Picture this: sunlight glistens along Florida's coastline as you pilot a small aircraft preparing to land in Apalachicola. Do you know this airport's identification codes? Or what critical information you'd need to provide in an emergency situation? This comprehensive guide provides all essential details about Apalachicola Municipal Airport (AAF) to ensure safer, more informed flying experiences for pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and curious travelers alike.
Apalachicola Municipal Airport Overview
Apalachicola Municipal Airport, commonly designated as AAF, serves as a small but vital public airport in Florida's coastal community. While modest in size, it plays a significant role in regional air transportation. Understanding its fundamental characteristics proves crucial for flight safety and operational efficiency.
Key Airport Identification Codes
Every airport maintains unique identifiers for navigation and communication purposes. Apalachicola Municipal Airport utilizes these primary codes:
- IATA code: AAF (used primarily for passenger operations and baggage handling)
- ICAO code: KAAF (employed for flight planning and air traffic control)
- FAA identifier: AAF (domestic designation within the United States)
Geographical Characteristics
Located in Florida's coastal region, the airport occupies these precise coordinates:
- Latitude: 29° 43' 39.40" N
- Longitude: 85° 1' 38.70" W
- Elevation: 20 feet (approximately 6 meters above sea level)
Pilots should note the airport's coastal environment brings variable weather conditions that require careful monitoring. Surrounding terrain features, including nearby structures and vegetation, warrant additional consideration during approach and departure procedures.
Flight Safety Recommendations
Regardless of destination, aviation safety remains paramount. Essential precautions include:
- Conducting thorough pre-flight inspections to verify aircraft systems functionality
- Monitoring real-time weather reports and forecasts
- Filing detailed flight plans with air traffic authorities
- Maintaining clear communication with air traffic control
- Reviewing emergency protocols and ensuring proper equipment availability
About Apalachicola
Beyond its aviation facilities, Apalachicola offers visitors charming coastal character. The area boasts renowned seafood cuisine, scenic beaches, and notable historical sites worth exploring during extended stays.
The lighthearted reference to "Squawk 18.99" occasionally mentioned in pilot communications represents aviation humor rather than operational procedure. While pilots sometimes employ unofficial squawk codes for informal messages, proper transponder codes remain mandatory during all official flight operations.
Apalachicola Municipal Airport serves as an important regional aviation asset despite its modest scale. Comprehensive knowledge of its identifiers, location, and operational environment contributes significantly to flight safety and efficiency. This information aims to support both routine operations and emergency preparedness for all users of this Florida coastal airport.