Arriving at Jandakot Airport during Tower operation hours, you will be in the good hands of the fine men and women working the tower and ground frequencies. There are 3 general entries to Jandakot Airport – Oakford, Powerhouse and Boatyard. If you are unfamiliar or still getting used to Jandakot Airport’s layout and operations, please do add the phrase “Unfamiliar” in your initial call to the air traffic controllers and they will take very good care of you. There’s no shame in saying that you’re not familiar with Jandakot, just as there’s no shame in going around if things aren’t going as expected on short final.
Please note that the while the information below is current as of the time of posting, it is the pilot’s responsibility to check and verify all arrival procedures using available and current charts, ERSA as well as any NOTAMs, prior to entry into Jandakot’s airspace.
Oakford Arrival
Oakford is a position line six miles south of Forrestdale Lake (FDL). You will typically use this arrival when coming in from the East, South or from the Training Area. Forrestdale Lake is a very visible lake, and you should have no problems finding it in the air. Prior to reaching Oakford (the position line), tune into Jandakot’s ATIS (128.65) and take note of the active runway. It will either be 06L, 24R or 12/30. Most of the time, it will be 06L or 24R unless wind conditions justify the use of 12/30. Descend and maintain 1,500 feet before reaching Six South.
At Oakford, set your transponder to 3000, signifying to the area controller that you intend to go into Class D airspace. Armed with the current ATIS, tune into Jandakot’s Tower frequency, 118.1.
Pilot: Jandakot Tower, [callsign] [aircraft type] is at Oakford, 1,500 feet, inbound with information [ATIS].
Jandakot Tower: [callsign], Jandakot Tower, maintain 1,500.
When Jandakot Tower mentions your callsign, you are cleared to enter Class D airspace.
Pilot: Maintain 1,500, [callsign]At Forrestdale lake, say “[callsign], Forrestdale Lake.” Tower will respond by saying your callsign.Proceed to overfly the airport (mid-field crosswind for 06L/24R). Above the airport, the tower will clear you for a visual approach. Turn left downwind for 06L and turn right downwind for 24R. If runway 12/30 is in use, listen for circuit joining instructions specific to you by the tower. Powerhouse Arrival
You will typically use this arrival if you’re coming in from Rottnest or from the North. Prior to reaching Powerhouse (big long grey building by the coast), descend and maintain 1,500. Tune into Jandakot’s ATIS (128.65) to get the current information. At Powerhouse, set your transponder to 3000 and call up Jandakot Tower on 118.1.
Pilot: Jandakot Tower, [callsign] [aircraft type] is at Oakford, 1,500 feet, inbound with information [ATIS].
Jandakot Tower: [callsign], Jandakot Tower, maintain 1,500.
When Jandakot Tower mentions your callsign, you are cleared to enter Class D airspace.
Pilot: Maintain 1,500 feet, [callsign].
Fly towards Adventure World. Look for the high yellow metallic tower structure in front of Bibra Lake. That will be the most visible tracking point.
At Adventure World, call “[callsign], Adventure World.” The tower will respond by repeating your callsign. Thereafter, you will be cleared for a visual approach.
Boatyard Arrival
Boatyard is located a few miles south of Powerhouse and can be used for entry if you’re coming in from the South along the coast. Look for a big grey squarish building that looks like a grey cube. The entry procedures will be very similar to the Powerhouse Arrival mentioned above.
There you have it, entry procedures are much more straightforward than departure procedures. That said, do keep a lookout at all times until your aircraft is parked on the ground and your keys are out.