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4. Local Control

4.1 - General

  1. Splitting into North and South Tower is only allowed when the following requirements are fulfilled:
    1. The following positions must be staffed:
      1. North Tower
      2. Ground
      3. Clearance Delivery
    2. Runway 8R/26L must be open.
    3. All landing and departure clearances must be on the frequency of the controller who has responsibility for the landing or departing aircraft.
    4. North Tower must quick look South Tower and vise-versa.
  2. LC may delegate that portion of a closed runway that does not intersect with an active runway to GC for the purpose to crossing.
  3. Hold lines between runways 4L/22R and 4R/22L are 20 feet apart. Do not clear an aircraft to depart behind an aircraft holding between the runways. Do not clear an aircraft to depart behind an aircraft holding between the runways.
  4. Multiple runway crossings with a single clearance are authorized for the following:
    1. Runway 4R/22L and 4L/22R at TWY F
    2. Runway 4R/22L and 4L/22R at TWY D
    3. Runway 4R/22L and 4L/22R at TWY E
    4. Runway 4R/22L and 4L/22R at TWY C
    5. Runway 4L/22R and 8L/26R at TWY K
    6. Runway 4L/22R and 4R/22L or 4L/22R and 8L/26R at TWY E
  5. LC has responsibility for all taxiways between runways 4L/22R, 4R/22L and taxiway C between runway 8L/26R and 4R/22L.
  6. LC has responsibility for active runway selection based on weather conditions and with section 1 in mind.
  7. LC has responsibility for active runway selection based on weather conditions and with section 1 in mind.
  8. IFR circling approaches are not authorized north of the airport

4.2 - Airspace

  1. Runway 4/8 –Tower airspace is defined as Area B and Area C. The vertical limit in Area B is 2,500’. The vertical limit in Area C is 5,000’.
  2. NOTE: When LC2 is de-combined, LC2 must be delegated that airspace south and east of run-ways 8L, 8R, and 4R within Area C south of the shoreline.
  3. Runway 22/26 – Tower airspace is defined as Area B and Area C. The vertical limit in Area B is 3,000’, except in the departure corridor (defined as south of the extended centerline of runway 26R in Area B), the vertical limit is 5,000’. The vertical limit in Area C is 3,000’.
  4. NOTE: When LC2 is de-combined, there is no change to delegated airspace in a runway 22/26 configuration.

See Honolulu TRACON for Diagrams.

4.3 - Land and Hold-Short Operations

Landing Runway Hold Short Point Available Landing Distance
4L 8L/26R 3700 FT
4R 8L/26R 6250 FT
8L 4L/22R 9300 FT

4.4 - Line Up and Wait

  1. LUAW procedures are authorized at HNL. Such operations are generally viewed as necessary to maintain airport efficiency. Use LUAW when it is expected the aircraft will depart after conflicting traffic is clear of the runway/intersection. Utilize good operating practices and memory aids as needed when using LUAW procedures.
  2. The landing clearance need not be withheld if traffic is holding in position.
  3. LUAW procedures are not authorized when the ceiling is below 800ft or visibility below 2nm.
  4. LUAW not authorized on RWY 22R.
  5. LUAW authorized on RWY 4R only when RWY 4L is closed.
    1. If an aircraft is cleared to LUAW on RWY 4R full-length, do not issue a landing clearance to any aircraft inbound to RWY 4R until the departing aircraft has been cleared for takeoff.
  6. Do not authorize aircraft to simultaneously LUAW on the same runway.
  7. LUAW authorized on RWY 4L at any time, however, do not issue a landing clearance to any aircraft inbound to RWY 4L until the departing aircraft has been cleared for takeoff.
  8. LUAW authorized on RWY 22L when any portion of RWY 26R or RWY 26L are closed or unavailable, however, do not issue a landing clearance to any aircraft inbound to RWY 22L until the departing aircraft has been cleared for takeoff.
  9. NOTE: LUAW of heavy aircraft on RWY 26R while arriving or departing RWY 22L is not recommended if the aircraft is entering RWY 26R from the south. Heavy aircraft may encroach on the RSA for RWY 22L.
  10. Aircraft cleared to LUAW on RWY 8R must be issued traffic landing RWY 4R if aircraft will overfly RWY 8R prior to the RWY 8R departure.
    1. EXAMPLE: “Hawaiian Four Fifty-Nine, Runway Eight Right, line up and wait. Traffic Gulfstream Five, on three-mile final Runway Four Right.”
  11. Aircraft arriving RWY 22R must be issued traffic authorized to LUAW on RWY 22L.
  12. Aircraft arriving RWY 4R must be issued traffic authorized to LUAW on RWY 4L.
  13. LUAW must not be used when there is no-radio (NORDO) arrival aircraft in tower’s airspace.

