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Thursday, April 18, 2024

Ozone Action Days – What Are They?

Since the ozone forecast season started in March, the DFW Metroplex has experienced two Ozone Action Days. And as part of the City’s efforts to keep you informed those alerts were posted to the City of Southlake Facebook page.

So what is Ozone Action Day? It’s a public notification from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TECQ) when weather conditions combine with air pollution to form high levels of ground-level ozone. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, ground-level ozone can lead to decreased lung function, pain with deep breaths and trigger asthma symptoms.

“It is important for individuals that have respiratory conditions, who primarily work outside to remain aware of ozone conditions,” said the City’s Emergency Management Coordinator, Amanda Meneses. “Being exposed to these ozone-related threats could cause unexpected medical emergencies for people with pre-existing medical conditions.”

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality also recommends several strategies aimed at reducing ozone pollution. Here are just a few ways you can help:

  • Mulch or compost leaves and yard waste
  • Consider trading wood for gas logs
  • Keep your car, boat and other engines properly tuned
  • Be sure your tires are properly inflated
  • Consider carpool, public transportation, biking or walking whenever possible

Look to the City’s Facebook page for further Ozone Action Days as they are issued.  You can also check day to day air quality by visiting airnow.gov. For more information about how you can keep our air clean visit takecareoftexas.org.

DFW Airport Announces Two Runway Closures in April

UPDATE 4/27/2018: Dallas Fort Worth International Airport has let us know that workers have finished its latest runway construction project three days ahead of schedule. Flights are now taking off on the normal 18L/36R north/south runway.

DFW Airport has notified the City of Southlake about two runway projects that could affect air traffic in Southlake. One is the weekend closure of Runway 17R/35L from Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 15, and the second closure is the partial closure of Runway 18R/36L starting Monday, April 16 through Monday, April 30. The following information is from the airport.

Runway 17R/35L Closure:

DFW is planning the weekend closure of Runway 17R/35L from Friday, April 13 at 10:00 p.m. through Sunday, April 15 at 4:00 p.m. This is to accommodate installation of electrical duct banks within the runway safety area.

What to Expect:

On Friday night through Sunday, there is the potential for conditions where winds are westerly or northwesterly (West Flow) at 15 to 20 mph with gusts as high as 30 mph, such that the diagonal Runways 13R/31L and 13L/31R may be needed for arrivals and/or departures.  The shift in aircraft operations during these weather conditions may affect the cities of Southlake, Grapevine, Trophy Club, Westlake, Coppell and Irving, which could experience some additional aircraft traffic.

In general, because aircraft take off and land into the wind when winds are southerly aircraft take off to the south and land from north to south.  When winds are northerly, aircraft take off to the north (or northwest in the case of the use of Runway 31L) and land from south to north.  Keep in mind that surface winds don’t always dictate flow as winds above the surface and/or operational needs can affect the direction which aircraft take-off and land.

Runway 17R/35L is the primary departure runway on DFW’s east side.  During its closure:

  • North Flow:  When the winds are out of the north or are light/variable:
    • Departures will shift to Runway 35C, which is DFW’s primary arrival runway on the east side.
    • Some departures may shift to the west side of the airport
    • Arrivals will shift from Runway 35C to Runways 35R and 31R on DFW’s east side and Runway 36L on DFW’s west side.
  • South Flow:  When the winds are out of the south:
    • Departures will shift to Runway 17C, which is DFW’s primary arrival runway on the east side.
    • Some departures may shift to the west side of the airport
    • Arrivals will shift from Runway 17C to Runways 13R on DFW’s west side and 17L on DFW’s east side.
  • The use of the outboard runways (diagonal runways and Runway 17L/35R) may be extended at night to 11 p.m.
  • The shift in aircraft operations to other runways during the closure may primarily affect the cities of Coppell, Irving, and Lewisville. Flower Mound, Southlake, Grapevine, Trophy Club, Westlake, Euless, and Arlington could also experience some additional aircraft traffic.
  • The graphic below provides a visual as to how air traffic will be redistributed during the closure.
Air Traffic Redistribution of Traffic During Closure

