When pilots fail to accurately assess critical airport data before landing, even minor deviations can lead to catastrophic consequences. This analysis examines Centennial Airport (APA/KAPA) through the lens of data science, providing pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation professionals with comprehensive operational insights to enhance flight safety and efficiency.
Airport Identification and Location
Situated in Denver, Colorado, Centennial Airport is identified by the codes APA (IATA) and KAPA (ICAO). Proper recognition of these identifiers forms the foundation for flight planning and communication.
Runway Specifications Analysis
The airport features multiple runways with distinct load-bearing capacities and physical characteristics:
Runway 17R-35L
- Length: 4,800 ft (≈1,463 m)
- Width: 75 ft (≈23 m)
- Single-wheel load (S): 30,000 lbs
- Tire pressure rating (PCR): 339
- Aircraft type restrictions: F/C/X/T
Runway 17L-35R
- Length: 7,001 ft (≈2,134 m)
- Width: 75 ft (≈23 m)
- Single-wheel load (S): 56,000 lbs
- Dual-wheel load (D): 75,000 lbs
- Pavement classification (PCN): 26 F/C/X/T
Runway 10-28
- Length: 10,001 ft (≈3,048 m)
- Width: 100 ft (≈30 m)
- Single-wheel load (S): 12,500 lbs
- Pavement classification (PCN): 17 F/A/Y/T
Communication Frequencies
- Clearance Delivery: 128.6 MHz
- Ground Control: 121.8 MHz
- Tower: 118.9 MHz
- ATIS: 120.3 MHz
Navigation Infrastructure
- Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL): Present on runways 28, 17R, and 35L
- Medium Intensity Runway Lights (MIRL): Installed on all primary runways
Airport Services and Facilities
Centennial Airport offers comprehensive aviation services including:
- Terminal building with general aviation administration and customs
- Hangar space for aircraft storage and maintenance
- Multiple ramp areas including general aviation, Delta, Alpha, and South preparation zones
- Support facilities including hotels and parking
Critical Operational Notes
- Field elevation: 5,885 ft
- Magnetic variation: 7.6°E, changing at 0.1°W annually
- Runway gradients: Features 0.8% downhill and 1.0% uphill slopes
- Runway crossing: All crossing clearances require readback
- Traffic awareness: Vigilance required for ground vehicles and aircraft
Runway Magnetic Headings
| Runway | Heading |
|---|---|
| 10 | 103.4° |
| 17L | 170.3° |
| 17R | 170.4° |
| 28 | 283.4° |
| 35L | 350.3° |
| 35R | 350.4° |
Temporary Notices
Operators should note potential temporary changes (SW-1) scheduled between December 25, 2025 and January 22, 2026. Current NOTAMs should always be consulted for real-time updates.
Conclusion
This data-centric examination of Centennial Airport provides aviation professionals with essential operational parameters to inform flight planning decisions. The integration of runway specifications, communication protocols, and navigational data creates a comprehensive safety framework for airport operations.
From an analytical perspective, further enhancements could be achieved through predictive modeling of traffic patterns, historical incident analysis, and real-time weather impact assessments. Such data-driven approaches represent the future of aviation safety management, where quantitative insights complement operational expertise to mitigate risks and optimize performance.