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 Hangar Talk)

Never flown through MEM. HOWEVER, in DTW they use the de-ice pad ALOT for traffic (ground stops, number waiting, MX/PAX "problems","cutting through").
As far as I know (which isn't much), it is "uncontrolled", so doing so is at the PIC's discretion.
We use to "cut through" the de-ice pad, then the Compnay put out a memo, NOT to do so. Then after further thought, put out a memo that it is up to the PIC. No liability to Company or ATC.
I personally don't see a problem, some do.
But as an FAA inspector told me once:
"There's never a problem, until there's a problem"

As long as there is nothing to hit, I couldn't care less where you park me. Non-movement areas are just painted on the ground. You guys use the space available as you see fit.

I see/use a non-movement area about the same way I see my driveway - for whatever the heck I please. If a ground/ramp controllers wants me there, so be it.