DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration

Smyrna Tower
613 Fitzhugh Boulevard
Smyrna, TN 37167

Issued: 01/16/2025 1646 (UTC) Effective: 02/01/2025 1200 (UTC)
Smyrna Tower Letter to Airmen: LTA-MQY-1

Subject: Runway Incursion

Cancellation: 01/31/2026 0000 (UTC)

MQY has been having an issue over the last few years regarding runway incursions. One of the main areas of concern are the intersections of runway 01/19 and 14/32. Aircraft landing on one runway, turn onto the intersecting runway without permission, causing a runway incursion as well as a pilot deviation. 

The Aeronautical Information Manual gives the following guidance regarding runway exiting: "Exit the runway without delay at the first available taxiway or on a taxiway as instructed by ATC. Pilots will not exit the landing runway onto another runway unless authorized by ATC. At airports with an operating control tower, pilots should not stop or reverse course on the runway without first obtaining ATC approval.

Smyrna Airport routinely uses multiple runways for arrivals and departures. Turning on to an intersecting runway can cause a conflict with other departing and arriving aircraft. 

 


Danny Nichols
Air Traffic Manager, Smyrna Tower