Air Traffic Redistribution of Traffic During Runway 17R/35L Closure

Runway 18R/36L Partial Closure

Subsequently, DFW is planning the partial closure of Runway 18R/36L from April 16 at 6:00 a.m. until Monday, April 30 at 6:00 a.m.  The partial closure is necessary to accommodate work on the runway involving urgent asphalt shoulder replacement on the south end of Runway 18R/36L.  In preparation, DFW plans to close the runway overnight beginning at 11:00 p.m. on April 15.  The runway will reopen on Monday, April 16 at 6:00 a.m. with the southern-most portion closed for the repairs.

The runway will be available for use during the partial closure as follows:

  • South winds:  Runway 18R will be available for landings.
  • North winds:  The runway will be closed to arrivals.  Arrivals will shift to the departure runway, Runway 36R, requiring departures to shift to Runway 31L.
  • The runway will be closed at night and during periods of reduced visibility.
  • The runway will reopen to full length on April 30 at 6:00 a.m.

What to Expect:

The weather forecast is not known for the closure period.  In general, because aircraft take off and land into the wind when winds are southerly aircraft take off to the south and land from north to south.  When winds are northerly, aircraft take off to the north (or northwest in the case of the use of Runway 31L) and land from south to north.  Keep in mind that surface winds don’t always dictate flow as winds above the surface and/or operational needs can affect the direction which aircraft take-off and land.

Runway 18R/36L is the primary arrival runway on DFW’s west side.  During its closure:

  • North Flow:  When the winds are out of the north or are light/variable:
    • Arrivals will shift from Runway 36L (arrival runway) to Runway 36R (departure runway) on the west side.
    • Departures will shift to Runway 31L
    • Some departures may shift to the east side of the airport
    • Increased arrivals Runway 31R and 35R on the east side;
  • South Flow:  When the winds are out of the south:
    • Little to no change in operations
    •  Runway 18R will still be available for aircraft arrivals.
  • The use of the outboard runways (diagonal runways and Runway 17L/35R) may be extended at night to 11:00 p.m.
  • The shifts in aircraft operations to other runways during the closure may primarily affect the cities of Southlake, Grapevine, Trophy Club, Westlake and Flower Mound.  Lewisville, Coppell, Irving, Euless and Arlington could also experience some additional aircraft traffic.
  • The graphic below provides a visual as to how air traffic will be redistributed during the closure.
Air Traffic Redistribution During Partial Closure of Runway 18R/36L

Air Traffic Redistribution During Partial Closure of Runway 18R/36L

DFW Airport encourages citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact them.  You may contact them by email at dfwnoise@dfwairport.com, or on the Noise Complaint Hotline, at 972-973-3192 (manned 24/7).  Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided when requested.

DFW Airport Runway Status Light Installation Update: Extension of Partial Closure and American Airlines Flex Schedule

This is an update on DFW’s Runway Status Light Installation Program.  In short, the weekend closure of Runway 18L/36R was cancelled due to the construction being ahead of schedule.  However, due to issues with the concrete installation at the south end of Runway 18L/36R, the scheduled partial closure will be extended through Thursday, June 29.  Additionally, American Airlines will be flying its Flex Schedule on select days during the summer, including this Sunday, June 25.   More information on each of these topics is noted below.

Schedule Partial South Closure (RWSL Installation:

As DFW Airport continues with the runway closures necessary for FAA’s ongoing installation of the Runway Status Lights (RWSL), for your awareness, the weekend full closure initially scheduled for this weekend will be cancelled due to construction being ahead of schedule.  However, due to issues with the concrete installation at south end of Runway 18L/36R, the scheduled partial closure, which was scheduled to be completed on June 25, will be extended through Thursday, June 29 to continue ongoing work of FAA’s installation of Runway Status Lights (RWSL).

