WRI SOP: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 19:44, 12 January 2026

New York ARTCC

Standard Operating Procedure — McGuire ATCT/RAPCON

Rev. 9 — Revised: 2026-01-12

Area at a glance

ICAO Code	Airport Name	Airspace
KWRI	McGuire Air Force Base	D
KNEL	Naval Air Engineering Station Lakehurst	D

Uncontrolled Fields [Show]

ICAO Code	Airport Name	Airspace
KBLM	Monmouth Executive	G
KMJX	Ocean County	G
N12	Lakewood	G
N14	Flying W	G
N73	Red Lion	G
N81	Hammonton	G
NJ20	Coyle Field	G
NJ24	Warren Grove Range	G
NJ46	Mar Bar L Farms	G
NJ59	Ekdahl	G
NJ60	Cuddihy Landing Strip	G
NJ69	Ideal Air Strip	G
NJ72	Hop Brook Farm	G
NJ75	Werner	G
N87	Trenton-Robinsville	G
19N	Camden County	G
2N6	Redwing	G
2N8	Marlboro	G
3N6	Old Bridge	G
3N7	Pemberton	G
46NJ	Real Acres	G
6NJ0	Lentine South	G

Purpose: This document prescribes the procedures to be utilized for providing air traffic control services at McGuire AFB Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and McGuire Radar Approach Control Facility (RAPCON). The procedures described herein are supplemental to the New York ARTCC Standard Operating Procedures and FAA Order JO 7110.65.

Distribution: This order is distributed to all New York ARTCC personnel.

Procedural Deviations: Exceptional or unusual requirements may dictate procedural deviations or supplementary procedures to this order. A situation may arise that is not adequately covered herein; in such an event use good judgment to adequately resolve the problem.

Operational Positions

Position	Callsign	Radio Name	Frequency	Identifier
Clearance Delivery	WRI_DEL	McGuire Clearance Delivery	135.200
Ground Control	WRI_GND	McGuire Ground	121.800	1G
Local Control	WRI_TWR	McGuire Tower	118.650	1L
ATIS	KWRI_ATIS		127.100

Position	Callsign	Radio Name	Frequency	Identifier
Ground Control	NEL_GND	Lakehurst Ground	118.375	MK
Local Control	NEL_TWR	Lakehurst Tower	127.770	MH

Sector	Callsign	Frequency	Identifier	Combined Sector
McGuire Approach	WRI_APP	126.475	MY	Primary TRACON

ATCT

Clearance Delivery

Exit Gate	Exit	Scratchpad	Radial / SID
West (W)	ARD	ARD
West (W)	NAGGS	NAG	NAGGS# only
North (N)	RBV	RNV
East (E)	DIXIE	DIX	RBV 122
East (E)	MANTA	MAN	MANTA# only
South (S)	CYN	CYN
South (S)	LEEAH	LEE	THMAS# only

Notes

Most of the departures out of KWRI start with a SID. These SIDs have transitions that are outside KWRI airspace (e.g. EMI, AIR, MRB, etc.) Refer to the IFR Departures section to learn more about these transitions.
Exit fixes that are shown in grey can only be used for KWRI departures and they are only acceptable if used as transitions from the proper SID.

Position	Frequency	Code
WRI_APP	126.475	MY
NY_CTR (Kennedy)	125.325	N56

This table lists the common departure frequencies for WRI Clearance Delivery. In general, the first controller in this list will handle departures.

Note that this table only serves as a guide. The actual departure frequency has to be determined based on coordination with the other online controllers.

If there is no other controller online that would accept departures from WRI, use WRI CTAF (118.650).

Routing to certain airports in ZNY, ZDC and ZBW ARTCCs is pre-coordinated through letters of agreement (LOA). These routes have been added to the Preferred Route Database (PRD). Therefore, PRD must be referenced for all departures.

