me procedures for air carrier operators
• Determine follow-me procedures for Part 91 operators
• Determine specific operational limitations
• Document the LVO/SMGCS training and use LVO/SMGCS low visibility taxi chart(s) for ground personnel
• Determine whether additional lighting; including stop bars, markings, signs, or restrictions are necessary D.2.1.11 Air Traffic Control Procedures
• Internal coordination procedures for monitoring visibility trends, and making decisions to initiate and terminate LVO/SMGCS operations down to and including RVR 500 ft (150 m)
• Procedures for notification of the airport operations and pilots of initiation or termination of specific LVO/SMGCS Plan operations, by land-line, ATIS, NOTAM, or voice communication D.2.1.12 Detailed Airfield Lighting/Marking/Signs Diagrams
• Include in LVO/SMGCS Plan/chart D.2.1.13 Apron Management Plan D-4
Appendix E. ExaVo/SMSCs Plan and a International Airport The FAA wishes to acknowledge Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (KSEA) for providing the following LVO/SMGCS Plan as an example.
or — of Seattle
LOW VISIBILITY OPERATIONS -
SURFACE MOVEMENT GUIDANCE AND CONTROL SYSTEM PLAN
SEATTLE-TACOMA-INTERNATONAL AIRPORT October 9, 2020 Page 1 of 36 E-1
Port of Seattle® LVO/SMGCS Plan Revision Logs Date of Revision Revised Paragraph / Page 09/24/2014 2.23: Added statement regarding inoperative lights/signs, page 8 09/24/2014 6.5: Added statement regarding runway configuration, page 18 09/24/2014 Attachment 2: Corrected chart numbers 12/15/2014 Attachment 6: Letter of Agreement for LVO/SMGCS 09/17/2018 Temporary Amended SMGCS Plan for TWY B Closure, see separate page to be removed upon opening of TWY B.
Submitted May 10, 2018 11/30/2018 Temporary Amendment Cancelled 10/09/2020 Change all references of 600 RVR to 500 RVR: Paragraphs
3.2, 3.4, 3.7, 3.8, 3.13, 4.0, 6.2, 7.4, 7.5 10/09/2020 Miscellaneous typos throughout 10/09/2020 Paragraph 1.1: Update RVR and activation requirements 10/09/2020 Paragraph 2.1: Remove unnecessary text 10/09/2020 Paragraph 2.4: Change "start" box to "green" box 10/09/2020 Paragraph 2.15: Update RVR and activation requirements 10/09/2020 Paragraph 2.16: Add "alternating" and "yellow" to green lights 10/09/2020 Paragraph 2.23: Add in-pavement runway guard lights 10/09/2020 Paragraph 3.5: Update to in-pavement runway guard lights 10/09/2020 Paragraph 3.12: Update Opsnet to Communicator 10/09/2020 Paragraph 3.13: Update Opsnet to Communicator, Update ADM Phone number 10/09/2020 Paragraph 6.1: Change Ramp Control to Seattle Ramp Tower 10/09/2020 Paragraph 6.2: Update new runway use configurations 10/09/2020 Paragraph 6.4: Change Weyerhacuser to PACCAR 10/09/2020 Paragraph 6.5: Update new runway lighting configurations 10/09/2020 Paragraph 6.7: Add stop bar outage statement 10/09/2020 Paragraph 9.1: Add SMGCS upgrade to milestones 10/09/2020 Attachment 1: Update ADM Phone number and Communicator 10/09/2020 Attachment 5: Update Airfield Lighting Exhibits 10/09/2020 Attachment 7: Remove Serviceability Inspection Maps October 9, 2020 Page 2 of 36 E-2
Port z of Seattle® Revisions Prior to November 2013
• Change 1 is an update and administrative rewrite of the October 1, 1992 plan to more closely conform to the SMGCS Advisory Circular and to reflect current airfield configuration. Change 1 also includes updates to include the addition of new taxiways, the redesignation of taxiways, completion of milestones, clarification of follow-me procedures, and clarification of the sample Airline Ground Movement plan. Other than the requirement for ASDE-3 to be operational prior to commencing below 600-foot RVR operations.