What to Expect:  During the remainder of the partial closure, Friday weather forecasts show winds coming from the south at 5 – 10 mph, with potential thunderstorms Friday night/Saturdaymorning and gusts as high as 20 mph.  Winds will shift to the north on Saturday and remain from the northerly and easterly, with winds at 5 – 10 mph.  Light easterly winds will persist through Thursday.  In general, because aircraft take off and land into the wind, when winds are southerly aircraft take off to the south and land from north to south.  When winds are northerly, aircraft take off to the north (or northwest in the case of the use of Runway 31L) and land from south to north.  When surface winds are light and variable, takeoff and landing flow may be affected by winds above the surface and/or other operational needs.

The shifts in aircraft operations to other runways during the closure may affect the cities of Southlake, Grapevine, Trophy Club, Westlake, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Coppell, Irving, Euless and Arlington, which could experience some additional aircraft traffic, including:

  • Jet departures on Runway 31L during north winds;
  • Increased arrivals Runway 31R and 35R during north winds;
  • Increased arrivals to Runway 17L and 13R during south winds;
  • Outboard runways will be needed later at night or early in the morning;
  • During the partial south closures of Runway 18L/36R, the runway will be available for day time only limited takeoffs and landings, as determined by the wind flow.

June 12 – June 29 [Partial South Closure of Runway 18L/36R]

  • During the partial south closures of Runway 18L/36R, the runway will be available for day time only limited takeoffs and landings, as determined by the wind flow.
  • The runway will be closed after sunset and before sunriseas well as during any poor weather or low clouds (due to limited visibility of construction zone).
  • If the winds are out of the north, jet aircraft may need to depart Runway 31L.
  • The use of the outboard runways (diagonal runways and Runway 17L/35R) may be extended at night to 11pm.
  • For more information on the Runway Status Lights Program, refer to DFW’s website.
Map of DFW Operations During 18L/36R Partial South Closure

This information has been sent from the DFW Airport.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer Flex Schedule:

Additionally, American Airlines flight schedule will include scheduled flex days in order to keep up with upcoming schedules.  The 7 days that are scheduled for Flex Flying are as follows:

  • Sunday, June 25,
  • Friday, June 30,
  • Sunday, July 9,
  • Sunday, July 16,
  • Sunday, July 23,
  • Sunday, July 30,
  • Sunday, August 6

What to Expect:  During the Flex Days, additional flights are scheduled late at night to accommodate greater numbers of the traveling public.  These additional operations will entail extended use of DFW’s runway, including the outboard runways.  Operations on the outboard runways are expected to extend later than normal and could be as late as 1:00 AM Monday morning.

The DFW Airport encourage citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact them.  You may contact them by email at dfwnoise@dfwairport.com, or on the Noise Complaint Hotline, at 972-973-3192 (manned 24/7).  Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided, when requested.

Closure of Runway 18R/36L from June 16-18

As DFW Airport continues with the runway closures necessary for FAA’s ongoing installation of the Runway Status Lights (RWSL), the DFW Airport would like to bring awareness regarding the upcoming full closure of Runway 18L/36R and FAA’s progress on the installation of Runway Status Lights.  Runway 18R/36L, DFW’s primary arrival runway, will be closed from Friday, June 16 at 11:00 PM through Sunday, June 18 at 4:00 PM, weather permitting, to accommodate the FAA’s ongoing installation work.

Immediately following will continue the scheduled partial south closure of Runway 18L/36R from Sunday, June 18 through Sunday, June 25 for FAA’s ongoing installation of Runway Status Lights (RWSL).

What to Expect:

The weather forecast for the weekend closure are expected to be south at 10 to 15 mph with gusts as high as 20 mph.  The weather forecast is not known for the entire partial closure period.  In general, because aircraft take off and land into the wind, when winds are southerly aircraft take off to the south and land from north to south.  When winds are northerly, aircraft take off to the north (or northwest in the case of the use of Runway 31L) and land from south to north.  Keep in mind that surface winds don’t always dictate flow as winds above the surface and/or operational needs can affect the direction for which aircraft take off and land.