4.5 - Departure Procedures

  1. LC shall provide separation for aircraft in the LC airspace.
  2. LC shall provide initial radar separation between all successive departures.
  3. LC will request departure releases from TRACON for all IFR Departures.
  4. LC may opt to use rolling calls if TRACON provides blanket releases.
  5. LC will ensure that all IFR departures communication will be transferred to TRACON within ½ mile of the end of the runway.
  6. VFR departures will remain with LC until leaving LC airspace. Upon leaving LC airspace, the aircraft will be handed off to TRACON unless they are departing the Class Bravo to the North and did not request flight following.
  7. VFR departures not requesting flight following who are departing the airspace to the north, shall be instructed to remain clear of the Class Bravo.
  8. Prior to an aircraft departing RWY 22L/22R, ensure that an arriving aircraft on RWY 26L has completed landing roll and is clear of the projected departure path. Do not allow departures from RWY 22L or 22R to over-fly aircraft on RWY 26L or TWY R3. Do not allow aircraft to depart RWY 22L/22R with aircraft ADG V and above within the projected departure path on TWY R. Ensure that arriving traffic on RWY 26L do not cross landing threshold until departure on RWY 22L/22R is south of RWY 26L, is turning to avoid a conflict, or in the case of a West Loch Departure, has been instructed to remain north of RWY 26L.

4.5.1 - Diverse Vector Areas

  1. DVA must be coordinated with the appropriate Approach Controller.
    1. RWY 4L/4R: 130° CW 222° (within 10 NM)
    2. RWY 8L: 120° CW 256° (within 10 NM)
    3. RWY 8R: 120° CW 259° (within 10 NM)
    4. RWY 22L: 108° CW 260° (within 10 NM)
    5. RWY 22R: 120° CW 259° (within 10 NM)
    6. RWY 26L: 099° CW 267° (within 10 NM)
    7. RWY 26R: 108° CW 267° (within 10 NM)

4.6 - Arrival Procedures

  1. LC shall be responsible for separation of all arrival aircraft that have been handed off by TRACON from all departing aircraft still under LC jurisdiction.
  2. LC shall be responsible for separation of all operating IFR aircraft under the LC jurisdiction from all operating VFR aircraft.
  3. LC shall provide VFR arrivals with clearances into the Class Bravo, entry instructions into the pattern and the altimeter.
  4. Wide-body and four engine turbojets landing on 4R are not allowed to turn left onto taxiway K without LC approval.
  5. Do not allow aircraft on final to RWY 4L or 4R, or Sealane 4/8, to overfly aircraft taxiing on TWY R or RT.
  6. Pattern altitudes:
    1. VFR aircraft (small) from the south, pattern altitude is 1,000'.
    2. VFR aircraft (small) from the northwest, pattern altitude is 800'.
    3. VFR aircraft, large or heavy, 1,500'.
    4. Overhead approaches must be conducted in accordance with the LOA.
    5. Sealane Operations.
      1. North arrivals: 800'.
      2. South arrivals: small 1,000’, large 1,500'.

4.7 - Departure Releases

  1. LC will request a departure release for all IFR departures unless a blanket release is authorized by the TRACON controller.
  2. Departure releases will include:
    1. Aircraft Callsign
    2. SID or Initial Waypoint
    3. Departure Runway

4.8 - Missed Approaches/Go-Arounds

  • Advise aircraft on a visual missed approach in East Ops to fly heading 150, climb and maintain 5,000ft and expect vectors to final approach course by contacting TRACON.
  • Advise aircraft on a visual missed approach in West Ops to fly heading 180, climb and maintain 4,000ft and expect vectors to final approach course by contacting TRACON.
  • Advise aircraft on an instrument missed approach to fly the published missed approach and contact TRACON.

