Imagine piloting a small aircraft through Australia's vast outback, preparing to land at an airport that appears insignificant on the map yet serves a crucial role. In such moments, accurate airport codes become beacons, ensuring safe arrivals. For Flora Valley Airport in Western Australia's Kimberley region, its ICAO code serves this essential purpose.
Flora Valley Airport functions as a critical aviation hub connecting Australia's remote interior with the outside world. Like all airports, it possesses unique identifiers: an IATA (International Air Transport Association) code for passenger operations and an ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) code for flight operations. The four-letter ICAO code enables precise identification by pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation systems.
Flora Valley Airport's ICAO code: YFLO
While the airport's IATA code (FVL) facilitates passenger ticketing and baggage handling, the ICAO code plays a more operational role. For pilots, knowing YFLO is essential for flight planning, navigation, and communication.
Geographical Coordinates
- Country: Australia
- Latitude: 18° 16' 59.88" S
- Longitude: 128° 25' 1.23" E
These precise coordinates, combined with the ICAO code, enable pilots to locate Flora Valley Airport reliably under any weather conditions.
The Critical Role of ICAO Codes
ICAO codes form the backbone of global aviation operations:
- Flight planning: Pilots use ICAO codes to specify departure, destination, and alternate airports.
- Air traffic control: Controllers employ these codes to identify and track aircraft, maintaining airspace safety.
- Aviation communication: The codes prevent confusion in radio exchanges between pilots and controllers.
- Database management: Aviation systems use ICAO codes as primary keys for airport information.
In essence, YFLO represents more than just an identifier—it's a vital component ensuring the safety and efficiency of flights to this remote Australian airstrip. Whether you're an aviator, aviation enthusiast, or simply curious about Australia's outback infrastructure, understanding these codes reveals the intricate systems enabling modern air travel.