Imagine an aircraft traversing the vast Pacific Ocean, bound for Tabiteuea—a remote and picturesque atoll in the Kiribati archipelago. For pilots, precise navigation information is paramount, and ICAO codes serve as critical identifiers ensuring flight safety. So what is the ICAO code for Tabiteuea North Airport?
This article provides detailed information about Tabiteuea North Airport, focusing on its ICAO designation while expanding on other essential aviation data to offer a comprehensive overview of this Pacific airstrip.
Tabiteuea North Airport Overview
Tabiteuea North Airport serves as a vital air link connecting this Kiribati island with the outside world. The airport's IATA code is TBF, while its crucial ICAO identifier is NGTE. These codes function as unique fingerprints in global aviation systems, ensuring accurate transmission of flight plans, weather reports, and other critical operational data.
Key Airport Data
- Airport Name: Tabiteuea North Airport
- IATA Code: TBF
- ICAO Code: NGTE
- Country: Kiribati
- Geographic Coordinates: Latitude 1° 13' 28.09" S, Longitude 174° 46' 33.60" E
The Significance of ICAO Codes
ICAO codes—four-letter identifiers assigned by the International Civil Aviation Organization—serve as universal markers for airports worldwide. Unlike IATA codes (primarily used for passenger bookings and baggage handling), ICAO codes are essential for air traffic control, flight planning, and meteorological services. The correct use of NGTE ensures safe and efficient operations for flights arriving at or transiting through Tabiteuea North Airport.
Additional Practical Information
Beyond the ICAO code, the airport's geographic coordinates provide crucial navigation references for pilots. While the mention of "Squawk 18.99" in source materials might relate to specific transponder codes, such information typically falls outside standard airport reference data.
Understanding Tabiteuea North Airport's ICAO designation (NGTE) and associated operational data holds value for both aviation professionals and those interested in Pacific region flight operations. These identifiers represent fundamental components of safe, efficient air transportation and demonstrate ICAO's pivotal role in global aviation standardization.