Fairbanks tower closing at night

During this time pilots should use the tower frequency (118.3 MHz) as a common traffic advisory frequency. Instrument flight rules traffic will be managed by the Anchorage Air Route Traffic Control Center on the center's local frequency, 120.9 MHz. Fairbanks will become a one-in, one-out operation for IFR traffic during these hours. Fairbanks Flight Service will be able to relay clearances during these hours on its local frequencies. 

Fairbanks has historically had a continuously operating tower, so this announcement represents a significant change. In addition to the mix of local traffic from Piper Super Cubs, floatplanes, and air taxi and airline operations, Fairbanks serves as an alternate for Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, and on occasion handles heavy cargo aircraft traffic. Airport operations staff is being augmented to help handle this change, which at this point is “until further notice.”  Please review notams and use caution during the adjustment period.

If something at your airport is of concern, consider reaching out to your AOPA regional manager or Airport Support Network volunteer. If your airport does not have an ASN volunteer, consider joining our ranks to engage with, promote, and protect your airport today at aopa.org/asn.