Change 2 is noted in the footnotes and is denoted in reference to the new AC 120-57A. Changes are reflected only in definition and reflect no changes to philosophy or procedures established in the original plan 4/97.
Change 3 includes the addition of definitions for Clearance Box, Geographic Position Marking Runway Guard Lights and Stop Bar. References to Gate Designator Boxes were deleted per SMGCS Working Group decision 3/98. Addition information regarding follow-me service availability on the movement area was added. Start/Termination Box section amended to for clarity on transition of responsibilities 3/99.
Change 4 relates to taxiway designator changes of 1/16/00.
Change 5 relates to changes in: 1) Clarification that SMGCS operations commence when RVR is less than 1200, 2) NOTAM Procedures added, 3) Requirement for CAT II-qualified air carriers to maintain a SEA-specific Ground Movement Plan 11/01.
Change 6 includes the following changes: 1) Addition of controlled Stopbars on Taxiways M, N, P, Q; 2) Deletes Low Visibility Arrival Route "Termination Boxes", which will be modified to Geographic Position Markings; 3) All non-Low Visibility taxiways extinguish lighting when SMGCS program is initiated; 4) Deleted reference to below 1200 RVR takeoffs on Runways 34F & 34L 01/03.
Change 7 includes the following changes: 1) Revision of taxiway designators in accordance with SEA TWY Designator change of 10/30/03; 2) "Start Box" added to definitions section; 3) Additional non-controlled Stopbars on the east side of RWY 16L were added.
Change 8 includes the following changes: North Apron "Island" was completed creating clear delineation between Taxiway C and Taxiway D. The hardware infrastructure was installed for a stop bar system for both Taxiway C ad Taxiway D.
Change 9 includes the following changes: 1) Incorporation of RWY 16L departures below 600 feet RVR; 2) SMGCS operational restrictions for operations west of RWY 16R.
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Port Z of Seattle® Change 10 includes ASDE-X replacing ASDE3; transponder operation requirement for vehicles and towed aircraft on the movement area; inclusion of Ramp Control Facility, RWY 16L upgrade to CAT III b in 1/07.
Change 11 includes formatting changes; incorporation SMGCS surface use depictions; 3rd Runway Concept of Operations; start box color change; expanded definition of stop bars;
additional ARFF vehicle deployment when RVR < 600.
Change 12 includes inclusion of language to address activation of RWY 16R as part of the SMGCS system effective November 2008; modifications to General Aviation and Weyerhacuser procedures.
Change 13: No change from previous plan.
Change 14: Changes of terminology - 1) References to "Start Box" changed to Green Box; 2) References to AVINET changed to PASSUR.
Change 15: Name change to LVO/SMGCS; Miscellancous typographical updates; added revision log, removed reference to runways 34L, 34R, and 34C; added taxiway centerline marking description; updated NOTAM procedures; corrected taxiway lighting description; added functionality and serviceability inspection descriptions; added Attachment 6: LOA, and Attachment 7: Serviceability Guide.