4.9 - Runway Length Remaining

Runway 8L 12,300 Runway 26R Runway 4R 9,000 Runway 22L
7,400 L 4,850 6,900 F 2,050
6,850 G 5,400 5,500 D 3,500
5,150 D 7,100 4,000 E 4,950
4,100 H 8,150 3,250 K 5,700
3,650 E 8,650 2,750 P 6,200
2,100 K 10,100 2,350 8L 6,600
1,350 4R 10,900
C 11,700
Runway 8R 12,000 Runway 26L Runway 4L 6,952 Runway 22R
11,500 RC 450 5,350 D 1,550
8,050 RM 3,900 3,900 E 3,000
3,900 RG 8,050 2,700 K 4,200
450 RH 11,500

4.10 - Closed Pattern Operations

  1. Helicopters closed pattern operations or auto-rotation training on TWY R are not authorized.
  2. Heavy jet touch-and-go operations are authorized on RWY 8R only, traffic permitting and after proper coordination.
  3. Large turbojet aircraft may conduct low approaches to RWY 4R to execute a right turn to their assigned heading prior to RWY 8L. Touch-and-go operations are not authorized on RWY 4R for large turbojet aircraft.
  4. Large propeller driven aircraft may conduct touch-and-go operations on RWY 4R to execute a right turn to their assigned heading prior to RWY 8L.
    1. Overhead approaches are authorized for RWY 8L (left break), RWY 26L (left break) and RWY 4R (right break).
    2. Sealane operations. The following conditions must be met prior to using sealanes:
      1. Weather must be VFR.
      2. Operations must be conducted during daylight hours only.
      3. Operations must be confined to landing/departures only.
      4. Arrival/departure routes must adhere to current arrival/departure procedures.
    3. LC1 is responsible for visibility observations as required.
    4. Instruct aircraft to hold short of the ILS Critical Area when holding aircraft north of RWY 8L/26R (both configurations) on TWY C.

4.11 - Helicopter Operations

  1. RWY 4/8 configuration.
    1. Departures must be switched to the appropriate departure controller. Reminder: SFAR 71 requires air tour operators (including helicopters) to operate at or above 1500' AGL except during takeoff, landing or operating in compliance with ATC.
    2. Shoreline arrivals must be approved for Lifeguard, Police Department, Fire Department, Coast Guard and Search and Rescue helicopters to accomplish mission requirements.
  2. RWY 22/26 configuration.
    1. Helicopters must be cleared via West Loch or Kona Departure.
      1. Kona Departure: After departure, remain over the runway until departure end, then turn left heading 180, climb and maintain 1500 feet. Expect radar vectors to avoid traffic on RWY 26L LDA final approach course. Helicopters depart the south ramp and proceed direct to HNL VORTAC; do not overfly any runways. From HNL VORTAC, fly heading 180, climb and maintain 1000 feet.
    2. Lifeguard, Police Department, Fire Department, Coast Guard and Search and Rescue helicopter operations must be cleared to depart or into Class B airspace as requested to accomplish mission requirements.
    3. Tower may approve Shoreline arrivals, traffic permitting.
    4. Departures must be switched to the appropriate departure controller.
    5. V assumes control of departing helicopters during RWY 22/26 configuration for turns to Ford Island upon frequency change from the Tower.
  3. Arrivals.
    1. Helicopters inbound from the west/interchange must be cleared by Approach to hold at Ford Island.
    2. Helicopters from the east must be cleared by Approach to Punchbowl.
    3. Tower assumes control of the helicopters at Ford Island, Punchbowl, or after frequency change from Approach for sequence to the South Ramp. If holding is required, advise the appropriate V/L radar controller.
  4. Helicopters must be positively controlled to ensure that they are clear of/do not overfly any runway that has an aircraft that has been:
    1. Cleared for takeoff, unless specific instructions are issued that will ensure that the helicopter will pass behind the aircraft operating on the runway, or
    2. Cleared to land and is over or past the landing threshold, unless specific instructions are issued that will ensure that the helicopter will pass behind the aircraft operating on the runway. A helicopter may cross in front of an arrival aircraft that has reached taxi speed (has acknowledged runway exiting instructions or is observed turning off the arrival runway).
  5. The Local Controller must issue restrictions to remain clear of any applicable runways when helicopters are maneuvering in a manner that may result in a runway being overflow.

