(Montgomery, AL) – To enhance safety for Alabama National Guard F16/F35 pilots the Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is constructing the BAK-12 Arresting Cable Project construction work. This cable is like one found on an aircraft carrier. Expected to be completed in February 2023, this project temporarily shortens MGM’s Runway 10-28 by roughly one third.
A section of the closed Runway 10-28 is shown by the yellow area.
As part of this temporary shortening “declared distance” process, the airport notifies the world through FAA NOTAMS (notice to airman) and when asked states “Proceed at own risk. Please be aware of declared distances for flight calculations” to large charter aircraft/airlines. To counter the airline’s decision not to use MGM’s shortened runway, MGM has:
- Agreed to a no-cost LOA with Maxwell (MXF) to handle upcoming large-aircraft (football) charters (attached). However, MXF does not have stairs to unload the large charter aircraft.
- Facilitated conversations between Montgomery Aviation (MA) and MXF to provide a rental rate and immediate transport of the stairs to MXF for their use.
- Expediting police escort of the MA stairs to MXF as soon as possible,
- Worked extensively with our key partners to facilitate resolution of this issue.
“Nothing is more valuable than the life and safety of the ANG pilot and the F-16/F-35 aircraft,” said Wade A. Davis, Executive Director of MGM. “The Arresting Cable Project is an essential part of protecting those who protect us.”
To alleviate any misperception that the MGM public AND airlines were not timely informed of BAK-12 progress, public notification occurred on the following dates:
- August 22, 2018 – BAK 12 issue discussed at Runway Safety Action Team (RSAT) meeting with all major airport stakeholders.
- Sept 7, 2021 – Relocated Threshold Concept proposed to open meeting with all major airport stakeholders including Airlines, Montgomery Aviation, Contractor, Engineer, and Air National Guard.
- Nov 5, 2021 – Confirmed Runway length sufficient for Delta.
- January 13, 2021 – FAA Confirmed acceptable concept and to proceed with Construction Safety and Phasing Plan development.
- March 31, 2021 – FAA Construction Safety and Phasing Plan Submittal to OE/AAA. Study number 2022-ASO-2830-NRA (Publicly available for review). Proposed 8/1/22 start date.
- April 14, 2022 – FAA Returned Approval of Construction Safety and Phasing Plan
- July 29, 2022 – Project Kickoff meeting. Open meeting. Start date of 8/21 determined.
- Aug 17, 2022 – FAA Air Traffic Safety Risk Management Panel
- In addition, BAK-12 updates were provided in public session at monthly MGM Board Meetings.
Montgomery Regional Airport offers non-stop flights to Atlanta, Georgia (ATL); Charlotte, North Carolina (CLT); Dallas, Texas (DFW), and Washington, D.C. (DCA). MGM currently serves the region with daily flights by American and Delta Airlines. For more information on the airport, visit flymgm.com.
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