Imagine you are an experienced pilot preparing for a flight to Quibdó, Colombia. In your flight plan, accurate airport codes are critical. So, what is the ICAO code for El Caraño Airport? The answer is straightforward: SKUI . This four-letter code serves as a unique identifier assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), functioning like an airport’s "ID card." It plays a pivotal role in flight planning, air traffic control, and aviation communications, ensuring precise identification.
Beyond the ICAO Code: Key Facts About El Caraño Airport
While the ICAO code is essential, understanding other details about El Caraño Airport is equally important. Here’s a comprehensive overview:
- IATA Code: UIB. Unlike the ICAO code, the IATA code is primarily used by airlines for passenger bookings, baggage tags, and schedules.
- Airport Name: El Caraño Airport, the official designation used in all formal documentation.
- Location: Colombia, in the northwestern region of South America.
- Elevation: 204 feet (approximately 62 meters). This metric is vital for pilots to calculate takeoff and landing performance, as lower elevations generally mean higher air density and better engine efficiency.
- Geographic Coordinates: Latitude 5° 41' 26.74" N, Longitude 76° 38' 28.32" W. These pinpoint the airport’s exact location for navigation systems and maps.
Why the ICAO Code Matters
The ICAO code is far more than an identifier—it is a cornerstone of aviation safety and operational efficiency. Its critical applications include:
- Flight Planning: Pilots must include ICAO codes in flight plans to specify departure and destination airports, enabling air traffic control to track flights accurately.
- Air Traffic Management: Controllers use ICAO codes to identify and manage aircraft within airspace, preventing conflicts and ensuring orderly operations.
- Aviation Communication: Pilots and controllers rely on ICAO codes in radio communications to avoid confusion and ensure clarity.
- Databases and Systems: Aviation databases use ICAO codes to store and retrieve airport information, streamlining data access for airlines, airports, and regulators.
How to Find ICAO Codes for Other Airports
If you need to locate the ICAO code for another airport, consider these methods:
- Online Databases: Numerous platforms allow searches by airport name or IATA code to retrieve the corresponding ICAO code.
- Aviation Charts: These charts, essential for pilot navigation, typically include ICAO codes.
- Airport Websites: Many airports list their ICAO codes on official sites, often under "About Us" or "Contact" sections.
- Consulting Professionals: Pilots, air traffic controllers, or aviation consultants can provide accurate codes if other methods fail.
Understanding El Caraño Airport’s ICAO code, SKUI, along with its other details, is invaluable for pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and travelers alike. Whether you’re filing a flight plan or simply curious about aviation logistics, this information ensures clarity and precision in your journey.