Have you ever wondered what geographical and operational insights are hidden within airport codes? Using Chehalis-Centralia Airport as a case study, we'll analyze its identifiers CLS/KCLS and examine key metrics including location and elevation to paint a comprehensive portrait of this aviation facility.
1. Airport Codes: CLS and KCLS Explained
Airport codes serve as unique identifiers crucial for aviation operations, weather reporting, and flight planning. Chehalis-Centralia Airport utilizes the following designations:
- IATA Code: CLS - The three-letter identifier assigned by the International Air Transport Association primarily used for passenger services including baggage handling and ticketing.
- ICAO Code: KCLS - The four-letter designation from the International Civil Aviation Organization used for flight operations and air traffic control. The initial 'K' denotes U.S. locations.
- FAA Code: CLS - Matches the IATA code in Federal Aviation Administration usage.
2. Geographic Positioning and Surroundings
Located in Chehalis, Washington, the airport's precise coordinates are:
- Latitude: 46° 40' 37.30" N
- Longitude: 122° 58' 57.89" W
This placement in southwestern Washington's forested and agricultural landscape creates distinct operational characteristics:
- Open airspace facilitates safer takeoffs and landings
- Lower population density minimizes noise impact
- Requires efficient ground transportation links to nearby communities
3. Elevation: 176 Feet (54 Meters)
The airport's elevation significantly impacts aircraft performance. At 176 feet above sea level, Chehalis-Centralia experiences minimal air density effects compared to high-altitude airports. Pilots must still account for elevation when calculating:
- Takeoff roll distance
- Climb rates
- Approach speeds
4. Operational Data Insights
While specific traffic statistics aren't provided, typical metrics for general aviation airports like Chehalis-Centralia include:
- Annual aircraft movements
- Based aircraft counts
- Fuel sales volumes
Such data enables:
- Performance benchmarking against peer facilities
- Infrastructure planning based on growth trends
- Resource allocation optimization
5. Facilities and Services
The airport provides standard general aviation amenities:
- Runway systems
- Aircraft parking areas
- Terminal building for passenger services
- Avgas and jet fuel availability
- Maintenance capabilities
6. Community Integration
As with most regional airports, Chehalis-Centralia maintains a symbiotic relationship with surrounding communities by:
- Supporting local economic activity
- Providing emergency service access
- Balancing operational needs with environmental considerations
7. Cartographic Analysis
Geospatial representations reveal:
- Runway configuration and orientation
- Surface transportation networks
- Topographical features affecting operations
8. Development Potential
Future enhancement opportunities may include:
- Runway extensions to accommodate larger aircraft
- Terminal upgrades to improve passenger experience
- Route network expansion
- Advanced safety systems implementation
Conclusion
This examination demonstrates how airport codes serve as gateways to understanding aviation infrastructure. For Chehalis-Centralia Airport, the CLS/KCLS identifiers unlock insights into its operational parameters and regional significance. As general aviation continues evolving, such facilities will play increasingly important roles in local transportation ecosystems.