Imagine preparing to book a flight to East London, South Africa, only to find yourself lost in a sea of airport codes. This guide provides clear, professional information about East London Airport's identification codes to ensure smooth travel planning.
East London Airport Codes: The Key to Precise Identification
Every airport has unique identification codes that function like passports within global aviation systems. These codes are established by two major organizations:
IATA Code: ELS
The three-letter IATA code is primarily used for passenger services including ticket booking and baggage handling. East London Airport's IATA code is ELS , the crucial identifier you'll need when making flight reservations.
ICAO Code: FAEL
The four-letter ICAO code serves aviation operations including air traffic control and flight planning. East London Airport's ICAO code is FAEL , used by pilots and air traffic controllers for operational communications.
East London Airport Overview: Essential Information
Beyond codes, understanding basic airport specifications is valuable for travelers:
- Official Name: East London Airport
- Country: South Africa
- Elevation: 435 feet above sea level
- Geographic Coordinates: 33° 2' 8.16" S latitude, 27° 49' 33.24" E longitude
Understanding Geographic Coordinates
These precise measurements (latitude indicating north-south position and longitude indicating east-west position) are vital for flight navigation, mapping, and emergency location identification.
The Importance of Elevation
An airport's elevation significantly impacts aircraft performance. Higher elevations mean thinner air, requiring longer runways for takeoffs and affecting landing procedures.
Practical Applications for Travelers
This information serves multiple practical purposes:
- Accurate ticket booking: Confirming the correct airport code (ELS) prevents reservation errors
- Flight verification: Checking for ELS or FAEL in flight details confirms your destination
- Travel planning: Using coordinates helps map optimal routes to the airport
- Flight preparation: Understanding elevation provides insight about the airport environment
A Note About Aviation Humor
The reference to "Squawk 18.99" represents aviation humor among pilots regarding transponder codes. While 1899 isn't an actual operational code, such references demonstrate the industry's unique professional culture.
Conclusion: Data-Informed Travel Decisions
With this comprehensive information about East London Airport's codes and specifications, travelers can confidently plan their journeys. In aviation, precise data forms the foundation for smooth, well-informed travel experiences.