The shifts in aircraft operations to other runways during the closure may affect the cities of Coppell, Irving, Grapevine, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Euless, Southlake, and Arlington, which could experience some additional aircraft traffic, including:

  • Increased arrivals to Runway 17L and 13R during south winds;
  • Jet departures on Runway 31L during north winds;
  • Increased arrivals Runway 31R and 35R during north winds;
  • Outboard runways will be needed later at night or early in the morning;
  • During the partial south closures of Runway 18L/36R, the runway will be available for day time only limited takeoffs and landings, as determined by the wind flow.

Remaining Weekend Closures for the RWSL installation are June 9-12; June 16-18; and June 24-25 [Closures of Runway 18L/36R]

Runway 18L/36R is the primary departure runway on the west side.  During its closure:

  • South Flow:  When the winds are out of the south:
    •    Departures will shift to Runway 18R
    • Arrivals will shift to Runways 13R on DFW’s west side and 17L on DFW’s east side
  • North Flow:  When the winds are out of the north or are light/variable:
    • Runway 36L will be the used for arrivals
    • Runway 31L will be the primary departure runway on the west side.
    • Arrivals also shift to Runways 35R and 31R on DFW’s east side.
  • The use of the outboard runways (diagonal runways and Runway 17L/35R) may be extended at night to 11pm.

Keep in mind that surface winds don’t always dictate flow as winds above the surface and/or operational needs can affect the direction for which aircraft take off and land.

The graphics below depict these closures and their effects on runway utilization:

Map of DFW Operations During Full 18L/36R Closure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 12 – June 25 [Partial South Closure of Runway 18L/36R]

  • During the partial south closures of Runway 18L/36R, the runway will be available for day time only limited takeoffs and landings, as determined by the wind flow.
  • The runway will be closed after sunset and before sunriseas well as during any poor weather or low clouds (due to limited visibility of construction zone).
  • If the winds are out of the north, jet aircraft may need to depart Runway 31L.
  • The use of the outboard runways (diagonal runways and Runway 17L/35R) may be extended at night to 11:00 PM
    Map of DFW Operations During 18L/36R Partial South Closure

    This map was provided by the DFW Airport.

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Runway Status Lights:

Runway Status Lights (RWSL) is a fully automatic, advisory safety system designed to reduce the number and severity of runway incursions and prevent runway accidents while not interfering with airport operations.  It is an in-pavement lighting system that works similar to a traffic light which provides a visual signal to pilots and vehicle operators of when it is unsafe to enter/cross or begin takeoff on runway. The system aims to improve air crew and vehicle operator situational awareness through accurate and timely indication of runway usage.  For further information, please see the link to the FAA’s website.

The DFW Airport encourage citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact them.  You may contact them by email at dfwnoise@dfwairport.com, or on the Noise Complaint Hotline, at 972-973-3192 (manned 24/7).  Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided, when requested.

Runway 18R/36L Closed for Light Installation: May 21-June 4

Runway 18R/36L, DFW’s primary arrival runway, will be closed from Sunday May 21 at 12:00 PM to Friday, June 4 at 6:00 AM, weather permitting, to accommodate the FAA’s ongoing installation work.

The DFW Airport has announced the 14 day closure of Runway 18R/36L to continue with the FAA’s ongoing installation of Runway Status Lights.

What to Expect:

The shifts in aircraft operations to other runways during the closure may affect the cities of Southlake, Grapevine, Trophy Club, Westlake, Flower Mound, Lewisville, Coppell, Irving, Euless and Arlington, which could experience some additional aircraft traffic, including:

  • Jet departures on Runway 31L during north winds;
  • Increased arrivals Runway 31R and 35R during north winds;
  • Increased arrivals to Runway 17L and 13R during south winds;
  • Outboard runways will be needed later at night or early in the morning.