SID	Initial altitude
MANTA#	6,000’
NAGGS#	6,000’
THMAS#	8,000’

The chart to the right lists the initial altitudes for the SIDs at WRI. Some intra-RAPCON flights also have initial altitudes that are non-standard.
All SIDs out of WRI contain published crossing restrictions. Therefore, the phrase "Climb via SID" must be included in the IFR clearance.
Most IFR departures from WRI start with a SID. If the pilot files a route that does not start with a SID, recommend an amendment that would start with the proper SID.
Use the tabs below to access information about various departure procedures and their climbs.

The MANTA# RNAV Departure is the standard departure procedure for departures to the east and northeast. The picture below shows the initial climb for each runway. There are no transitions on this SID.

The primary objective of the MANTA# is to keep the WRI departure traffic separated from other ZNY traffic including arrivals to JFK. The primary purpose of the climbs is to keep the WRI departure traffic separated from the restricted area R-5001 to the east of WRI airport.

PHRASEOLOGY
Cleared to (clearance limit), MANTA (number) departure, then as filed. Climb via SID...

The NAGGS# RNAV Departure is the standard departure procedure for RNAV departures to the west and north. The picture below shows the initial climb for each runway. There are no transitions on this SID.

The primary objective of the NAGGS# is to keep the WRI departure traffic separated from other traffic flying through the Philadelphia airspace. The primary purpose of the climbs is to keep the WRI departure traffic separated from the restricted area R-5001 to the east of WRI airport.

PHRASEOLOGY
Cleared to (clearance limit), NAGGS (number) departure, then as filed. Climb via SID...

The THMAS# RNAV Departure is the standard departure procedure for RNAV departures to the south. The picture on the right shows the initial climb for each runway. There are no transitions on this SID.

The primary objective of the THMAS# is to keep the WRI departure traffic separated from other ZNY and ZDC traffic. The primary purpose of the climbs is to keep the WRI departure traffic separated from the restricted area R-5001 to the east of WRI airport.

PHRASEOLOGY
Cleared to (clearance limit), THMAS (number) departure, then as filed. Climb via SID...

WRI is located inside McGuire Class Delta Airspace. All VFR traffic must establish two-way radio communications.

Ground Control

Departure Sequencing

Exit Gate	Exits
West	ARD, NAGGS
North	RBV
East	DIXIE, MANTA
South	CYN, LEEAH

Aircraft should be sequenced to depart in the following order:

By alternating gate group.
If not the above, then by alternating exit.
If not the above, then by aircraft type largest to smallest.

Coordinate with Local at the beginning of a shift if departures will “monitor” or “contact.” Also ensure to coordinate how Local would like the departure sequence forwarded.

Before switching departing aircraft to Tower frequency, ensure the aircraft is aware of their number for takeoff. This is important for engine start and warm up times.

Runway Ownership and Crossings: Closed runways shall be owned by Ground Control. The only time runways will ever be closed is during events, and closures must be authorized by the TMU. We do not simulate runway closures on VATSIM during standard day-to-day operations.; Transfer of runway ownership, between Ground Control and Local Control, shall be accomplished verbally (or textually).; Ground Control is authorized to cross all active runways with coordination with Local Control.

Taxi Routes: As the taxiway system is simple, there are no pre-defined routings.

Intersection Departures and Usable Runway Lengths: Tower controllers may initiate/authorize intersection takeoffs. The measured distance from the intersection to the runway end need not be issued to aircraft unless specifically requested. The distance remaining, rounded down to the nearest 50', from each intersection where takeoff is authorized is as follows.

24	6	18
B (2,100')	B (7,900')	L (6,150')
C (7,200')	C (2,800')

Local Control

Releases: Releases from McGuire are automatic unless WRI RAPCON requests individual releases.

Separation: The standard departure separation technique to be used is anticipated radar separation. When wake turbulence is a factor, use timed separation in accordance with FAA Order JO 7110.65.

