airport/documents/Mesquite Master Plan Final.pdf - The City of ...

Runway End
Identification Lighting
Runway end identification lights
(REILs) provide rapid and positive
identification of the approach end of the
runway. The REIL system consists of
two synchronized flashing lights located
laterally on each side of the runway
threshold facing the approaching
aircraft. REILs are installed on both
ends of Runway 17-35.
Weather Reporting Aids
Mesquite Metro Airport is equipped
with an Automated Weather
Observation System - III (AWOS-III).
An AWOS automatically records
weather conditions such as wind speed,
wind gusts, wind direction,
temperature, dew point, altimeter
setting, and density altitude. In
addition, the AWOS-III records
visibility, precipitation, and cloud
height. This information is then
transmitted at regular intervals.
Aircraft in the vicinity can receive this
information if they have their radio
tuned to the correct frequency (118.175
Mhz). In addition, pilots and
individuals can call a published
telephone number and receive the
information via an automated voice
recording.
The AWOS-III at Mesquite is also
outfitted with an optional system that
provides a connection to the National
Airspace Data Interchange Network
(NADIN). With this connection, the
FAA provides the AWOS data to the
Weather Messaging Switching Service
(WMSS), which in turn distributes the
1-8
data to Flight Service Stations, the
National Weather Service, commercial
airports for pilot briefing, and other
weather information outlets.
Pilot-Controlled Lighting
All airfield lighting systems at Mesquite
Metro Airport are controlled through a
pilot-controlled lighting system (PCL).
This allows the pilot to increase the
intensity or turn on various airfield
lighting systems from the aircraft with
the use of the aircraft’s transmitter on
the common traffic advisory frequency
(CTAF) at 123.05 Mhz.
Ground Communications
Outlet (GCO)
The airport is equipped with a GCO
which is a radio transmitter/receiver
with a telephone interface. The GCO
allows pilots to communicate directly
with terminal radar approach control
(TRACON) approach and departure
controllers located at Dallas/Fort Worth
International Airport. During poor
weather conditions or when intending to
fly under IFR, controllers are able to
communicate directly with pilots
utilizing Mesquite Metro Airport. Pilots
must obtain a clearance to depart prior
to entering clouds or areas of poor
visibility. Pilots needing a clearance
can tune their radios to frequency
121.725 Mhz and key the microphone a
specified number of times. The GCO
recognizes the clicks and automatically
dials a restricted number for air traffic
control. The pilot then has the ability
to communicate directly with the
controller.