May 19 – May 30 [Full Closure of Runway 18R/36L]

The weather forecast is not known for the full 10-day closure period.  In general, because aircraft take off and land into the wind, when winds are southerly aircraft take off to the south and land from north to south.  When winds are northerly, aircraft take off to the north (or northwest in the case of the use of Runway 31L) and land from south to north.  Keep in mind that surface winds don’t always dictate flow as winds above the surface and/or operational needs can affect the direction for which aircraft take off and land.

Runway 18R/36L is the primary arrival runway on DFW’s west side.  During its closure:

  • North Flow: When the winds are out of the north or are light/variable:
  • Arrivals will shift to the departure runway, Runway 36R
  • Departures shift Runway 31L which serves as the primary departure runway on the west side.
  • Arrivals also shift to Runways 35R and 31R on DFW’s east side.
  • South Flow: When the winds are out of the south:
  • Departures will continue on Runway 18L
  • Arrivals will shift to Runways 13R on DFW’s west side and 17L on DFW’s east side
  • The use of the outboard runways (diagonal runways and Runway 17L/35R) may be extended at night to 11pm.

Remaining Weekend Closures for the RWSL installation are June 3-4; June 10-11; June 17-18; and June 24-25 [Closures of Runway 18L/36R]

  • Runway 18L/36R is the primary departure runway on the west side. During its closure:
  • While the winds are out of the north, Runway 36L will be the used for arrivals and Runway 31L will be the primary departure runway on the west side.
  • While the winds are out of the south, departures will shift to Runway 18R and arrivals will shift to Runways 17L and 13R.
  • The use of the outboard runways (diagonal runways and Runway 17L/35R) will likely be extended at night to 11pm.

The graphics below (provided by the DFW Airport) depict the closures and their effects of the runway utilization:

Runway Status Lights:

Runway Status Lights (RWSL) is a fully automatic, advisory safety system designed to reduce the number and severity of runway incursions and prevent runway accidents while not interfering with airport operations.  It is an in-pavement lighting system that works similar to a traffic light which provides a visual signal to pilots and vehicle operators of when it is unsafe to enter/cross or begin takeoff on runway. The system aims to improve air crew and vehicle operator situational awareness through accurate and timely indication of runway usage.  For further information, please see the link to the FAA’s website.

The DFW Airport encourages citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact them.  You may contact them by email at dfwnoise@dfwairport.com, or on the Noise Complaint Hotline, at 972-973-3192 (manned 24/7).  Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided, when requested.

Runway Closure of Runway 17L/ 35R and Runway 18R/ 36L Starting Friday, July 15th

The City of Southlake has been informed by the DFW Airport of a partial runway closure from Friday, July 15th through Sunday, July 24th and will also be closing Runway 17L/35R on Saturday July 16th.

There will be a partial closure of Runway 18R/36L starting at 10:00 PM on Friday, July 15th until 4:00 PM on Sunday, July 24th. This partial closure will be occurring in order to replace some deteriorating asphalt shoulders on the southern end of the runway.

DFW Airport will also be closing Runway 17L/35R on Saturday July 16th from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM.  This four-hour closure is in support of DFW’s efforts to conduct a pavement condition assessment on the runway.  These assessments are conducted periodically to determine the structure soundness of the runway pavement which is essential to long term maintenance and rehabilitation schedules for the airfield.  For this weekend’s four hour closure of Runway 17L/35R, the winds are forecast to be from the south at 5 to 10 mph.

During these closures, the FAA must necessarily move an aircraft that would have used the closed runway to other available runways, including Runway 31L in north winds conditions. DFW Airport staff will work closely with FAA and the airlines during these closures to reduce the impact of the necessary rerouting of air traffic while ensuring safe airport and airspace operations.

The City and DFW International Airport would also like to inform the residents of a 90 day east-side runway closure for Runway 17R/35L that will be occurring from the night of Wednesday, August 3rd through Wednesday, November 2nd.

More information about the Airport’s planned runway work is available on the DFW’s website. The DFW International Airport encourages citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact them.  The e-mail address for the Noise Office is dfwnoise@dfwairport.com.  The telephone Hotline, 972-973-3192, is manned 24/7.  Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided when requested.