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Port = of Seattle®
CONTENTS Title Page
1. Introduction 5
2. Definitions 6-8 Facilities, Services, and Equipment 9
3.1 Runways 9
3.2 Taxiway Lighting 10
3.3 Non-Controlled Stop Bars 10
3.4 Controlled Stop Bars 10
3.5 Runway Guard Lights 11
3.6 Taxiway Clearance Bars 11
3.7 Geographic Position Markings 11
3.8 Surface Movement Surveillance (ASDE-X) 11
3.9 Follow-Me Service 12
3.10 Taxiway Guidance Signing and Markings 12
3.11 Communications 12
3.12 Notification 12
3.13 NOTAM Procedures 13
4. Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) 14
5. Vehicle Control 15
6. Air Traffic Control Procedures 16-19
7. Airline Procedures 20
8. Responsibilities 21
9. Plans/Milestones 22
10. Low Visibility Plan Implementation Attachment
11. Taxi Route Chart Attachment 2
12. Low Visibility Markings Attachment 3
13. Sample Airline Ground Movement Plan Attachment 4
14. Airfield Lighting Exhibits Attachment 5
15. Letter of Agreement, Plan Implementation Attachment 6
16. Serviceability Inspection Guidelines Attachment 7 October 9, 2020 Page 5 of 36 E-5
Port of Seattle®
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 This Low Visibility Operations/Surface Movement Guidance and Control System (LVO/SMGCS) Plan contains procedures and actions applicable to the airport operator, air traffic control, air carriers, and other tenants of the airport, as well as a description of airport enhancements planned for Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. These enhancements, procedures, and actions are in accordance with the guidance in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Advisory Circular 120-57A, Surface Movement Guidance and Control System, and are necessary for FAA approval of takeoff and landing operations by air carriers in visibility conditions below 1200 feet runway visual range (RVR). When visibility conditions are less than 1800 feet RVR down to and including 1200 feet RVR, operations are conducted on a Category II basis. When visibility conditions are less than 1200 feet RVR, operations are conducted in accordance with this plan. If the airport traffic control tower (ATCT) personnel determine that the visibility is below 1200 feet RVR for any runway in use and normal taxi routes to and from that surface are obscured from the tower, they will initiate less than 1200 feet RVR procedures.
1.2 The procedures and actions contained in the LVO/SMGCS Plan were developed by the LVO/SMGCS working group which consists of representatives of Port of Seattle Aviation Operation, Port of Seattle Fire Department, FAA Northwest Mountain Region Flight Standards and Airport Divisions, Seattle-Tacoma Airport Traffic Control Tower, Air Transport Association, Air Line Pilots Association, Alaska Airlines, Delta Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, and other interested parties. This document does not supersede established policies, procedures, rules or guidelines for airports, operators, or air traffic. Federal Aviation Regulation (FAR) Part 91 operators are encouraged to utilize this plan or request follow-me service to enhance safe operations in low visibility conditions.
1.3 This plan address both current and future enhancements of the airport regarding low visibility takeoff, landing, and taxiing operations. The work of the LVO/SMGCS working group will continue after the initial approval process by the FAA. It will meet periodically to assess current low visibility operations, and it will develop enhancements and modify procedures as experience is granted and the number of low visibility operations increases.
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Port :
of Seattle®
2. DEFINITIONS
2.1 Apron (Ramp): The term "apron" compromises the area and facilities used for aircraft gate parking and aircraft support and servicing operations.
2.2 Aircraft Parking Positions: Used for parking aircraft to enplane and deplane passengers, load, or unload cargo.
Aircraft Service Areas: On or adjacent to an aircraft parking position. These are used by airline personnel/equipment for servicing aircraft and staging of baggage, freight, and mail for loading and unloading of aircraft.
2.4 Green Boxes: Green boxes are green rectangles with black outlines painted on the taxilanes east of the vehicle control lane on the Non-Movement Area.
2.5 Taxilanes: Reserved to provide taxiing aircraft with access to and from parking positions.
2.6 Vehicle Roadway Markings: Surface markings placed on portions of the Non- Movement Area to depict areas of travel designated for aircraft ground service vehicles and fire equipment.
2.7 Clearance Bar: A clearance bar consists of three in-pavement steady-burning yellow lights. (Reference AIM)
2.8 Geographic Position Markings: Pavement markings used to identify the location of aircraft or vehicles during low visibility conditions. They are referred to as "Spots" by ATC.
2.9 Hold Point: The term "hold point" refers a location where the air traffic controller could be expected to hold a taxiing aircraft.
