OurAirports: Comments on airports in Florida, United States

[KGIF] "GIF - Winter Haven - Excellent Flight School (Tailwheelsetc)" by airbound

Mon, 23 May 2011 20:42:53 -0400

Comment by @airbound on Winter Haven's Gilbert Airport, United States:

Awesome experience with primary training. Intense and very rewarding. Family like environment.

[KCHN] "CHN - Wauchula - Night approach" by airbound

Tue, 10 May 2011 21:01:13 -0400

Comment by @airbound on Wauchula Municipal Airport, United States:

Same night training flight - Moonless, cloudless. Arriving from the south, fire up the PCL, you can see this one from 10 nm out

[KX06] "X25 - Arcadia - Night is Dark" by airbound

Tue, 10 May 2011 20:57:59 -0400

Comment by @airbound on Arcadia Municipal Airport, United States:

Landed here during night training - moonless, cloudless, landing RWY 5 the runway lights/environment just float is a sea of darkness - needless to say the first landing approach was high.

[KLEE] "LEE - Leesburg - Helpful ATC" by airbound

Tue, 10 May 2011 20:54:38 -0400

Comment by @airbound on Leesburg International Airport, United States:

One of the many airports on my solo XC during ASEL - controllers very helpful even recognizing return flights.

[KCGC] "CGC - Crystal River - DQ Stop" by airbound

Tue, 10 May 2011 20:52:01 -0400

Comment by @airbound on Crystal River Airport, United States:

Flew into CGC for Solo-XC as part of ASEL. Easy to spot from SE.

Extra bonus - a Dairy Queen adjacent to field, great refreshment after baking in the sun for a few hours.

[KPGD] "KPGD - Punta Gorda - Awesome Bay Views" by airbound

Tue, 10 May 2011 17:11:35 -0400

Comment by @airbound on Charlotte County Airport, United States:

Views of the bay towards the west are fantastic.

[KX07] "X07 - Lake Wales - Lots of Rubber on the RWY" by airbound

Tue, 10 May 2011 17:08:07 -0400

Comment by @airbound on Lake Wales Municipal Airport, United States:

Many tire marks from my primary training at Lake Wales.

A bit deserted but a good place for practice

[CDK] "CDK - Cedar Key - Gulf Front" by airbound

Tue, 10 May 2011 17:05:14 -0400

Comment by @airbound on George T Lewis Airport, United States:

Awesome little strip just off the water - spectacular views.

Watch the sea breezes.

[2J9] "Nice airport" by Anonymous Flier

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 20:39:47 -0400

Comment by an Anonymous Flier on Quincy Municipal Airport, United States:

Nice place, nice people.

[KPFN] "Closing soon" by david

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:43:44 -0400

Comment by @david on Panama City-Bay Co International Airport, United States:

This airport is closing soon, to be replaced by KECP. The scheduled airline service has already moved.

[KECP] "Replacing KPFN" by david

Fri, 24 Sep 2010 11:42:38 -0400

Comment by @david on Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport, United States:

This new airport has already replaced KPFN (Panama City-Bay County International Airport) for scheduled airline service, and will take over general aviation as well when KPFN closes.

[21FA] "Private airport" by alfadog

Wed, 01 Sep 2010 16:05:22 -0400

Comment by @alfadog on Rockledge Airport, United States:

This is now a private airport owned by Aero Adventure (www.sea-plane.com). They manufacture amphib ultralights and will allow you to fly into their field for a tour and a test-ride. You will need to contact them first and sign a waiver.

[KTPF] "Very accommodating" by alfadog

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:59:47 -0400

Comment by @alfadog on Peter O Knight Airport, United States:

Very nice uncontrolled airport close in to downtown Tampa and in the Class Bravo. The FBO is very nice and helpful. They drove us to the Florida Aquarium and then picked us up at the end of our day. Can't beat that.

[KTMB] "Great for training" by alfadog

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:44:09 -0400

Comment by @alfadog on Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport, United States:

This is a great airport for training in the Miami area. There are lots of choices from big to small, and heli, too. There are also some low-profile operations that do not advertise so ask around to find out what is there. The airspace is varied also. Class Delta adjoining and right under Class Bravo and uncontrolled X51 is only minutes away.

[KFXE] "Super FBO" by alfadog

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:38:22 -0400

Comment by @alfadog on Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport, United States:

Banyan is one of the top FBO's in the country. They have a nice restaurant next to the ramp and an incredible pilot's shop. I found out about Banyan when I rented a plane from a fellow up at FXE. Then went there for breakfast a few weeks ago on a simulated instrument flight. Had to laff when they parked my somewhat tatty C-172M right in front and then guided this huge private jet (like the size of a regional jet) to park right next to us :)

[KPBI] "Memories la la la" by alfadog

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:28:06 -0400

Comment by @alfadog on Palm Beach International Airport, United States:

This is where I learned to fly many years ago. Don't know if I would go back there now. Landing fee and high ramp fees and high fuel to boot.

[KCLW] "Be QUIET" by alfadog

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:24:26 -0400

Comment by @alfadog on Clearwater Air Park, United States:

This place has major noise issues and limitations. The old story of build an airport in the sticks then high-end homes go up around it. Flew here to visit a friend after taking up flying again; took three tries to get the plane down (high approach speed and C-172 floaaaat - luckily I had enough sense to go around twice). I had not flown in decades, did a long review, and rented a plane but still needed a lot more practice. I am about 40 - 50 hrs further along now and much better.

Don't get me wrong, tho. The FBO is very nice and the folks there are friendly!

