- A. All Class C operations require Mode C Transponder operation and two-way radio communication with appropriate facility.
- 1. Surface Area: controlled by the John Wayne Tower on one of two frequencies (East and West).
- 2. Outer portions: belong to “SoCal Approach,” a TRACON.
- B. Class C operations require two additional radio calls when compared to standard Class D.
- 1. Arriving VFR pilots, regardless of point of origin, must establish contact with SoCal before entering the Class C. Frequencies are shown on the LA Area and Sectional charts.
- 2. Departing VFR pilots must obtain departure instructions prior to contacting Ground control.
- a. The VFR “Clearance” frequency is 121.85.
- b. The same controller works IFR Clearance Delivery on 118.0, so care must be taken to avoid conflicts when it becomes clear an IFR pilot will be making a response not audible on the VFR frequency.
- c. There are only four possible VFR departure headings. If you have forgotten these options, simply tell Clearance your desired destination.
- 3. Departing pilots who wish to discontinue radar service at the edge of the Surface Area and remain below the outer portions of the C airspace should request a "Local," avoiding mention of a destination and use of the term "Departure." Example: "5535K would like an El Toro Local."
- 4. Departing pilots who wish continuing radar service beyond the Surface Area should request a "Departure" and specify a destination. Example: "5535K would like an El Toro Departure to San Diego."
- C. The John Wayne Class C closes when the tower shuts down for the night. Airspace at and above 700' AGL reverts to Class E. Below, the airspace reverts to Class G.
- A. John Wayne has two parallel runways.
- 1. 19R (1L) is 5800’ long. It serves the west side of the airport and all larger airplanes.
- 2. 19L (1R) is 2800’ long. It serves the east side of the airport and cannot handle large aircraft.
- B. There are two major taxiways, roughly parallel to the runways.
- 1. Alpha on the east side
- 2. Bravo on the west side
- 3, Both major taxiways are commonly shared by opposite direction traffic when authorized by Ground.
- C. Most General Aviation businesses are located at the south-east corner of the field.
