Airport Regulations

The following are airport regulations that pilots should keep in mind when flying into or out of French Lick Airport (FRH). French Lick Airport (FRH) serves the French Lick, Indiana and West Baden, Indiana area.

Class E Airspace

The French Lick Municipal Airport falls under Class E Airspace as defined:

Definition: Generally, if the airspace is not Class A, Class B, Class C, or Class D, and it is controlled airspace, it is Class E airspace.

The following traffic rules should be used when using FRH Airport. Advisory Circular (AC) 90-66A contains the recommended standard traffic pattern at non-towered airports.

Taxiing

 

Aircraft shall be taxied at a safe and reasonable speed. Before entering onto the active runway for taxiing for takeoff, operators shall ascertain their right of way is unimpaired and there is no conflicting traffic.

For the purpose of engine run up, the aircraft will be stopped in an appropriate run up area facing landing traffic. No aircraft shall be moved onto the runway until clear and ready for takeoff. Radio equipped aircraft will monitor 122.8 for traffic movements, and advise position and intentions before takeoff and landing. Aircraft should also monitor AWOS at 118.075 for visibility, wind direction, and wind speed.

 

Take Off and Landing

Fixed wing traffic shall land and depart from paved surfaces only. Landings and takeoffs shall normally be made on the runway most nearly aligned with the wind indicator. If wind is calm, aircraft will conform with prevailing traffic.

Radio equipped aircraft will monitor 122.8 for aircraft traffic and monitor 118.075 for visibility, wind directions, and wind speed. Aircraft shall inicate position so other traffic will be alerted, as well as be aware of the position of other traffic.

If landing on Runway 26, the aircraft shall either taxi to the ramp at the halfway point or taxi to the end of the runway and take the parallel taxiway. Aircraft are not permitted to make 180 degree turns on the runway.

If landing on Runway 8, the aircraft shall either taxi to the ramp at the halfway point or taxi to the end of the runway and take the loop at the end. Once clear of the runway, the aircraft shall make sure there is no incoming traffic before taxiing to the ramp. Aircraft shall announce their intentions on 122.80.

Takeoff and / or landing from opposite ends of the runway at the same time are strictly prohibited.

Helicopters

  • Approaches and departures should not exceed 1,150 feet MSL or safe distance with other traffic
  • Avoid hovering near fixed wing aircraft.
  • Remain clear of persons, vehicles and buildings so as not to endanger or interfere with persons or property.
  • Normal VFR approaches and departures should be made to/from the runway and not directly to the ramp from any other direction.
  • Traffic pattern should be opposite side and direction to fixed wing traffic.

Gliders

Comply with standard traffic pattern when not on tow

Balloons

Because of normal air traffic density and congestion, balloons will be considered a special event. The French Lick Municipal Airport will permit balloon arrivals and departures with prior arrangements from Airport management.

 

 

 

 

Parachutists

No person can make or have parachute operations within Class E airspace, including the French Lick Municipal Airport, without prior local authority approval and ATC facility authorization. (14 CRF Part 105) Such operations will be considered a special event.

Unmanned Free Balloons

Unless otherwise authorized by ATC, no person may operate an unmanned free balloon below 2,000 feet above the surface within lateral boundaries of Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace designated for an airport. (14 CFR Part 101)

Ultralight Vehicles

  • AC 90-66A sets precedence on all matters associated with Airport operations.
  • An ultralight vehicle is any class of lightweight aircraft currently not certified by the Federal Aviation Administration and not otherwise exempt from registration under the laws of this state. Included in this category are Powered Parachutes, and Powered Hangliders.
  • Ultralight vehicles are required to yield the right-of-way to all aircraft per FAR Part 103.
  • Ultralight vehicles shall fly a pattern altitude 500 feet below the standard altitude set for the airport.
  • Ultralight vehicles shall perform the standard pattern with turns in the opposite direction.
  • Ultralight vehicles shall perform turns as soon as practical in order to clear the area expediently.

Agricultural Application

 

Such operations, whether performed by fixed wing aircraft or helicopters, shall load and service in those areas of the airport designated for that purpose.

 

 

 

Airport Traffic Patterns

Pilots shall fly the traffic pattern designated for this airport. The standard traffic pattern for fixed wing aircraft at French Lick Municipal Airport is as follows:

  • A standard left hand traffic pattern as depicted in the AIM.
  • A standard altitude of:
    • 500 feet AGL and below (1,292’ MSL) – Ultralight Aircraft

    • 1000 feet AGL (1,792’ MSL) – Light Aircraft

    • 1,500 feet AGL (2,292’ MSL) – Heavy Aircraft

  • Maintain Pattern altitude until A-beam approach end of the landing runway, on downwind leg.

  • Complete turn to final approach at least ¼ mile from approach end of landing.

  • On takeoff, continue straight ahead until beyond departure end runway.

  • If remaining in traffic pattern, commence turn to crosswind leg beyond the departure end of the runway, within 300 feet of the pattern altitude.

  • If departing the traffic pattern, exit with a 45 degree left turn beyond the departure end of the runway after reaching pattern altitude. Straight out departures are permitted. No turns are allowed within one mile of the airport for straight out departures

  • All aircraft approaching to determine airport conditions shall remain at least 500 feet above pattern altitude.

  • Helicopters shall operate 500 feet and below AGL and perpendicular to patterns ascribed for fixed wing aircraft.

  • Straight in or non-prescribed turns to final approach are discouraged.

  • Pilots of approaching aircraft with two-way radio communications shall contact UNICOM on 122.8 MHz prior to entering that traffic area, and monitor that frequency throughout the approach. 

If unable to contact UNICOM or AWOS at 118.075 or otherwise determine the flow of traffic, pilots shall over fly the field to determine the active runway. If unable to communicate with UNICOM operator, pilots of radio equipped aircraft shall blind broadcast position and intentions at appropriate points.

Runway 8-26 is the designated runway.


The French Lick Airport reserves the right to change or alter these airport regulations when needed and without advance notice.

The French Lick Airport warmly welcomes you to the exciting French Lick, Indiana and West Baden, Indiana area!