This post is primarily for the NWA, FLG and MES pilots that fly through MEM, but comments from others would also be appreciated.

We have a daily nightmare of running out of space close to the terminal when your arrival gates are occupied, and few parking places near the runway when you don't have your numbers.

There is no formal procedure at MEM for dealing with this, and Controllers are allowed to use their own creative juices for locating a parking spot that is convenient for the operation. Common parking areas for these situations include: the "Juliet Runup Pad", "November Runup Pad", Taxiway November between M7 and M9 and Taxiway Sierra between Bravo and Kilo.

Several Controllers recently started using the non-movement area that is located on the north end Taxiway Juliet next to the DHL parking area. The subject is filled with diverse opinions at work regarding the legality of this from an ATC perspective.

Can you shed any insight on this matter from a pilot's perspective? What do the FAR's say? What is your company policy on utilizing non-movement areas? Pilot concerns?

Thanks,

MEM_ATC

(Cross-posted to Regional also.)

 

The non-movement area is supposed to be an area where ATC does not control aircraft...