Airport codes serve as unique identifiers in the aviation world, functioning much like passports that connect passengers, airlines, and airports. These seemingly simple three-letter combinations carry significant information about their respective facilities. From a data analyst's perspective, we examine the IATA code for Atkinson Municipal Airport and explore the wealth of information embedded within these standardized identifiers.
I. The PTS Code: Atkinson Municipal Airport's Aviation Passport
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) assigns a three-letter PTS code to Atkinson Municipal Airport. This globally recognized identifier plays crucial roles in ticket booking, baggage handling, and flight information systems. Understanding this code provides the foundation for quickly locating and referencing this Kansas aviation facility.
II. Beyond the IATA Code: Key Airport Data
The PTS designation represents just one layer of identification for Atkinson Municipal Airport. Additional codes and data points reveal more comprehensive information:
- ICAO Code: KPTS (four-letter identifier used for flight planning and air traffic control)
- FAA Code: PTS (used within U.S. aviation systems)
- Official Name: Atkinson Municipal Airport
- Location: Pittsburg, Kansas, United States
- Elevation: 950 feet (290 meters) above sea level
- Geographic Coordinates: 37°26'58.02"N, 94°43'52.04"W
III. Data Analysis: Extracting Value from Airport Information
Standardized airport codes enable powerful data integration across global aviation systems. For analysts, these identifiers facilitate:
- Database Integration: Linking disparate aviation datasets through standardized codes
- Regional Economic Analysis: Correlating airport operations with local economic indicators
- Flight Safety Assessment: Evaluating how elevation and geography impact operational safety
- Information Verification: Cross-referencing multiple data sources for accuracy
IV. Conclusion
The PTS code for Atkinson Municipal Airport represents more than a simple identifier—it serves as a gateway to comprehensive aviation data analysis. Understanding these standardized systems allows professionals to evaluate airport operations, assess regional economic impacts, and enhance aviation safety protocols. This examination demonstrates how seemingly mundane identifiers contain layers of valuable information for those who know how to interpret them.