Imagine you're a pilot preparing to land at Minlaton Airport in South Australia. Beyond runway length and weather conditions, the most critical piece of information you need is the airport's unique identifier - its ICAO code. Serving as an airport's passport in global aviation communication, the ICAO code plays a vital role in flight operations.
Understanding the YMIN Code
Minlaton Airport, officially designated as YMIN by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), utilizes this four-letter code as its global identifier. Unlike the three-letter IATA code (XML in this case) used primarily for commercial purposes like baggage tags and ticket reservations, ICAO codes are essential for flight planning, air traffic control, and professional aviation communications.
Geographic Positioning
Located on South Australia's York Peninsula near the town of Minlaton, the airport's precise coordinates are 34°45'0.00"S latitude and 137°31'58.82"E longitude. These measurements in degrees-minutes-seconds (DMS) format provide pilots with exact navigation references. The aviation industry also commonly uses decimal degrees (DD) format for computational purposes.
The surrounding terrain of York Peninsula, characterized by flat agricultural land, influences approach and departure procedures. Pilots must account for these environmental factors when developing flight plans.
Essential Flight Information
Beyond the ICAO code and geographic coordinates, pilots require additional operational data including:
- Airport elevation above sea level
- Runway specifications (length and orientation)
- Communication frequencies
This critical information is documented in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP), the official aviation reference material published by national authorities.
The ICAO code YMIN serves as Minlaton Airport's unique identifier within global aviation networks. When combined with precise geographic data and operational details, it enables pilots to execute safe and efficient flight operations. For aviation professionals and enthusiasts alike, understanding these elements provides valuable insight into the workings of air transportation systems.