From the Flight Deck – Dubuque Regional Airport (DBQ)

Dubuque Regional is a small to medium sized multi-use airport located approximately 5 miles south of the city of Dubuque, Iowa. The associated Class Delta airspace is in effect while the ATC tower is open. Refer to the Chart Supplement for hours of operation.

0:38 - The runway configuration consists of two runways that intersect at their northern ends labeled runway 13-31 and 18-36. Apart from the air carrier terminal, all facilities and services are located to the east of the runway complex. Also discusses the traffic mix at DBQ.

1:12 - When arriving to runway 13 -18 or runway 36-31, pay extra attention to runway assignment and aircraft alignment. One mitigation strategy might be to load an instrument approach or create a GPS user waypoint aligned with your assigned runway.

1:34 - There are three Hotspots on the airport. Hotspot # 1 is located on taxiway Alpha and the approach end of runway 18. Even after receiving and reading back the appropriate taxi clearances, pilots have still failed to hold short of runway 18. It’s important to understand your complete taxi clearance, including route, turns, and hold short instructions before moving the aircraft. Use extra vigilance watching for pavement markings, above ground signs and lighting while taxing.

2:04 - Hotspots 2 and 3 are similar, and occur at runway 13 -18 and taxiways Delta and Charlie. Aircraft are failing to hold short at Hot Spot 2 and Hot Spot 3 as directed. Like with Hot Spot #1, make sure you have thorough understanding of your clearance. The opposite situation occurs at Hot Spot 2 and 3 as well as well. After landing, pilots are not taxiing clear of the runway causing delays and go arounds behind them. Remember, to be considered clear of the runway, your aircraft must be completely across the hold short line for the runway behind you.

2:45 - Tower visibility to the northwest of the Tower is limited due to buildings. This is especially true for aircraft utilizing the self-service fuel pumps northwest of the tower. Pilots may be asked for more precise position reports when operating in this area. In addition, large air carrier aircraft occasionally operate at the field. Pilots need to be aware of possible jet blast and taxi accordingly.

3:10 - DBQ has major construction projects underway. Ensure your preflight planning includes checking NOTAMs, Construction Notices and ATIS broadcasts.

The FAA's From the Flight Deck video series uses aircraft-mounted cameras to capture runway and taxiway footage and combines them with diagrams and visual graphics to clearly identify hot spots and other safety-sensitive items. Learn more at https://www.faa.gov/FromTheFlightDeck.

This video is informational only and does not replace the pilot’s responsibility to conduct required pre-flight planning in accordance with FAR 91.103.