If every takeoff and landing represents a pilot's precise calculation of risk, then airport operational data serves as the most critical weight in this equation. This analysis examines key operational information for Blackstone Airport (BKT) in Virginia for January 2025 from an aviation data specialist's perspective, aiming to enhance pilot awareness of potential risks and ensure flight safety.
1. Airport Location and Key Facilities
Allan C Perkinson/Blackstone Army Airfield is located in Blackstone, Virginia, with geographic coordinates between 37°04.0' to 37°05.0' North latitude and 77°57.0' to 77°57.5' West longitude. The airport elevation ranges from 400 to 437 feet above sea level.
The airport features an operating control tower (TWR) on frequency 127.625 MHz (Blackstone Tower 119.225 MHz) and ground control (GND CON) frequencies at 134.7 MHz and 292.7 MHz. The Automatic Terminal Information Service (ATIS) operates on frequency 251.63 MHz.
2. Runway Specifications and Performance
Blackstone Airport operates with a single runway designated 04-22, measuring 5,333 feet in length and 150 feet in width. The runway surface is classified as PCN 51 R/B/W/T, indicating a rigid pavement with strength rating 51, suitable for aircraft with medium tire pressure (B) and medium weight (W) classifications, based on technical evaluation (T).
Runway 04 features a 0.7% upward slope with magnetic headings of 044.4° and 224.5° respectively.
3. Critical Safety Considerations
- Runway Crossing Clearances: Pilots must exercise heightened vigilance regarding runway crossing authorizations. Complete readback of all runway holding instructions is mandatory to ensure clear communication and prevent runway incursions - a crucial element in maintaining ground operation safety.
- Magnetic Variation: With an annual change rate of 0.0° West, the January 2025 magnetic variation exceeds VA R9.9°W greater than H. Pilots must account for this variation in all navigation calculations to ensure precise course corrections.
4. Additional Operational Information
- Airport Diagram: Reference FAA chart AL-52 for detailed layout.
- Effective Period: This information remains valid from December 25, 2025 through January 22, 2026 (NE-3).
Data Analysis and Risk Assessment
Blackstone Airport's relatively short runway length imposes specific performance requirements on aircraft operations. Pilots must carefully consider aircraft weight, wind conditions, and temperature when planning takeoffs and landings to ensure safe operations. The single-runway configuration necessitates particularly attentive ground traffic management, with strict adherence to crossing protocols essential for conflict prevention.
While magnetic variation changes occur gradually, their cumulative effect on navigation accuracy requires periodic data updates to maintain precision.
Conclusion
Though modest in size, Blackstone Airport's operational data contains vital safety information that pilots must incorporate into their decision-making processes to effectively mitigate risks. Through comprehensive analysis of these key metrics, aviation professionals can gain complete situational awareness of airport conditions, enabling informed operational choices.
Operational Recommendations
- Pilots should thoroughly review current Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for the latest airport status updates prior to operations.
- Regular participation in flight safety training programs is recommended to maintain risk awareness and response capabilities.
- Airport authorities should implement enhanced ground traffic management protocols to ensure runway safety.
- Timely updates to all airport operational data should be prioritized to maintain information accuracy.