4.12 - RWY 4/8 Configuration

4.12.1 - LC1 Responsibilities when split

  1. Will have responsibility for operations on RWY 8L, 4L, and 4R
  2. Handles all runway crossings
  3. Manages ground traffic on taxiways at the approach end of RWY8L
  4. Manages ground traffic on taxiways between RWY 8L and 4R not including those Taxiways delegated to LC2
  5. Shall have automatic release authority for aircraft departing on the Redhill, Freeway, and Punchbowl VFR departure routes. LC1 will issue a traffic advisory to LC2 for Punchbowl departures.
  6. LC1 must request from LC2 for all IFR aircraft departing RWY 8L, 4R/4L.
    1. PHRASEOLOGY: LC2, LC1 APREQ IFR release on (ACID), (Type aircraft), (Initial departure heading), and (RWY departing).
    2. EXAMPLE: LC1: "LC2, LC1, APREQ IFR release on CPT8700, C208 heading 120, departing RWY 4L. "
    3. RESPONSE FROM LC2: "Released " or "Follow HAL218, B717 departing RWY 8R heading 140, released."
  7. When a HOLD FOR RELEASE is given to LC1 by LC2 for a departure, LC1 must place the HOLD FOR RELEASE memory aide placard on the departure strip for which the release was requested.
  8. Must provide a point-out to LC2 for aircraft flying an extended downwind to RWY 4R/L.
    1. LC1 shall have approval/disapproval authority for fighter aircraft requesting the overhead approach to RWY 4R. Overhead approaches to RWY 4R must be APREQ 's by Approach Control with LC1. LC1 shall then advise LC2 of the arriving fighters.
  9. LC1 is responsible for that area on taxiway RA between the runway 4R Approach hold lines. Departing aircraft from taxiway C on taxiway RA will be held short of the Runway 4R final approach and switched to LC I frequency. LC1 will taxi aircraft in the Runway 4R final approach course on RA to avoid overflight by aircraft under their control. LC1must issue traffic to LC2 on any Punchbowl VFR departure.
    1. PHRASEOLOGY: "Traffic, N9118Z, PA28, departing on the Punchbowl."
    2. LC2: "Traffic observed."

4.12.2 - LC2 Responsibilities

  1. After verbal coordination with LC1 during a recorded position de-combination briefing, LC2 will have release authority for all IFR departures with reference to the RWY 4R straight-in arrivals.
  2. LC2 is responsible for RWY 8R, TWY J south of TWY B, TWY R west of the 4R final approach course hold short line and all taxiways between R and RWY 8R exclusive of that portion of TWY R between the RWY 4R approach hold lines which is designated to LC1.
  3. Advise LC1 of any helicopter traffic departing on the Shoreline VFR departure route. All helicopters on the Shoreline departures from the south ramp will be under the control of LC2. LC2 must exchange traffic on any helicopter arrivals from the North, West, or East that are under LC1 control.
  4. LC2 approves IFR releases of all departures off RWY 4L/4R and 8L with LC1/LA
    1. PHRASEOLOGY: LC2, LC1 APREQ IFR release on (ACID), (Type aircraft), (Initial departure heading), and (RWY departing).
    2. EXAMPLE - LC1: “LC2, LC1, APREQ IFR release on CPT8700, C208 heading 130, departing RWY 4L.”
    3. Response from LC2: “Released” or “Follow HAL218, B717 departing RWY 8R heading 155, released.” Or “Hold for release.”
  5. LC2 must use memory aids when approving an IFR release to LC1/LA.
  6. LC2 is responsible for separation, avoid overflight, and wake turbulence application for all RWY 8R departures with reference to the RWY 4R arrivals.
  7. When traffic has been issued to LC2 by LC1/LA on a Punchbowl departure, LC2 is responsible for separation with reference to RWY 8R departures. LC2 must account for type aircraft, performance characteristics, and location of Punchbowl departure aircraft when departing traffic off RWY 8R once traffic has been issued.
  8. LC2 is designated control of the sealanes for aircraft departing on the Shoreline departure. Unless advised by LC1/LA as a sealane arrival, LC2 may depart the sealanes without coordination. If a Sea Plane is requesting a departure other than the Shoreline Departure, LC2 must get approval from LC1 to enter LC1’s area of responsibility.
  9. Coordinate immediately for with LC1/LA to ensure separation of any go-around off RWY 8L or 4R/4L with reference to RWY 8R departures. LA will coordinate with TRACON for both LC1 and LC2 on departure headings and altitudes.