Possible Increase in Aircraft Noise over Southlake due to Strong West Wind Flow

1535x1035 DFW Airport

The City of Southlake has received the following information from the DFW Noise Compatibility Office:

The National Weather Service is forecasting strong west winds this weekend.

West wind flow will occur from about 12AM Sunday morning, 13 December, through about 9AM Monday morning, 14 December.

Two periods of west cross winds exceeding 20mph may occur. The first will be from about 12AM to about 3AM Sunday when winds are predicted to reach 21mph. West wind velocities will increase again to as much as 31mph from about 11AM to about 6PM Sunday.

It is likely that the diagonal runways, 13R/31L and/or 13L/31R, will be required for aircraft departures and/or recoveries during periods when west cross winds velocities are highest.

The FAA and DFW have collaborated to use the diagonal runways as little as safely possible.

Ultimately safety of a flight, including the runway used, is the responsibility of each aircraft plane commander, the person best equipped to determine when a crosswind velocity is unacceptable.

More information about the response to high velocity west cross winds is available on DFW’s website at the dfwairport.com link under “High Velocity West Winds”: http://www.dfwairport.com/inthecommunity/aircraft_noise.php.

We encourage citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact us. The web address for the Noise Office is dfwnoise@dfwairport.com. The telephone Hotline, 972-973-3192, is manned 24/7. Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided when requested.

Runway Closure Expected at DFW Airport on November 7th

The City of Southlake has received the following information from DFW Airport Noise Office concerning runway closures.DFWLogo

This coming weekend DFW plans to close runway 18R/36L from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturday, November 7th.  This closure is in support of the FAA’s work on the Instrument Landing System for Runway 36L.  North winds with gusts to 20mph are forecast along with a chance of thunderstorms and rain showers for the entire work period.  As with all such maintenance closures the flights that would have used the closed runway will be dispersed among the remaining operational runways.  If this forecast remains valid for the work period the FAA will use Runway 31L for jet departures.

More information about the Airport’s planned runway work is available on DFW’s website at the dfwairport.com link: http://www.dfwairport.com/inthecommunity/aircraft_noise.php.  We encourage citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact us.  The web address for the Noise Office is dfwnoise@dfwairport.com.  The telephone Hotline, 972-973-3192, is manned 24/7.  Follow-up response calls or emails will be provided when requested.

 

Planned Runway Maintenance Closure March 27th Could Lead to Aircraft Noise this Weekend

The City of Southlake has received the following information from the DFW Noise Compatibility Office.  Citizens with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact  the Noise Compatibility Office.   The telephone hotline, 972-973-3192, is manned 24/7. The web address for the Noise Office is dfwnoise@dfwairport.com.

DFW_airpot-300x300DFW plans to close Runway 18L/36R at 10:45PM, Friday, 27 March, through 6PM, Saturday, 28 March. This period will be used to upgrade the runway distance remaining signs.   Aircraft that would have used the runway during the closure period will be dispersed among the operational runways.   The National Weather Service currently forecasts variable winds during the 19 hour maintenance closure period with no significant north winds during the period. However, if this forecast is not valid and significant north winds do occur, the FAA may need to use Runway 13R/31L, the west diagonal runway, for jet departures.

Following this weekend, and over the next two weeks there will be no scheduled daytime runway closures. Below is the tentative schedule for closures for necessary pavement, electrical, navigation aids, signage, drainage, lighting and other infrastructure repair, upgrade and maintenance activities:

April 18-19 Runway 18L/36R
April 25-26 Runway 18L/36R
May 2-3 Runway 18L/36R
May 9-10 Runway 17L/35R

More information about the Airport’s planned runway work can be found on the dfwairport.com link: http://www.dfwairport.com/inthecommunity/aircraft_noise.php . 

DFW Airport encourage citizens with inquiries or complaints to contact us. The telephone Hotline, 972-973-3192, is manned 24/7. The web address for the Noise Office is dfwnoise@dfwairport.com. Follow-up response calls and emails will be provided when requested.