Radar (RACD): This tower is equipped with a Remote ARTS Color Display (RACD) and is LRAC (Limited Radar Approach Control) certified. By agreement with WRI RAPCON, this tower shall NOT radar identify departing aircraft and shall instruct IFR departures, and VFR departures requesting flight following to contact Departure Control once they appear to be clear of any traffic. It is imperative that tower controllers observe departing traffic turning towards the assigned climb or heading before handing off.

Aircraft Exiting the Runway: Arriving aircraft shall be issued a turn onto one of the taxiways adjacent to the landing runway to ensure the aircraft continues its taxi away from the runway exit. Handoff to Ground Control after the aircraft starts taxiing away from the active runway. Local Control will coordinate with Ground Control, as needed, to determine the traffic flow on the taxiways.

Wind Speed (kts)	Direction	Depart	Land
0-4	Any	6, 36	6
5-15	330-149	6	6
5-15	150-329	24	24
>15	030-119	6	6
	120-209	18	18
	210-299	24	24
	300-029	36	36

For IFR traffic that is flying a published SID, do not assign a heading (this will override the climb); instead, simply clear them for takeoff.

PHRASEOLOGY
Cactus123, wind 330 at 10, runway 36, cleared for takeoff.

For IFR traffic that is not flying a SID, departure heading will be runway heading.

Missed Approach Procedures

Runway	Heading	Altitude
6	Runway	2,000'
18	220	2,000'
24	Runway	2,000'
36	Runway	2,000'

Missed approaches or go-arounds must fly runway heading or track the localizer until reaching the departure end of the runway, then be issued a heading, unless the controller determines that it would be advantageous to delay or initiate a turn early.
The table to the right indicates the heading and altitude that need to be assigned to a missed approach or go-around prior to release to RAPCON frequency.

Additional Information

In order to prevent increased workload on the RAPCON, consider issuing missed approaches or go-arounds speed restrictions.
Coordinate with RAPCON as soon as possible and hand off when Local Control traffic is not a factor.
Sound judgment must be exercised when dealing with go-arounds or missed approaches. Deviate as necessary from the headings and altitudes listed on the table if using them would compromise safety.

Airspace: Class DELTA. The tower owns 2,600' and below within an 5 mile radius of the airport.

Radar: This tower is LRAC (Limited Radar Approach Control) certified.

Departures: All departures whose destination is NEL should remain on the ground until approval has been received from the destination tower (or from WRI RAPCON) that they are able to accept the aircraft into their airspace.

Flight Following: All aircraft should remain on the tower frequency unless the route of flight will or may impede the operations of WRI RAPCON while operating inside the tower's delegated portion of the Class Delta, or the aircraft will leave the tower's delegated portion of the Class Delta.

Pattern Work: Use the following as a guide for pilots wanting to perform pattern work at WRI. All helicopters should be at 600’, light aircraft at 800', and jets at 1,600’. Aircraft in the overhead should be at 2,100'. Simultaneous pattern work at both runways is not allowed

Runway	Direction
6	Left
18	Right
24	Right
36	Left

RAPCON

Coordination: Procedures contained in Letters of Agreement shall apply at all times unless prior verbal (or textual) coordination between facilities has been affected otherwise.

Position Combining/Decombining: Coordinate prior to combining/decombining pertinent positions within facilities with any affected controllers.

Point Outs: When using an automated point out, verbal (or textual) approval must be obtained before an aircraft may enter another controller’s airspace. An automated point out not accompanied by a verbal or textual description does NOT constitute a valid point out.

Separation Minima: Minimum radar separation between aircraft shall be at least three miles (intra-RAPCON) or five miles (RAPCON-Center) constant or increasing when transfer of control is accomplished. Other factors such as wake turbulence separation and miles-in-trail requirements may increase this minimum.

Conflicting Flows: When the facilities for which the LOA pertains to must use conflicting traffic flows, they shall do so alternately, governed by traffic volume and delays at each airport or airspace.

