Imagine a bustling scene at John F. Kennedy International Airport: a fully loaded Boeing 747 prepares for takeoff as the captain meticulously reviews every procedure. In this high-stakes environment, clear and accurate airport operational notices become critical for flight safety. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of JFK Airport's operational specifications from December 2025 through January 2026, offering aviation professionals a detailed reference guide.
I. Airport Operational Environment Overview
All ground areas at JFK International Airport (JFK) have implemented the 610BASE system. The airport features height reporting modes and ADS-B (where installed). The Airport Surface Detection Equipment-X (ASDE-X) system is operational to enhance ground traffic monitoring capabilities.
II. Key Operational Specifications
- Transponder Operations: All aircraft transponders should be set to 25331. Tower frequency is 25331.
- Runway Holding Position Instructions: Strict adherence to repeating all runway holding position instructions is required to ensure proper understanding and execution. Particular caution must be exercised regarding runway crossing clearances to prevent potential runway incursions.
- Airport Elevation: 13 feet.
- Magnetic Variation: 12.6° West. Magnetic heading correction value is 1.
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Runway Information:
- Runway 04R-22L: D-210, 2D-550, 2D/2D2-1100. Pavement Condition Report (PCR) value is 1260, friction coefficient rating F/B/X/T.
- Runways 04L-22R, 13L-31R, 13R-31L: D-210, 2D-550, 2D/2D2-1100. PCR value is 1260, friction coefficient rating R/B/W/T.
- Runway Status Lights: The runway status light system is operational, providing pilots with additional runway occupancy information.
III. Runway Lighting Systems
- Touchdown Zone/Centerline Lights: Runways 4L, 4R, 22L, 13L, and 31R are equipped with touchdown zone lights and centerline lights.
- High Intensity Runway Lights: Runways 4L-22R, 4R-22L, 13L-31R, and 13R-31L all feature high intensity runway lights.
- Runway End Identifier Lights: Runways 13L and 13R are equipped with runway end identifier lights.
IV. Frequency Information
- PDC/CPDLC: 125.05
- Ramp Control: 135.05, 348.6
- Clearance Delivery: 121.9, 348.6
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Ground Control:
- 123.9, 281.55 (Runways 04L-22R, 13R-31L)
- 119.1, 281.55 (Runways 04R-22L, 13L-31R)
- JFK Tower: 128.725, 117.7
- Approach Control: 115.4 (Northeast), 115.4 (Southwest)
- D-ATIS: 134.4
V. Additional Critical Information
- Annual Variation Rate: January 2025 annual variation rate is 0.0°E, with specific values of 223.4°, 043.4°, 313.4°, 133.3°, 313.4°, 133.4°, 223.4°, 043.4°.
- EMAS: Runway end safety area (EMAS) located at NE-2, effective from December 25, 2025 through January 22, 2026.
VI. Airport Facilities
The airport maintains various facilities including terminal buildings, general aviation stations, fire stations, U.S. Customs, international arrival terminals, and auxiliary fire stations to support operational requirements.
VII. Operational Recommendations
- Pilot Preparation: Pilots should thoroughly review airport diagrams before flight operations, familiarizing themselves with runway configurations, lighting systems, and frequency assignments. Particular attention should be given to proper repetition of runway holding position instructions.
- ATC Training: Air traffic controllers should receive enhanced training on ASDE-X system operations to improve ground traffic monitoring. Clear communication protocols with pilots should be emphasized.
- Facility Maintenance: Airport authorities should implement regular inspections of runway status light systems and maintain EMAS installations to ensure operational readiness during emergencies.
VIII. Conclusion
As one of the world's busiest aviation hubs, operational safety at JFK International Airport remains paramount. This operational notice provides aviation professionals with current information to support safe flight operations. In the dynamic aviation environment, continuous learning and operational improvements remain essential for maintaining safety standards.