2.10 Low Visibility Operations (LVO): For the purpose of this plan, Low Visibility Operations are considered to mean the movement of aircraft on the airport when the visibility conditions are reported to be less than 1200 feet RVR.
2.11 Movement Area: The term "movement area" refers to the runways, taxiways, and other areas of the airport that are used for taxiing or hover taxiing, air taxing, takeoff, and landing of aircraft, and are exclusive of loading ramps and aircraft parking areas. Specific approval from the ACT must be obtained prior to entering the movement area. This document does not change the definition or description of the area as contained in the Airport Certification Manual and Letter of Agreement between the Port of Seattle and Sea-Tac ATCT.
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Port of Seattle®
2.12 Non-movement Area: The term "non-movement area" refers to taxilanes and apron areas under control of Seattle Ramp Tower (SRT). Specific approval from SRT must be obtained prior to operating in the non-movement area.
Runway Guard Lights-Elevated Flashing (ERGL): Fixture consists of a pair of elevated flashing yellow lights installed on both sides of a taxiway, at the runway hold position marking. Their function is to confirm to presence of an active runway and assist in preventing runway incursions. (Reference AIM)
2.14 Runway Guard Lights-In Pavement Flashing (IPRGL): Fixture consists of a row of in-pavement lights installed across the entire taxiway; at the runway hold position marking. Their function is to confirm the presence of an active runway and assist in preventing runway incursions.
2.15 Runway Visual Range (RVR): An instrumentally derived value based upon standard calibrations that represent the horizontal distance a pilot will see down the runway from the approach end. RVR readings are taken at the touchdown, mid-point, and rollout section of all runways. When any one RVR reading on any runways in use is below 1200' RVR and normal taxi routes to and from that surface are obscured from the tower, LIVO/SMGCS operations are commenced by ATC and the Port of Seattle.
2.16 Stop Bar: Stop bar lights consist of elevated and in-pavement red fixtures that are installed at the runway holding position or ILS critical area holding position marking where applicable. Stop bars illuminate when the RVR is less than 1200.
a) Controlled Stop Bars are controlled by ATC via the lighting control panel in ATCT, and include a system of in-pavement alternating green and yellow taxiway centerline/lead-on lights at taxiway intersections that intersect runways and are part of the Low Visibility Taxi Routes.
b) Non Controlled Stop Bars are installed at selected taxiway intersections that intersect runways that are not part of the Low Visibility Taxi Routes. Once illuminated, Non-Controlled Stop Bars can only be turned off by use of a master stop bar override control feature of the airfield lighting control system located on the lighting control panel in ATCT.
Surface Movement Guidance Control System (SMGCS): This system consists of the provisions of guidance to, and control or regulation of, all pilots, ground vehicle operators, and personnel of the airlines or airport during low visibility operations, RVR below 1200 feet. Guidance relates to facilities and information necessary for pilots and ground vehicle operators to find their way about the airport. Control or regulation relates to the measures necessary to prevent collisions and ensure smooth and efficient traffic flows.
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Port of Seattle®
2.18 Taxi Route: Illuminated taxiways used by aircraft during low visibility operations.
2.19 ASDE-X: The surface movement surveillance system in use at SEA.
2.20 Transponder-equipped vehicle: Vehicles that have vehicle locator devices to assist in target acquisition on the ASDE system.
2.21 Seattle Ramp Tower (SRT): Facility that coordinates and assists the movement of aircraft on the non-movement area of the airport by providing traffic advisories on known aircraft movements.
2.22 Functionality Inspection: Performed weekly. This inspection is to confirm proper function of the controlled stop bar sensor system, and to confirm proper illumination of the lighting system of the selected IVO/SMGCS runway/taxi routes and sign systems.
