Guide to Finding ICAO Codes for Regional Airports

This article introduces the ICAO code (KSFD) for Bob Willifield Airport and provides several practical methods for finding airport ICAO codes. These methods include querying aviation databases, checking the airport's official website, and using flight planning software. Understanding airport codes is crucial for flight safety and efficiency.
Guide to Finding ICAO Codes for Regional Airports

Imagine you're a pilot preparing to fly to a small airport in South Dakota. To program your navigation system, you need the precise ICAO code for your destination. If the airport is named "Bob Wiley Field," would you know its identifier?

The answer is KSFD . This four-letter code serves as the unique International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) designation for Bob Wiley Field, also known as Winner Regional Airport. Every airport worldwide receives such a code to standardize aviation communications, flight planning, and air traffic control.

For pilots and aviation professionals, locating these codes efficiently is essential. Beyond direct references like this article, several reliable methods exist:

  • Aviation databases: Specialized online platforms and aeronautical charts provide comprehensive airport data, including ICAO codes, IATA codes (typically used for passenger bookings), and geographic coordinates.
  • Airport websites: Most airports publish their ICAO codes on official platforms.
  • Flight planning software: Professional pilot tools integrate searchable airport databases with real-time updates.

Bob Wiley Field serves Winner, South Dakota, though the originally published coordinates require verification through authoritative sources. While regional airports like this may operate on a smaller scale, their role in local air transport remains vital.

Accurate ICAO code usage forms the foundation of aviation safety and operational efficiency. Whether you're filing a flight plan or programming navigation equipment, proper identification ensures seamless coordination across global airspace systems.