Ramechhap Airport Case Study Highlights Challenges in Decoding Airport Codes

This article, sparked by a failed search for the Andrews-Murphy Airport code, analyzes data from the Ramechhap Airport in Nepal, highlighting the importance of airport codes and their applications in aviation. It details key information such as IATA and ICAO codes, geographic coordinates, and provides practical methods for finding airport codes. The aim is to help readers understand and utilize airport information data effectively. This analysis underscores the essential role of standardized codes in managing and accessing critical aviation details.
Ramechhap Airport Case Study Highlights Challenges in Decoding Airport Codes

If your goal was to find the airport code for Andrews-Murphy Airport, current records indicate no such facility exists in major aviation databases. This could result from incomplete naming conventions, airport closure, or the facility being too small for inclusion in standard datasets. To demonstrate proper analysis of airport information, we examine Nepal's Ramechhap Airport as a model case.

The Critical Role of Airport Codes

Airport codes serve as the backbone of global aviation operations, assigned by two primary organizations:

  • IATA codes: Three-letter identifiers (e.g., JFK, LAX) used for passenger services including ticketing and baggage handling
  • ICAO codes: Four-letter designations (e.g., KLAX, EGLL) employed by pilots and air traffic control for flight operations

Ramechhap Airport: A Data Blueprint

This Nepalese regional airport provides an exemplary dataset for understanding aviation information architecture:

  • IATA: RHP (essential for passenger bookings)
  • ICAO: VNRC (critical for flight planning)
  • Location: 27°23'38.40"N, 86°3'41.04"E (navigation precision)
  • Elevation: 1,620 ft (affects aircraft performance)

Practical Applications of Airport Data

Stakeholders utilize this information differently:

  • Travelers: Identify correct flights and facilities
  • Pilots: Calculate takeoff/landing parameters
  • ATC: Manage airspace safely
  • Analysts: Optimize route networks

Locating Airport Codes

When searching for aviation identifiers:

  • Consult IATA's official resources
  • Reference aviation authority publications
  • Verify through multiple reputable sources

While Andrews-Murphy Airport remains unidentified in aviation records, the Ramechhap case study illustrates the standardized approach to airport information management. Proper understanding of these systems ensures operational efficiency across all aviation sectors.