Imagine you're booking a flight to Bakersfield, California. When entering your destination, you'll need to input a unique code - the airport's identifier that ensures you reach the correct location. For Meadows Field Airport, this code holds more than just alphabetical significance; it encapsulates geographic and operational information about the aviation hub.
1. The Airport Code: BFL
Meadows Field Airport's IATA code is BFL . This three-letter designation, assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), serves as a universal identifier for airlines, travel agencies, and booking systems. The BFL code distinctly represents Bakersfield's Meadows Field Airport, preventing confusion with similarly named facilities.
The airport also carries the ICAO code KBFL , a four-letter identifier used primarily for air traffic control and flight planning. While IATA codes focus on commercial operations, ICAO codes emphasize aviation safety and regulatory compliance. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) similarly recognizes BFL as the airport's official designation.
2. Geographic Profile
Located in California's Central Valley, Meadows Field Airport serves Bakersfield, a regional hub for agriculture and energy production. Key geographic coordinates include:
- Latitude: 35° 26' 0.95" N
- Longitude: 119° 3' 24.37" W
With an elevation of 507 feet (154 meters), the airport's altitude significantly impacts aircraft performance calculations for takeoffs, landings, and cruise operations.
3. Operations and Infrastructure
As Bakersfield's primary aviation gateway, Meadows Field accommodates both commercial flights connecting to major U.S. cities and general aviation services including private aircraft operations, flight training, and maintenance facilities. The airport features multiple runways capable of handling diverse aircraft types, complemented by passenger amenities such as baggage services, security checkpoints, dining options, and retail spaces. Ground transportation includes parking facilities, rental car services, and public transit connections.
4. Navigational Resources
Pilots rely on detailed airport diagrams depicting runway configurations, taxiways, aprons, and critical infrastructure. These specialized charts, available through authorized aviation resources, facilitate safe and efficient flight operations at Meadows Field.
5. Historical Context
Meadows Field traces its origins to the 1930s, evolving alongside Bakersfield's economic expansion. Today, the airport stands as a vital transportation nexus for California's Central Valley, supporting regional development and mobility.
6. Practical Applications of Airport Codes
Beyond their symbolic function, airport codes serve critical operational purposes:
- Travel bookings: Codes prevent destination errors during ticket purchases
- Baggage handling: Coded tags streamline luggage routing
- Flight displays: Airport screens use codes for real-time updates
- Air traffic management: Controllers utilize codes for flight tracking
7. Conclusion
The BFL identifier encapsulates Meadows Field Airport's role within global aviation networks. Understanding these coding systems, coupled with knowledge of an airport's geographic and operational profile, enhances both professional aviation practice and passenger experience. For travelers and industry professionals alike, such information contributes to safer, more efficient air transportation.