Restricted Areas R-5001 and R-5002: Restricted Area R-5001 is approximately 1 mile east of McGuire airport and approximately 4 miles west of Lakehurst airport. Restrictions are as follows:

From surface to 4,000' only during 06:00 to 23:30 local time.
From 4,000' to 8,000' during daytime of Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Restricted Area R-5002 is approximately 4 miles south of CYN, and includes the airspace above NJ24 airport. Restrictions are as follows:

Area A: From surface to but not including 14,000' during daytime.
Area B: From 1,000' to but not including 14,000' during daytime.
Area C: From surface to 3,000' during daytime.
Area D: From surface to 4,000' during daytime.
Area E: From 3,500' to but not including 14,000' during daytime.
Area F: From 14,000' to but not including FL200 during daytime.

Block	Unconditional	Conditional
1	2,000' and below
2	6,000’ and below
3	5,000’ and below
4	8,000’ and below
5	3,000' and below
6	3,000' and below
7	3,000’ and below
8	2,000’ and below
9	6,000’ and below
10	6,000’ and below
11	7,000’ and below
12	5,000’ and below	6,000’ and below when released by EWR per LOA.
13	3,000’ and below
14	None	Handoff accepted from EWR at 6,000’ and below.
15	2,000’ and below

From WRI Area to N90 TRACON Areas

Through	To	Route	Altitude	Hand-off	Frequency	Type
ARD	EWR	DIXIE V276 RBV	060	4P	128.55	Jets
ARD	EWR	DIXIE V276 RBV	050	4P	128.55	Props
METRO	EWR	DIXIE V276 RBV V249 METRO	040	4H	132.80	EWR SATS
EMP	LGA	RBV V123 NANCI	080	1D	127.30	Jets
MET	LGA	RBV V123 NANCI	040	4H	132.80	Props
MET	HPN/DXR	ZIGGI V276 RBV V249 SAX V39 BREZY	050	4H	123.80	LGA SATS
CAM	JFK / JFK SATS	RBV V276 ZIGGI	050	2G	128.12
CAM	ISP / ISP SATS	RBV V276 ZIGGI	050	2G	128.12
	PHL / PHL SATS	CYN V312 OOD	050	6V	119.75	PHL on East Ops
	PHL / PHL SATS	CYN V312 OOD	050	6S	133.87	PHL on West Ops
MET	PNE	RBV V276 ARD	040	4H	123.80

From WRI Area to ACY TRACON Areas

Through	To	Route	Altitude	Hand-off	Frequency	Type
	ACY	DIXIE V229	040		124.60
ACY		DIXIE V16 VCN	060		124.60	OVERFLIGHTS ONLY

From / Through	To	Route	Altitude	Type
ARD	WRI/NEL	HAR# STAR / NAGGS CYN	050	All
ACY	WRI/NEL	SIE# STAR / PANZE ZIGGI	060	All

Letter of Agreement

Newark TRACON (EWR) & McGuire RAPCON (WRI)

Rev. 1 - 2 Mar 2015

Purpose: This agreement prescribes transfer of control procedures, radar handoff procedures, route/altitude assignments, and delegation of airspace between Newark TRACON (EWR) and McGuire RAPCON (WRI).

Scope: The procedures contained herein must apply unless prior coordination is effected.

Disclosure: vZNY and any other facilities mentioned in this document are affiliated with the Virtual Air Traffic Simulation (VATSIM) network. The procedures outlined in this document are intended exclusively for use in the VATSIM flight simulation environment and must never be used for actual flight or air traffic control operations. vZNY and any other facility mentioned in this document are not affiliated with the FAA in any manner.

Coordination

Procedures contained in Letters of Agreement shall apply at all times unless prior verbal (or textual) coordination between facilities has been affected otherwise.

Position Combining/Decombining

Coordinate prior to combining/decombining pertinent positions within facilities with any affected controllers.

