Have you ever been puzzled by the mysterious three-letter codes when booking flights or checking flight information? These codes serve as airports' identification cards, facilitating global aviation system management. Today, we explore the unique identifiers of Prince Albert (Glass Field) Airport in Saskatchewan, Canada, and uncover the story behind this regional aviation hub.
Prince Albert (Glass Field) Airport: Key Facts
Prince Albert (Glass Field) Airport serves as a crucial aviation gateway for northern Saskatchewan. It connects Prince Albert City with surrounding communities through essential air services. Here are the airport's vital statistics:
- IATA Code: YPA - The International Air Transport Association's unique identifier for ticketing and baggage handling
- ICAO Code: CYPA - The International Civil Aviation Organization's designation for flight operations
- Location: Latitude 53° 12' 51.12" N, Longitude 105° 40' 22.79" W
- Elevation: 1,405 feet (428 meters) above sea level
- Runways: Two asphalt runways serving regional aircraft
The Significance of Airport Codes
The YPA code follows Canada's convention where most airport identifiers begin with "Y." This three-letter designation appears on boarding passes, baggage tags, and flight information displays, enabling quick recognition by travelers and aviation professionals alike.
The four-letter CYPA code serves operational purposes in air traffic control and flight planning. The initial "C" denotes Canada, while "YPA" identifies the specific airport location. Pilots use this code when filing flight plans and communicating with ground control.
Navigating Canada's Aviation Network
Understanding airport codes enhances travel efficiency. Passengers can quickly identify their destination airport on booking platforms, while aviation professionals rely on these codes for precise coordination. The standardized system prevents confusion among airports with similar names across different regions.
Prince Albert (Glass Field) Airport plays a vital role in Saskatchewan's transportation infrastructure. While modest in size, it provides essential connectivity for regional businesses, medical services, and community access to Canada's broader aviation network.
Aviation enthusiasts appreciate these codes as part of the industry's technical language. They represent more than mere identifiers - each code tells a story of geographic location, historical development, and regional significance within global air transportation systems.