Taxiway A Holding Bay

The City of Lakeland (“City”) is requesting bids from qualified contractors for the construction of a holding bay along Taxiway A at Lakeland Linder International Airport. The project will create a designated paved area adjacent to Taxiway A where aircraft can temporarily position to perform required pre-departure safety checks without obstructing aircraft movement along the taxiway. The improvements are intended to enhance operational efficiency, improve airfield safety, and ensure a continuous flow of aircraft departing Runway 10/28.

The holding bay area is designed in accordance with FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-13B, Chapter 4, Figure 4-25, Holding Bay Configuration. The proposed apron will consist of two holding bays designed to accommodate up to two simultaneous aircraft operations while allowing other aircraft to bypass the area along Taxiway A. The layout provides taxilane separation sufficient to accommodate 180-degree aircraft turns and stopping at designated hold bars, resulting in an approximate taxilane-to-taxilane centerline separation of 190 feet to maintain proper object free area separation between aircraft operating areas.

The 2020 Airport Master Plan Update identified Taxiway A shoulders as being deficient at Lakeland Linder International Airport (the “Airport”). The future critical aircraft for Runway 10/28 (formerly 09/27) was identified as the Boeing 767-300F with a Runway Design Code (RDC) of C-IV. Based on calendar year 2023 operations identified in the FAA Operations and Performance Database, Traffic Flow Management System Counts (TFMSC), 3,595 operations of C-IV aircraft were recorded, making this aircraft the current critical aircraft for Runway 10/28 and parallel Taxiway A. Of these, 3,545 operations were Taxiway Design Group (TDG) 5 aircraft. The Boeing 767-300F is a TDG 5 aircraft, which according to Table 4-2 of FAA AC 150/5300-13B, requires 30-foot taxiway shoulders.

The north side development at the Airport comprises a significant number of general aviation facilities, including those supporting small single-engine and multi-engine propeller-driven aircraft. Future expansion of these general aviation facilities is anticipated and identified on the currently approved Airport Layout Plan (ALP). As activity continues to grow in this area of the airfield, a designated location for aircraft to hold while conducting pre-departure engine checks and preparing for departure is necessary to maintain safe and efficient aircraft operations.

In accordance with FAA AC 150/5300-13B, Chapter 5, Section 5.17.1, holding bay areas are recommended to limit the exposure of propeller wash and jet exhaust that can cause property damage or personal injury. A holding bay is a designated paved area adjacent to a taxiway where aircraft can temporarily position while conducting engine checks or awaiting access to the runway without obstructing taxiway traffic. These areas are intended to allow pilots to safely perform required pre-departure procedures while minimizing impacts to nearby aircraft parking areas, buildings, vehicles, and personnel.

Holding bay areas are recommended to be located away from aircraft parking positions, gate areas, and buildings to reduce the potential for damage from jet blast or propeller wash. Due to space limitations at both the Runway 10 and Runway 28 ends, the proposed holding bay for Runway 10/28 is located near the midpoint of the runway. This location provides a centralized and convenient area for aircraft operators accessing the runway while also limiting the potential for property damage or injury.

Per FAA AC 150/5300-13B, holding bays are recommended to limit damage to persons and property as a result of jet exhaust and/or propeller wash. Additionally, per FAA Order 5100.38D, Appendix H, Section H-2, item c, holding bays are eligible for funding if the runway is eligible and the holding bay is justified and meets the requirements outlined in FAA AC 150/5300-13B.