4.12.3 - Helicopter Operations.

  1. LC1 is responsible for all helicopters departing the south ramp on the Red Hill or Freeway VFR departure routes. LC2 is responsible for helicopters departing on the Shoreline VFR departure Route.
  2. When advised by LC2 of helicopters departing in the Shoreline VFR departure route, LC1 must exchange traffic with LC2 on helicopters departing on the Freeway or Redhill VFR departures and any helicopters arriving the south ramp from the North, West, or east VFR arrival routes.

4.12.4 - Sealane Operations.

  1. LC1 shall have responsibility for all sealane arrivals from the North, East, or West for landing waterways 4/8.
  2. LC2 shall have responsibility for Seaplanes departing on the Shoreline VFR departure route.
  3. Exchange traffic with LC2 on any arriving seaplanes to Sealanes 4/8 when LC2 has advised LC1 of any sealane departures on the Shoreline VFR departure route.
  4. When an aircraft is inbound to Sealane 4/8, LC1/LA must advise LC2 via landline. LC2 has responsibility of separating RWY 8R departures with sealane arrivals until LC1/LA has advised that visual separation is being provided.

4.13 - RWY 22/26 Configuration

  1. LC1 is responsible for operations on RWY 26R, 22R, and 22L.
  2. LC1 is responsible for those taxiways between RWY 26R and 22L east of TWY S and TWY C from RWY 22R to RWY 26R.
  3. LC1 is responsible for all helicopter operations to and from the South ramp with the exception of offshore arrivals from the South. Helicopters arriving on the south ramp via coordinated off-shore arrival from the South must be coordinated between LC1 and LC2. LC1 and LC2 must exchange traffic on other helicopters arriving or departing the south ramp until LC2 advises that the off-shore arrival helicopter is landing assured.
  4. LC1 is responsible for all sealane arrivals and departures.
  5. LC1 shall have release authority for all aircraft departures except for those on RWY 26L. When IFR release is requested by LC2 for a RWY 26L departure, LC2 must request release with LC1/LA via recorded landline.
  6. Aircraft arriving to RWY 26L may only be changed to RWY 26R if an operational advantage exists.
  7. LC1 must meet all ADW and CRO requirements when arriving or departing RWY 22L.

4.13.1 - LC2 Responsibilities

  1. LC2 is responsible for RWY 26L, TWY R and those taxiways between RWY 26L and TWY R, TWYs J, T, and A south of RWY 26R, and TWY B west of TWY D.
  2. LC2 must request a release from LC1/LA for all departures that require a RWY 26L departure. Memory aids must be used when a HOLD FOR RELEASE is issued.
    1. PHRASEOLOGY: “Request release on (ACID), (Type aircraft), (Initial departure heading), and (RWY departing).
    2. EXAMPLE- LC1: “Request release on PAL100, A340, heading 220, departing RWY 26L.”
    3. Response from LC1: “Released” or “Follow HAL218, B717 departing RWY 26R heading 200, released.” or “Hold for Release.”
  3. Aircraft arriving to RWY 26L may only be changed to RWY 26R if an operational advantage exists.
  4. All landing clearances must be done on the frequency for the position that has responsibility for the landing runway.
  5. All ADG IV aircraft and below landing RWY 26L and taxing to the south ramp are authorized to taxi through the departure corridor for RWY 22R/22L without restriction. ADG V and VI aircraft must be held short of the departure corridor (RWY 4R APPROACH) for RWY 22R/22L until the departure is clear of TWY R. LC2 will hold ADG V and VI aircraft short of the departure corridor and coordinate with LC1/LA to transition the corridor.
  6. LC2 will hold all aircraft eastbound on TWY R short of TWY RT and advise the aircraft to monitor GC.
  7. After proper coordination, LC2 will be responsible for all helicopters arriving offshore from the southeast. LC1 and LC2 must exchange traffic on other helicopter traffic under LC1’s control until the offshore helicopter is landing assured. LC2 must advise LC1/LA when traffic is landing assured.