Business Aviation Operations at Scottsdale Airport (SCF)

Scottsdale Airport (IATA: SCF, ICAO: KSDL) is a municipal airport situated approximately 14 kilometers (9 miles) north of downtown Scottsdale in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. Recognized as one of Arizona’s premier corporate jet facilities, it has established itself as a preferred destination for business aviation.

 

In 1995, the Arizona Department of Transportation honored Scottsdale Airport (SCF) with the prestigious Arizona Airport of the Year award, highlighting its operational excellence and contributions to aviation in the region. Additionally, one of the Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) at the airport has been consistently ranked among the top 50 in the United States by Professional Pilots Magazine every year since 1993, showcasing the airport’s commitment to superior service and infrastructure for corporate aviation.

Runway and Operational Statistics of Scottsdale Airport (SCF)

Scottsdale Airport (SCF) features a single asphalt runway (Runway 3/21) measuring 8,249 feet in length and 100 feet in width (2,514 x 30 meters). This runway accommodates a wide range of general aviation and corporate aircraft, reinforcing the airport’s status as a key hub for business aviation in Arizona.

Scottsdale Airport (SCF) prohibits touch-and-go operations between 9:30 pm and 6:00 am, as well as intersection take-offs, stop-and-go, formation or simulated single-engine departures, and simulated go-arounds. For noise abatement, Runway 03 is preferred, except for Stage 2 aircraft.

 

In 2023, Scottsdale Airport (SCF) reported approximately 171,675 aircraft movements, reinforcing its position as one of the busiest corporate jet facilities in the region. The airport is home to around 422 based aircraft (Single-Engine Airplanes: 65%, Multi-Engine Airplanes: 15%, Jet Aircraft: 18%, Helicopters: 2%), ranging from single-engine recreational planes to a significant number of corporate jets, reflecting its importance in supporting general aviation and business aviation needs.

 

General aviation accounts for 97% of total operations at SCF, with 75% classified as itinerant and 22% as local flights. Air taxi services make up 2%, while military flights represent 1%. SCF does not accommodate scheduled commercial airline operations.

Operational Considerations for Scottsdale Airport (SCF)

Scottsdale Airport (SCF), paired with Just Aviation’s operational expertise, offers comprehensive facilities, making it a vital hub for domestic and international aviation while ensuring adherence to noise and operational regulations:

Landing Fees and Parking

Scottsdale Airport (SCF) does not impose a standard landing fee for operations. However, transient aircraft weighing 12,500 pounds or more, based on their Maximum Certified Ramp Weight (MCRW), are subject to transient fees. Additionally, overnight parking fees apply for aircraft that remain at the airport beyond a single day. Parking facilities include hangars and tiedowns, providing operators with flexible options for aircraft storage.

International Operations

Customs services are available at Scottsdale Airport (SCF) between 1600Z and 0200Z for international operations. Operators planning international arrivals must prepay a user fee before arrival. This process ensures efficient customs clearance while maintaining compliance with operational requirements.

Fuel Services

The airport has two types of fuel availability: 100LL (avgas) for piston-engine aircraft and Jet A-1+ for turbine-powered aircraft. These fuel options cater to the diverse needs of general aviation and corporate operators, ensuring reliability for a wide range of aircraft.

Noise Abatement and Restrictions

To minimize environmental impact and community disturbance, Scottsdale Airport (SCF) observes a voluntary noise abatement curfew between 2200 and 0600 local time. Operators are strongly encouraged to limit operations during this period. Additionally, the airport is surrounded by noise-sensitive areas in all quadrants, and adherence to noise abatement procedures is critical. Maintenance run-ups are not permitted between 2200 and 0700 to further reduce noise.

 

SCF experiences peak operational periods during major events such as the Barrett-Jackson Auto Auction and the Waste Management Phoenix Open, with aircraft movements increasing by up to 40% during these times.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Procedures at Scottsdale Airport (SCF)

These procedures reflect Scottsdale Airport’s commitment to facilitating efficient international operations while adhering to federal aviation and customs requirements:

Regular Office Hours

Scottsdale Airport (SCF) operates seven days a week, with office hours from 0900 to 1900 Mountain Time (MT). These hours ensure consistent service availability for general aviation operators.

Inspection Services for Entrance and Clearance

Aircraft inspections for arrivals at Scottsdale Airport (SCF) are available every day during regular office hours. These services comply with the airport’s designated Permission to Land procedures, which streamline the entry process for international operators.

 

For outbound commercial operators departing the United States, it is mandatory to obtain clearance directly from CBP prior to departure. This ensures compliance with federal regulations and smooth coordination of international departures.

Permission to Land Procedures at Scottsdale Airport (SCF)

Scottsdale Airport (SCF) is classified as a “user fee airport” under 19 CFR 122.1(m) and 19 CFR 122.15. Operators must secure prior permission to land at least one hour before their departure from the foreign port or location. The granted permission allows for a tolerance window of (+/-) 30 minutes from the estimated time of arrival (ETA).

 

If the ETA deviates beyond this window, the previously granted landing permission becomes invalid, and the pilot must reestablish contact with the CBP port to secure new permission to land.

Inspection Process

Upon arrival, the following inspection procedures are conducted:

 

• Aircraft Parking: The aircraft must park on the designated CBP ramp.
• CBP Officer Engagement: A CBP Officer will meet the aircraft at the ramp to begin the inspection process.
• Crew and Passenger Processing: All crew members and passengers will be processed either on the ramp or inside the CBP office. Required documents include:
• Passports
• Visas (if applicable)
• Pilot’s license and medical certificate
• Aircraft registration
• User fee decal (if applicable)
• Waste Management: The FBO will manage the collection of regulated waste or garbage from the aircraft crew, ensuring proper disposal in compliance with regulations.

Required Documentation for Landing Permits

To obtain a landing permit at Scottsdale Airport (SCF), the following documents are required:

 

Aircraft Documentation:

• Airworthiness Certificate
• Registration Certificate
• Worldwide insurance coverage with applicable liability coverage based on MTOW
• Crew Documentation:
• Valid pilot licenses
• Current medical certificates

Passenger Documentation:

• Passports and visas (if applicable)
• Additional Documentation:
• Flight itinerary
• User fee payment confirmation
• CBP landing permission request with estimated time of arrival

 

Scottsdale Airport’s user fee status streamlines landing permits and inspection procedures, allowing for efficient operations. For assistance with flight permits or flight planning, contact Just Aviation to ensure seamless coordination.

Ground Handling Support at Scottsdale Airport (SCF)

Just Aviation ensures seamless ground handling services at Scottsdale Airport (SCF), supporting operators with parking options (hangars and tiedowns), refueling services (100LL and Jet-A1+), passenger handling, customs coordination, and ground support equipment such as GPUs. Additional services include regulated waste collection, ramp marshaling, and adherence to the airport’s voluntary noise abatement curfew from 2200 to 0600 local time. Trust Just Aviation for optimized ground handling with safety, efficient and well-coordinated operations at SCF.