EWR arrivals from WRI airspace

WRI feeds ARD from RBV V249 METRO at 6,000' on EWR Jet/HPTP arrivals.
When N90 is unable to accept traffic landing EWR, N90 will delegate that portion of the RBV holding pattern north of V276 (i.e., EWR Area #36, WRI Area #12) at 6,000' to WRI.
WRI shall affect a radar handoff and transfer communications at least 2½nm from the airspace boundary lines. ARD has control for turns 30 degrees left or right of the inbound course.

Letter of Agreement

Philadelphia TRACON (PHL) & McGuire RAPCON (WRI)

Rev. 1 - 2 Mar 2015

Purpose: This agreement prescribes transfer of control procedures, radar handoff procedures, route/altitude assignments, and delegation of airspace between Philadelphia TRACON (PHL) and McGuire RAPCON (WRI).

Scope: The procedures contained herein must apply unless prior coordination is effected.

Disclosure: vZNY and any other facilities mentioned in this document are affiliated with the Virtual Air Traffic Simulation (VATSIM) network. The procedures outlined in this document are intended exclusively for use in the VATSIM flight simulation environment and must never be used for actual flight or air traffic control operations. vZNY and any other facility mentioned in this document are not affiliated with the FAA in any manner.

General

Coordination: Procedures contained in Letters of Agreement shall apply at all times unless prior verbal (or textual) coordination between facilities has been affected otherwise.

Position Combining/Decombining: Coordinate prior to combining/decombining pertinent positions within facilities with any affected controllers.

WRI RAPCON Departure Procedures

WRI traffic direct ARD shall remain in WRI airspace until approval request (APREQ) has been requested from and approved by PHL TRACON.
WRI shall handoff traffic on the PTW# or MXE# crossing WHITZ at 5,000' or between WHITZ and NAGGS climbing to 6,000'.
WRI shall handoff traffic not on PTW# or MXE# which is direct NAGGS, crossing WHITZ at 5,000' or between WHITZ and NAGGS climbing to 6,000'. Traffic direct NAGGS at lower altitudes should be on an APREQ basis.

WRI RAPCON Arrival Procedures

PHL shall handoff traffic on the HAR# arrival to WRI crossing NAGGS at 5,000'.
WRI has control on contact for turns 30 degrees left or right of the inbound course.

Letter of Agreement

McGuire RAPCON (WRI) & Atlantic City TRACON (ACY)

Rev. 1 - 2 Mar 2015

Purpose: This agreement prescribes transfer of control procedures, radar handoff procedures, route/altitude assignments, and delegation of airspace between McGuire RAPCON (WRI) and Atlantic City TRACON (ACY).

Scope: The procedures contained herein must apply unless prior coordination is effected.

Disclosure: vZNY and any other facilities mentioned in this document are affiliated with the Virtual Air Traffic Simulation (VATSIM) network. The procedures outlined in this document are intended exclusively for use in the VATSIM flight simulation environment and must never be used for actual flight or air traffic control operations. vZNY and any other facility mentioned in this document are not affiliated with the FAA in any manner.

General

Coordination: Procedures contained in Letters of Agreement shall apply at all times unless prior verbal (or textual) coordination between facilities has been affected otherwise.

Position Combining/Decombining: Coordinate prior to combining/decombining pertinent positions within facilities with any affected controllers.

WRI RAPCON Arrival Procedures: ACY shall handoff WRI arrivals on the SIE# STAR crossing PANZE at 6,000'

@@ Line 128: / Line 128: @@
 {{SOPBoilerplate
 |Facility=McGuire AFB Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) and McGuire Radar Approach Control Facility (RAPCON)}}
+{{Layout-Clearfix}}
 === Operational Positions ===
@@ Line 383: / Line 385: @@
 ;Separation
-: The standard departure separation technique to be used is anticipated radar separation. When wake turbulence is a factor, use timed separation in accordance with [https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/JO_7110.126A.pdf FAA JO 7110.126A].
+: The standard departure separation technique to be used is anticipated radar separation. When wake turbulence is a factor, use timed separation in accordance with {{ExtLink_FAA7110}}.
 ;Radar (RACD)