2.23 Serviceability Inspection: Performed in advance and within two hours of below 1200 RVR operations, and every two hours that the airport is experiencing below 1200 RVR conditions. This inspection is to confirm that appropriate lighting elements/system are illuminated and serviceable/visible. These elements include the controlled and noncontrolled stop bars; elevated runway guard lights associated with controlled stop bars;
in-pavement runway guard lights dependent on runways in use; taxiway centerline and In the event of inoperative or burned-out lights/signs, POS will initiate corrective action and/or publish the appropriate NOTAM and defer corrective action to a later time.
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Port of Seattle®
3. FACILITIES, SERVICES, AND EQUIPMENT. The following facilities services and equipment support the low visibility operations:
3.1 Kunways Runway 16L Arrivals: Approved to 300 feet RVR (CAT III) for appropriately equipped aircraft and trained crews.
Departures: Approved to 300 feet RVR for appropriately equipped aircraft and trained crews.
Lighting: Approach Lighting System with sequenced flashers (ALSF-II) Touchdown Zone Lights Centerline Lights High Intensity Edge Lights Markings: Precision runway markings RVR Equipment: Touchdown, midpoint, and rollout modified for read out to 100' RVR Runway 16C Arrivals: Approved to 300 feet RVR (CAT III) for appropriately equipped aircraft and trained crews.
Departures: Approved to 300 feet RVR for appropriately equipped aircraft and trained crews.
Lighting: Approach Lighting System with sequenced flashers (ALSF-II) Touchdown Zone Lights Centerline Lights High Intensity Edge Lights Markings: Precision runway markings RVR Equipment: Touchdown, midpoint, and rollout modified for read out to 100' RVR Runway 16R Arrivals: Approved to 300 feet RVR (CAT III) for appropriately equipped aircraft and trained crews.
Departures: Approved to 300 feet RVR for appropriately equipped aircraft and trained crews.
Lighting: Approach Lighting System with sequenced flashers (ALSF-II) Touchdown Zone Lights Centerline Lights High Intensity Edge Lights Markings: Precision runway markings RVR Equipment: Touchdown, midpoint, and rollout modified for read out to 100' RVR October 9, 2020 Page 10 of 36 E-10
Port of Seattle®
3.2 Taxiway Lighting Taxiway Centerline Lights:
Taxiway centerline lights extend continuously along the designated low visibility routes. Where the low visibility route crosses a runway, the centerline taxiway lights extend across the runway.
Taxiway Edge Lights:
Taxiway edge lights are installed on turns in the Low Visibility Taxi Routes used for below 500 RVR operations.
Lead-on Lights:
The lead-on lights on Low Visibility Taxi Routes serving Runways 16L and16C, and 16R extend to the runway centerline.
Lead-off Lights:
The lead-off lights on Low Visibility Taxi Routes exits from the runways commence at the runway centerline.
Attachment 5 of this plan details the locations of Low Visibility Taxi Route elements of the airport. These attachments depict the illumination of lighting facilities when the RVR is less than 1200.
3.3 Non-Controlled Stop Bars Installed in co-location with the in-pavement flashing runway guard lights at the intersection on the east side of Runway 16L, except at the Taxiways C and D intersections. When the RVR is less than 1200, the in-pavement flashing runway guard lights at these intersections go off, and the non-controlled stop bars are illuminated.
3.4 Controlled Stop Bars Controlled stop bars are located at the intersection of Low Visibility Taxi Routes and active runways.
The controlled stop bars on Taxiways M and become non-controlled stop bars when the RVR is lower than 500 as those taxiways are not available at that point.
3.5 Runway Guard Lights Runway guard lights are installed at taxiway hold lines to runways. Two configurations are used 1) Elevated (wig-wigs, referred to as ERGLs) at the taxiway edges and 2) Inpavement across the taxiway (IPRGLs).
Runway guard lights are installed to help prevent Runway Incursions and operate continuously except during low-visibility conditions. When in low-visibility conditions, October 9, 2020 Page 11 of 36 E-11