Safety Tips for Travelers at Albert J Ellis Airport OAJ

This document provides a comprehensive flight guide for Albert J. Ellis Airport/Jacksonville (OAJ), covering essential information such as airport overview, runway details, communication frequencies, important notes, and airport diagrams. The guide aims to assist pilots in safely and efficiently completing takeoffs and landings at OAJ. It includes details on runway lengths, available instrument approaches, and potential hazards to be aware of during flight operations. This information is crucial for pilots to ensure a safe and successful flight experience at OAJ.

Have you ever felt uneasy during takeoff or landing due to unclear airport information? Understanding key airport details is the first step toward ensuring flight safety. Let's focus on Albert J. Ellis/Jacksonville Airport (OAJ) with this detailed flight safety guide.

1. Airport Overview: Location and Key Facilities

Albert J. Ellis/Jacksonville Airport (OAJ) is located in Jacksonville, North Carolina, with geographic coordinates at 34°49'-50' North latitude and 77°36'-37' West longitude. Situated at an elevation of 90 feet, the airport features essential facilities including a control tower, FBO (Fixed Base Operator), fire station, terminal building, and hangars, providing comprehensive support for your flight operations.

2. Runway Information: Dimensions, Strength, and Aircraft Compatibility

The airport has one runway measuring 7,100 feet in length and 150 feet in width. With a strength rating of PCN 51 F/A/W/T, it can safely accommodate aircraft types including S-120, D-211, and 2D-388. Pilots should note that Runway 05-23 will undergo SE-2 maintenance from December 25, 2025, to January 22, 2026, requiring advance flight planning.

3. Communication Frequencies: Ensuring Clear Contact

Maintaining clear communication with the control tower is crucial. These are OAJ's key communication frequencies:

ATIS (Automatic Terminal Information Service): 124.475 MHz
Ellis Tower: 132.65 MHz
Ground Control: 125.4 MHz
Clearance Delivery: 125.4 MHz
Approach/Departure (when tower is closed): 121.4 MHz / 257.6 MHz

4. Critical Notices: Runway Crossing and Magnetic Variation

Pilots must pay special attention to these safety-critical notices:

Runway Crossing Clearance: Exercise heightened awareness for runway crossing instructions. All hold-short instructions must be fully read back to confirm understanding and compliance.
Magnetic Variation: The airport's magnetic variation is 9.8° West, changing westward at 0.0° annually (as of January 2025). Account for this variation in flight planning.

5. Airport Diagram: Safe Taxiing Through Layout Familiarity

Understanding the airport layout is essential for safe ground operations. The airport diagram clearly shows runway, taxiway, apron, and hangar locations. Study this diagram carefully to ensure accurate navigation during taxi operations.

6. Additional Considerations

Service Availability: The airport offers 24/7 services including fuel, hangar space, parking, and maintenance. Verify specific service availability with the FBO in advance.
Weather Conditions: Always obtain current weather information before departure and adjust flight plans accordingly.
NOTAMs: Regularly check Notices to Airmen for temporary airport changes and restrictions.

By mastering these key details, pilots can operate with greater confidence and safety at Albert J. Ellis/Jacksonville Airport (OAJ).