In the latest version of Infinite Flight, Fukuoka Airport has been updated with 3D modeling and runways.
To help everyone become more familiar with Fukuoka Airport’s operating procedures, this post has been written.
1. Airport overview
Fukuoka Airport was once Japan’s busiest single-runway airport. It now has two runways:
Runway A is 2,800 m long (16L/34R), and Runway B is 2,500 m long (16R/34L).
Operating hours are 2200UTC (0700JST)–1300UTC (2200JST).
Airport layout: the international terminal is on the new runway side (west), while the domestic terminal is on the main runway side (east).
2. Runway usage
Because of noise abatement requirements, the prevailing runway direction is southbound (16, from the circuit perspective).
Main Runway A (16L/34R) is mainly used for domestic departures and all arrivals, while Runway B (16R/34L) is mainly used for international departures.
Note: If an international aircraft cannot use 16R/34L because of performance limitations, it may request to use the longer main runway 16L/34R.
3. Noise-reduction operations
①. All departing aircraft should climb as aggressively as practical.
(Thrust reduction altitude: 1,500 ft AGL; acceleration altitude: 3,000 ft AGL.)
②. All arriving aircraft should use flaps as late as practical and use the smallest feasible landing configuration.
③. Between 1000UTC (1900JST) and 2200UTC (0700JST), arriving aircraft are restricted in their use of reverse thrust and should use reverse thrust as little as possible.
4. Northbound operations
①. Departures: Domestic flights use 34R. International flights use 34L; if performance is insufficient, use 34R.
②. Arrivals: Mainly 34R landings.
③. Approach (important):
34R visual approach is preferred. This is a standard visual approach with no special rules or charts. ATC vectors the aircraft to the downwind leg, and once the airport is in sight, the aircraft flies a standard traffic pattern.
When weather conditions do not allow a visual approach, use the RNP approach for 34L/34R. If conditions deteriorate further, use LOC/ILS.
5. Southbound operations (main operating direction)
①. Departures: Domestic flights use 16L. International flights use 16R; if performance is insufficient, use 16L.
②. Arrivals: Mainly 16L landings.
③. Approach:
16-side aircraft should first use the RNP approach. If weather conditions do not permit an RNP approach, use LOC/ILS.
6. Pushback Procedures
For aircraft departing from the international terminal:
Code C aircraft (such as the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737), and smaller aircraft, should be pushed back to the white line between the apron and the main taxiway.
All other aircraft should be pushed back directly onto the main taxiway as normal.
Source: AIS Japan
