Imagine a light aircraft descending under the bright sunshine of southern France, its destination: Le Sequestre Airport. For pilots and aviation enthusiasts, beyond the airport's name lies its most critical identifier—a unique code that distinguishes it within the global aviation network. So, what is Le Sequestre Airport’s ICAO code, and what essential aviation information does it convey?
The Significance of LFCI
Le Sequestre Airport, also known as Albi Airport, is located in southern France and is renowned for its convenient geographical position and relatively compact size. Its ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) code is LFCI . ICAO codes consist of four letters and serve as unique identifiers for airports worldwide. Unlike IATA (International Air Transport Association) codes—typically used for passenger bookings and baggage tags—ICAO codes are primarily employed in flight planning, air traffic control, and aviation communications.
Key Details About Le Sequestre Airport
Beyond its ICAO code, Le Sequestre Airport is characterized by several critical pieces of information:
- IATA Code: LBI. While ICAO codes dominate professional aviation contexts, IATA codes play a vital role in commercial air travel, helping passengers identify and book flights.
- Official Name: Le Sequestre Airport. This is the airport’s formal designation, used across aviation documentation.
- Country: France. Knowing the airport’s location is essential for understanding applicable aviation regulations and standards.
- Elevation: 564 feet (172 meters). Altitude significantly impacts aircraft performance, and pilots must account for this during takeoff and landing.
- Geographic Coordinates: Latitude 43° 54' 50.03" N, Longitude 2° 6' 47.02" E. Precise coordinates ensure accurate navigation and positioning for arriving aircraft.
Visualizing the Airport’s Location
To better grasp Le Sequestre Airport’s surroundings, maps can be referenced. Satellite imagery—often sourced from providers like Airbus, Landsat/Copernicus, and Maxar Technologies—offers detailed views of the airport’s terrain, nearby roads, and other landmarks.
A Note on Squawk Codes
The article also mentions a playful reference to “Squawk 18.99.” Squawk codes are four-digit numeric signals transmitted by an aircraft’s transponder to communicate its identity and status to air traffic controllers. While “18.99” is clearly an invalid code (standard squawk codes are integers), it highlights the importance of these identifiers in aviation safety and coordination.
Conclusion
Le Sequestre Airport’s ICAO code, LFCI , serves as its fingerprint in the global aviation system. Combined with other details—such as its IATA code, official name, country, elevation, and coordinates—this information provides a comprehensive understanding of the airport’s operational profile. For pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation enthusiasts alike, these identifiers are indispensable tools for safe and efficient air travel.