Pilots Guide - Pepperell Airport (26MA) Operations & Procedures

Schematic of the left-hand traffic patterns for runways 06 and 24 at Pepperell Airport (26MA)

Pilots Guide to Pepperell Airport

This independent pilots guide to Pepperell Airport (26MA) brings together the traffic patterns, radio calls and skydiving precautions that matter most when flying into this private-use field.

Pre-Arrival Procedures

Before arriving at Pepperell Airport, pilots should complete the following steps:

  1. Obtain Prior Permission: The FAA lists the field as private use only. Permission comes from airport management, not from this guide, and should be arranged before planning the flight.
  2. Check NOTAMs: Review current Notices to Airmen for any temporary restrictions or conditions.
  3. Weather Briefing: Obtain current weather for the area. The nearest weather reporting station in the FAA airport record is the ASH AWOS-3PT, about 5.4 nm away; Fitchburg (KFIT) and Lawrence (KLWM) are farther out.
  4. Flight Planning: Include appropriate fuel reserves and alternate airports.

Communication Procedures

Recommended Radio Calls

Recommended calls on Unicom 123.05 MHz:

Frequency Information

Traffic Pattern Procedures

Runway 06 (Left Traffic)

When landing Runway 06, fly a LEFT-hand traffic pattern:

Runway 24 (Left Traffic)

When landing Runway 24, fly a LEFT-hand traffic pattern:

Proper traffic pattern discipline is essential for safety, especially at airports with mixed operations like skydiving activity.

Skydiving Operations Advisory

Critical Safety Information

The FAA airport record lists skydiving activity at Pepperell Airport from 0800 to sunset daily. Failure to follow these procedures could result in mid-air collision with parachutists.

Skydiving Activity Times

Precautions During Jump Activity

  1. Never overfly the airport without first calling Unicom
  2. Call 5 miles out requesting jump status
  3. Hold position if jumpers are in the air or jump run is active
  4. Maintain visual lookout for jump aircraft and parachutists
  5. Avoid the jump zone (area directly above and around the airport from pattern altitude to 13,500 feet)

Jump Aircraft Operations

Jump aircraft typically climb to 13,500 feet AGL before releasing skydivers. The jump run is usually oriented along the runway axis. Jump pilots commonly announce:

The FAA advisory circular AC 105-2E, Sport Parachuting provides additional guidance on parachute operations at airports shared with general aviation traffic.

FAA AIM 3-5-4 recommends that jump pilots at non-towered airports broadcast position, altitude and approximate jump start and end times on the designated Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF), monitor it, and avoid releasing parachutes while other aircraft are in the pattern. Under 14 CFR 105.23(c), drifting over an airport requires a fully deployed, properly functioning parachute, at least 2,000 feet above the airport's traffic pattern, without creating a hazard to air traffic or people and property below. Further detail appears on the parachute operations rules page.

Landing and Takeoff Procedures

Approach and Landing

Departure Procedures

After Landing

After landing, pilots should:

Emergency Procedures

In the event of an emergency:

  1. Squawk 7700 and broadcast emergency on 121.5 MHz
  2. Declare emergency on Unicom 123.05 MHz
  3. Land immediately if aircraft condition requires
  4. Clear runway if able after landing

For a ground emergency, dial 911. Nashoba Valley Medical Center in Ayer closed permanently in 2024.

Local Area Information

Pepperell Airport is located beneath the Boston Class B airspace. Pilots should be familiar with:

The Leidos Flight Service provides comprehensive briefing services for the New England region.

Pilot Fitness and Fatigue Awareness

Operating at Pepperell Airport demands heightened situational awareness due to the mixed traffic environment with active skydiving. The FAA's IMSAFE checklist (Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Eating) remains one of the most effective tools for personal readiness assessment before every flight. Pilots who are fatigued, dehydrated, or under stress are at significantly greater risk of making errors during the critical coordination required around parachute operations.

Adequate rest the night before, proper hydration, and a light meal within two hours of departure all contribute to sharper decision-making. Cross-country pilots arriving at Pepperell after a long leg should assess their own alertness before attempting the approach, particularly during high-volume jump days when communication and lookout demands increase substantially.

BasicMed after the 2024 Reauthorization

The FAA's BasicMed guidance reflects the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Aircraft limits are no more than seven authorized occupants and a maximum certificated takeoff weight of no more than 12,500 pounds. Operating limits are no more than six passengers, at or below 18,000 feet mean sea level (MSL), and no more than 250 knots within the United States, under visual or instrument flight rules. Flights cannot be operated for compensation or hire.

Before You Go

This guide is independent and cannot grant prior permission or answer for the airport. Permission and facility questions go to airport management; for current conditions check NOTAMs and monitor Unicom 123.05 MHz on arrival.