Marshalltown, Iowa: Airport Accessibility And Aviation Options

Marshalltown, Iowa, is served by the Marshalltown Municipal Airport, located 3 miles north of the city. The airport is equipped with a runway measuring 5007 feet by 100 feet and offers services such as charter flights, pilot instruction, aircraft rental, and sales. While it is the closest airport to Marshalltown, other nearby airports include Waterloo Regional Airport, 62 miles away, and Des Moines International Airport, 63 miles away.

Marshalltown Municipal Airport's location and contact information

Marshalltown, Iowa, is served by Marshalltown Municipal Airport, located 3 miles north of the city. The airport's address is:

Marshalltown Municipal Airport

Marshalltown, Iowa, USA

The airport can be contacted via the following phone numbers:

• 641-754-0012 (airport ownership and management)
• 641-752-0012 (manager)
• 641-521-6832 (airport attendant)

The airport also has a listed fax number: 641-752-2339.

The airport is listed as a white-green lighted land airport, operating from sunset to sunrise.

Runway specifications

Marshalltown, Iowa, is served by the Marshalltown Municipal Airport, located 3 miles north of the city. The airport has two runways:

• Runway 13/31 is 5007 feet long and 100 feet wide. It is made of asphalt and is in fair condition. This runway is equipped with Medium-Intensity Runway Lights (MIRL) and Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) lights on both ends.
• Runway 18/36 is 2759 feet long and 50 feet wide. Similar to Runway 13/31, it is also asphalt and in fair condition. This runway is equipped with basic runway edge lights.

Both runways have non-precision instruments in fair condition and a glide slope indicator with a 3.00-degree glide path angle.

In terms of navigation, the airport provides a VOR/DME instrument approach to Runway 13 and a non-precision approach to Runway 31. The airport's elevation is 974 feet MSL, and it operates as a white-green lighted land airport from sunset to sunrise.

Visual slope indicators

Marshalltown, Iowa, does have an airport: the Marshalltown Municipal Airport, located 3 miles north of the city. The airport has a Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) system, which is a type of Visual Glide Slope Indicator (VGSI) that assists pilots in landing by defining a vertical approach path.

A VASI is a system of lights on the side of a runway that provides visual descent guidance to pilots during the final approach. The lights are designed to appear either white or red, depending on the angle at which they are viewed. When approaching at the proper angle, the first set of lights appears white, and the second set appears red. If both sets appear white, the aircraft is too high, and if both appear red, it is too low.

There are several types of VASI installations:

• Two-bar VASI: Consists of a near and far light, providing a single glideslope, typically 3°.
• Three-bar VASI: Consists of near, middle, and far light bars, providing two glideslopes. The lower glideslope is provided by the near and middle bars, usually at 3°, and the upper glideslope is provided by the middle and far bars, typically set 1/4° higher for high-cockpit aircraft.

VASI installations can have 2, 4, 6, 12, or 16 light units arranged in bars. Most installations consist of 2 bars and may have 2, 4, or 12 light units. Three-bar installations typically have 6 or 16 light units. Installations with 2, 4, or 6 light units are located on one side of the runway, usually the left, while installations with 12 or 16 light units are located on both sides of the runway.

In addition to the VASI system, there are other types of VGSI systems, including:

• Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI): Functions similarly to a VASI but is installed in a row of 2 or 4 light units.
• Pulsating Visual Approach Slope Indicator (PVASI): Consists of a single piece of equipment that uses a mix of red and white, steady and pulsating light to indicate the pilot's height on approach.
• Tri-Color Visual Approach Slope Indicator (T-VASI): Consists of a single-light unit projecting a three-color visual approach path.

Airport communications

Marshalltown Municipal Airport in Marshalltown, Iowa, USA, has an airport communications frequency of 128.325.

Radio communications are a critical link in the ATC system. Pilots must acknowledge each radio communication with ATC by using the appropriate aircraft call sign. While brevity is important, contacts should be kept as short as possible, but not at the expense of clarity. Controllers must know what the pilot wants to do before they can carry out their control duties. The Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) is the best reference for learning good ATC communication skills and phraseology. It is the most current and detailed source of FAA-recommended procedures.

Pilots must be vigilant in monitoring air traffic control radio communications frequencies for potential traffic conflicts with their aircraft, especially when operating on an active runway or conducting a final approach to landing. The Pilot/Controller Glossary is a helpful resource for learning what certain words or phrases mean. Good phraseology enhances safety and is a sign of a professional pilot. Jargon, chatter, and slang have no place in ATC communications.

When communicating with ATC, it is important to listen before transmitting. By monitoring the frequency, pilots can often gather the information they need without transmitting. If someone else is already transmitting, attempting to transmit will likely cause interference. After transmitting, it is important to wait a few seconds before calling again, as the controller may be jotting down information or transmitting on a different frequency.

Pilots should be mindful of their equipment's performance range and ensure they are within range of the ground station equipment. Higher altitudes increase the range of VHF "line of sight" communications. When establishing initial contact with a ground station, pilots should use the following format:

• Name of the facility being called
• Your full aircraft identification as filed in the flight plan
• When operating on an airport surface, state your position
• The type of message to follow or your request, if it is short
• The word "over" if required

For example: "New York Radio, Mooney Three One One Echo."

When advised by ATC to change frequencies, pilots should acknowledge the instruction. If the pilot selects the new frequency without an acknowledgement, the controller's workload increases as they cannot be sure if the instruction was received.

Services and amenities

Marshalltown, Iowa, has a municipal airport, the Marshalltown Municipal Airport (MIW). The airport is located 3 miles north of the city and is owned by the City of Marshalltown. It is a lighted land airport with a surveyed elevation of 974 feet MSL. The airport offers a range of services and amenities to cater to the needs of pilots and passengers.

• Charter Services: The airport provides charter flight services for those looking to travel to and from Marshalltown.
• Pilot Instruction: Marshalltown Municipal Airport offers pilot training and instruction for those looking to obtain their pilot's license or improve their flying skills.
• Aircraft Rental: Visitors can rent aircraft for personal or business use, providing flexibility and convenience for those who need to travel by air.
• Aircraft Sales: The airport facilitates aircraft sales, providing an opportunity for individuals or businesses to purchase or lease aircraft.
• Hangars and Tiedowns: Secure storage options are available for aircraft owners, offering protection from the elements and added security.
• Powerplant Service: Marshalltown Municipal Airport offers powerplant services for aircraft, ensuring proper maintenance and performance.
• Fuel Services: Fuel is available at the airport, catering to the needs of aircraft refuelling.
• Communication Services: The airport provides communication services, including telephone and radio communications, to ensure efficient airport operations and facilitate effective communication between pilots and air traffic control.
• Navigation Aids: Various navigation aids are available at the airport, assisting pilots in navigating their aircraft safely and accurately.
• Runway Lighting: The airport is equipped with runway edge lights, visual slope indicators, and runway end identifier lights, enhancing visibility and safety during takeoff and landing.
• Nearby Accommodations: Visitors to the airport can avail of nearby accommodations, such as hotels, vacation rentals, and restaurants, ensuring a comfortable stay when travelling through Marshalltown.

These services and amenities make Marshalltown Municipal Airport a well-equipped and convenient aviation facility for pilots, passengers, and aircraft owners in the area.

Frequently asked questions