Manage Your Business Flight Operations at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK)

Chicago Executive Airport (IATA: PWK, ICAO: KPWK), formerly known as Palwaukee Municipal Airport, is a public airport located 18 miles (33 km) northwest of Chicago, in the village of Wheeling, Cook County, Illinois, United States. The airport is jointly owned by the City of Prospect Heights and the Village of Wheeling. With over 77,000 take-offs and landings annually, it ranks as the fourth busiest airport in Illinois, serving a significant volume of general aviation traffic.

Runway Information & Business Jet Compatibility at Chicago Executive Airport

Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) features three runways, each with specific length and surface specifications:

 

• Runway 16/34: 5,001 ft (1,524 m) in length, with an asphalt surface (60% of total operations)
• Runway 12/30: 4,415 ft (1,346 m) in length, with an asphalt surface (25% of total operations).
• Runway 6/24: 3,677 ft (1,121 m) in length, with an asphalt surface (15% of total operations).

 

These runways can accommodate a variety of business jets. Such as;:

• Runway 16/34: With a length of 5,001 ft (1,524 m), this runway is suitable for larger business jets such as the Gulfstream G550 or Bombardier Global 6000, which typically require around 5,000 ft for takeoff at maximum weight.
• Runway 12/30: At 4,415 ft (1,346 m), this runway can handle midsize jets like the Cessna Citation XLS+ or Hawker 800, which generally require around 4,000 ft for takeoff.
• Runway 6/24: The shortest of the three, at 3,677 ft (1,121 m), is best suited for smaller business jets such as the Embraer Phenom 100 or Cessna Citation Mustang, which typically require between 3,000 to 3,500 ft for takeoff.

 

For the year ending March 31, 2022, Chicago Executive Airport had an average of 296 aircraft movements per day, totaling 108,203 aircraft operations per year. Of these, 80% were general aviation, 20% were air taxi, and less than 1% were military and commercial. Additionally, the airport had 259 based aircraft during the same period, including 149 single-engine airplanes, 81 jet aircraft, 20 multi-engine airplanes, and 4 helicopters. This highlights Chicago Executive Airport’s significance as a key hub for general and business aviation.

Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) has implemented LED runway lighting, reducing energy consumption by 40%, and transitioned 25% of its ground support equipment to electric vehicles, contributing to its sustainability efforts.

International Operations, Customs Procedures, & Maintenance Restrictions at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK)

For international operations at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires a minimum of two hours’ advance notice for customs clearance. Notice is required from Monday to Friday, between 1100 and 1900 local time.

 

Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) is located within a noise-sensitive area to the north and south. Aircraft operations are subject to certain time restrictions, with conditions not reported but typically observed during the following times:

 

• Sunday: 1530L – 0630L (next day)
• Monday: 2100L – 0630L (next day)
• Tuesday: 1530L – 0630L (next day)
• Wednesday: 1530L – 0630L (next day)
• Thursday: 2100L – 0630L (next day)
• Friday: 2100L – 0630L (next day)
• Saturday: 1530L – 0630L (next day)

 

Additionally, all transit aircraft clearing customs must use the FBO after clearance. U.S. CBP user fees are billed by the FBOs only. The User Fees for U.S. Customs Clearance at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) are based on the maximum gross takeoff weight (MTOW) of the aircraft and are effective as of May 1, 2021. These fees are categorized into different classes, with additional charges for overtime, surcharges, and international trash fees, where applicable.

 

For Class 1 aircraft, which include single-engine piston aircraft, the fee is $200.00, plus any applicable overtime fees, surcharges, and international trash fees. Class 2 includes twin-engine piston, turboprop, and jets weighing less than 8,000 lbs., with a fee of $450.00, also subject to additional fees. Class 3 applies to twin-engine piston, turboprop, and jets ranging from 8,000 to 30,000 lbs., with a fee of $1,200.00, again with additional charges for overtime and surcharges. For Class 4, which includes aircraft over 30,000 lbs., the fee is $1,750.00, with similar additional charges.

 

An overtime surcharge of $500.00 applies for off-hour and holiday operations. These fees ensure proper clearance processing and support services for international arrivals at PWK, contributing to the smooth handling of customs procedures.

Maintenance Run-up Procedures

The preferred maintenance run-up area is located Taxiway C, above the tower, with the exhaust facing towards the center of the airport. Run-up alignment at the Runway 34 hold pad should be at a 190-degree angle while waiting for takeoff or conducting run-ups. Maintenance runs at the Runway 16 hold pad are prohibited. Turbine engine runs are prohibited between 2200L and 0700L every day.

Landing Clearance & Slot Coordination at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK)

Landing permits are generally not required for private or non-commercial flights. However, operators conducting commercial operations may need to comply with specific requirements for their flights. For commercial operations, a Commercial Operating Permit (COP) must be obtained, which outlines operational terms, including any necessary fees, such as landing and fuel flowage fees.

 

Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) does not require a slot reservation system for general aviation, including private and non-commercial flights. For commercial operations, it is recommended to coordinate with Just Aviation ahead of time, especially during peak hours or when larger aircraft are involved, to ensure the availability of sufficient ramp and parking space.

Ground Handling Services & Facilities at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK)

Just Aviation supports a wide range of airport ground handling services at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) for business aviation operators, ensuring smooth and efficient operations for both private and business aircrafts:

 

• Fueling Operations: Jet A-1 and Avgas fueling options are available, with all fueling services conducted directly on the apron.
• Ramp Services: Ramp handling includes aircraft marshalling, towing, and pushback services, conducted with precision to ensure safe and efficient ground movement. Ground power units (GPUs) are provided for aircraft electrical support during engine shutdowns, as well as air start units (ASUs) to facilitate engine startups.
• Passenger and Crew Facilities: Comfortable amenities, such as fully equipped lounges for rest and preparation, are available for passengers and crew. Crew cars are provided for transportation, ensuring easy access to and from the airport.
• Deicing and Winter Operations: Type I and Type IV deicing services are available during winter months to ensure the safe operation of aircraft. Deicing procedures are carried out with attention to detail, ensuring that all surfaces are adequately treated before departure. Ground teams are trained to handle these operations swiftly to minimize delays.
• Customs and Immigration Support: For international arrivals, on-field customs and immigration clearance is facilitated.
• Hangar and Parking: Heated hangar space is available to accommodate a variety of aircraft sizes, including larger business jets such as the Bombardier Global Express. Both short-term and long-term aircraft parking options are provided on-site, with secure options available.

 

We are dedicated to supporting business aviation operations at Chicago Executive Airport (PWK), offering tailored ground handling solutions that prioritize efficiency, safety, and compliance with regulatory standards.