Imagine planning a trip to Clintonville, Wisconsin, only to be puzzled by conflicting airport codes during flight booking. CLI? KCLI? Which one is correct? Rest assured, you're not alone. What appears as simple letter combinations actually represents a sophisticated identification system. This article clarifies Clintonville Airport's codes and explores the broader narrative behind airport identifiers.
The Dual Codes of Clintonville Municipal Airport
Located in Wisconsin, Clintonville Municipal Airport serves the city and surrounding areas with two distinct code designations:
- IATA Code: CLI - Assigned by the International Air Transport Association, this three-letter identifier primarily facilitates passenger services including ticketing and baggage handling.
- ICAO Code: KCLI - This four-letter designation from the International Civil Aviation Organization serves aviation professionals for flight planning, air traffic control, and meteorological communications.
In essence, CLI caters to travelers while KCLI supports operational aviation needs.
Airport Profile
Key details about Clintonville Municipal Airport:
- Official Name: Clintonville Municipal Airport
- Location: Clintonville, Wisconsin, USA
- Elevation: 822 feet (251 meters)
- Coordinates: 44° 36' 49.73" N, 88° 43' 52.56" W
- FAA Identifier: CLI
The System Behind Airport Codes
Airport codes follow specific conventions rather than random assignment. IATA codes typically derive from airport names, though historical preservation or disambiguation sometimes alters this pattern. ICAO codes follow stricter geographical logic, with U.S. airports prefixed by "K" representing their national affiliation.
These identifiers form the backbone of global aviation operations, enabling precise airport recognition across flight coordination, baggage routing, and navigation systems.
Geographical Context
Nestled in central Wisconsin's agricultural heartland, Clintonville Municipal Airport sits minutes from downtown amid picturesque rural landscapes. The region's seasonal weather patterns, particularly winter snowfall, require careful operational management to maintain flight safety and schedule reliability.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What are Clintonville Airport's codes?
IATA: CLI | ICAO: KCLI -
Where is the airport located?
Clintonville, Wisconsin, USA -
What is the airport's elevation?
822 feet above sea level
The Hidden Histories of Airport Codes
Many airport codes preserve fascinating historical footprints. Chicago O'Hare International Airport retains its IATA code ORD from its original name, Orchard Field, despite subsequent renaming. Such examples demonstrate how aviation infrastructure carries forward elements of its developmental history.
Future Developments
As aviation technology advances, airport identification systems may evolve toward more sophisticated solutions, potentially incorporating geospatial references or flight-specific classifications to enhance operational precision.
While modest in scale, Clintonville Municipal Airport plays a vital regional transportation role. Understanding its coding system and operational context provides valuable insight for travelers and aviation enthusiasts alike.