Imagine you're a pilot preparing to fly to Rolla Downtown Airport in Missouri. Accurate airport codes are essential for successful flight planning. What are the official designations for this regional airport, and what critical aviation information do they convey?
Rolla Downtown Airport Codes: RLA vs K07
Rolla Downtown Airport operates with two distinct identification codes that serve different aviation purposes:
- IATA Code: RLA - Assigned by the International Air Transport Association, this three-letter designation primarily facilitates passenger operations including ticketing, baggage handling, and airline communications.
- ICAO Code: K07 - Issued by the International Civil Aviation Organization, this alphanumeric code is essential for flight operations, air traffic control coordination, and official aviation documentation.
These dual identifiers play complementary roles in global aviation systems, with IATA codes streamlining commercial operations while ICAO codes standardize technical and regulatory processes.
Geographic Positioning Data
Located near Rolla, Missouri, the airport's precise coordinates are:
- Latitude: 37° 56' 8.52" N (37.9357°)
- Longitude: 91° 48' 48.60" W (-91.8135°)
These geospatial measurements provide the foundation for navigation systems, enabling pilots to pinpoint the airport's location with precision during all phases of flight.
Operational Significance
The airport's codes and geographic data serve multiple critical functions in aviation operations:
- Flight Planning: Pilots must include the ICAO code (K07) in all official flight plans and navigation logs.
- Air Traffic Management: Controllers use these identifiers to monitor aircraft movements and maintain safe separation standards.
- Passenger Services: Travel agencies and booking systems utilize the IATA code (RLA) for itinerary creation and baggage routing.
- Emergency Coordination: Precise location data ensures rapid response capability during critical situations.
Aviation Infrastructure
While this analysis focuses on identification standards, Rolla Downtown Airport supports general aviation through essential services including:
- Aviation fuel supply
- Aircraft maintenance facilities
- Apron parking areas
- Terminal operations
- Ground transportation connections
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Rolla Downtown Airport's official codes?
The airport uses RLA (IATA) for commercial purposes and K07 (ICAO) for operational documentation.
Why do airports need multiple codes?
The aviation industry maintains separate identification systems - IATA for passenger services and ICAO for flight operations - to optimize different aspects of air transportation.
How are airport coordinates determined?
Geographic positioning uses the World Geodetic System (WGS-84) standard, with measurements verified through satellite navigation technology.