[KMTH] "Florida Keys :)" by alfadog

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:17:22 -0400

Comment by @alfadog on The Florida Keys Marathon Airport, United States:

This was an airport I visited many years ago when I first got my PPL. My best friend had access to a house on the key. Lately I have flown there a couple times on cross-country toward my instrument rating. A nice flight but the FBO was closed each time, I think.

[X01] "Shortest public field in South Florida" by alfadog

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:13:42 -0400

Comment by @alfadog on Everglades Airpark, United States:

First, Everglades City is a great destination. Or so I hear. There are great seafood restaurants in town and any of them will pick you up at the airport. The FBO also has bikes for you to use. Unfortunately, I have been here five or so times and and it was always after hours. That is because it was summer in Miami and I flew in the evening. I flew there for the 50nm distance and the short field. It is nice to practice short field landings on an actual short(ish) field. Adds that element of realism :)

[KTNT] "Practice flying in ground effect" by alfadog

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:08:34 -0400

Comment by @alfadog on Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport, United States:

This airport has an interesting story (google it) but it is basically a unused runway @ 10,000 ft long! You technically need a permit to use it but my flying club has permits for all its aircraft :)

What I like to do here is fly along the runway in a flare getting a feel for ground effect and drifting the plane from side to side to fine-tune my handling. If there is a crosswind (unfortunately rare) then all the better. At 60 mph that is almost two minutes of practice per run! More than you get on 10 normal landings.

[KX51] "Great for practice" by alfadog

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 22:03:12 -0400

Comment by @alfadog on Homestead General Aviation Airport, United States:

I like to come down here when the wind is blowing and practice crosswind landings. It is uncontrolled and not very busy and has runways at right angles so if there is a wind, then there is a crosswind runway. Wind in South Florida is usually 090, less often 270.

[KMIA] "New Miami International Airport (MIA)" by Anonymous Flier

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:34:51 -0400

Comment by an Anonymous Flier on Miami International Airport, United States:

I use MIA weekly and I can only say the airport seems to be changing by the day!!! New beautiful architecture, great shopping stores and restaurants, the futuristic SkyTrain and MIA Mover connector to the Miami Intermodal Center (MIC) on Le Jeune, the spectacular new Rental Car Center, improved service and lots of smiles (I read that all 35,000 MIA employees are being trained in customer service), construction being completed on time - and very close to budget... if you don't use MIA often, take a look at the changes in its website - what a refreshing change! When it comes to MIA - for once - I'm proud to be a Miamian!

Fernando Litardo

Miami Beach

[KEVB] "Good Eats..." by Komatoast

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 07:23:59 -0400

Comment by @Komatoast on New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport, United States:

Great place to fly in and get some good food and spirits (for passengers). Park at FBO -- Epic Aviation; where you can walk through the gate to McCharacter's Irish Music and Sports Bar. Extensive menu of sandwiches, steaks, seafood and other entrees. Highly recommended. Enjoy Phone # (386) 409-7377

[KTMB] "Dean International Inc." by kishan

Sat, 29 May 2010 15:16:55 -0400

Comment by @kishan on Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport, United States:

Its Class Delta, and a satellite airport below Bravo..

There are a couple of flight schools at this airport, got Para diving... it was fun flying there right under class Bravo and lots of experience...

[KSRQ] "Beautiful!" by Anonymous Flier

Mon, 10 May 2010 19:43:45 -0400

Comment by an Anonymous Flier on Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, United States:

What a beautiful part of the USA visited there in December 09 jan 10!Flew in via Tampa...but passed this airport one day.. Do i spy The Ringling Mansion ? :P

[KSGJ] "Flight school" by larapenelope

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:36:11 -0400

Comment by @larapenelope on St Augustine Airport, United States:

Florida Aviation

www.florida-aviation.com

[KX60] "Very freindly people there" by larapenelope

Sat, 20 Mar 2010 05:33:01 -0400

Comment by @larapenelope on Williston Municipal Airport, United States:

Joe Ball (Airpot Supervisor) speaks very well german.

Very good food close to the field.

willistonairport@embarqmail.com

[FA37] "recent visit" by Anonymous Flier

Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:12:47 -0500

Comment by an Anonymous Flier on Wing South Airpark, United States:

visited recently. every pilots dream. great people.

[FD22] "Riff Raff" by Anonymous Flier

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 22:52:06 -0500

Comment by an Anonymous Flier on Melrose Landing Airport, United States:

This used to be a nice aviation community until it filled up with retired riff raff. Because of increased human activity it is now run down, full of litter, crowded and overun with groups of people with too much time on their hands. DO NOT move here! The people here are disfunctional and have no respect for the law. They have no lives of their own and want you to help them pass the time. It is getting worse and worse. The majority of property owners do not maintain their property and the home owners association does not enforce it's own rules and covenants.Their website is a joke and is misleading. For an example of how bad it is here a list of the individuals who are at the root of the lawlessness go to docstoc.com/docs/14587109/IN-THE-CIRCUIT-COURT ahrc.se/new/index.php/src/courts/sub/submit/action/display/id/7 and ccfj.net/HOAFLmelrose.html

Make sure you are informed before buying property anywhere lest you find yourself in a nightmare!

[8FL9] "code 8FL9" by rrobledo

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:56:26 -0500

Comment by @rrobledo on Burnt Store Road Heliport, United States:

The FAA uses '8FL9' for Burnt Store Road Heliport, Punta Gorda, Florida

[6FL1] "code 6FL1" by rrobledo

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:29:15 -0500

Comment by @rrobledo on Mayo Clinic Heliport, United States:

The FAA uses '6FL1' for Mayo Clinic Heliport, Jacksonville, Florida

[FL45] "code FL45" by rrobledo

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:51:48 -0500

Comment by @rrobledo on Manatee Memorial Hospital Heliport, United States:

The FAA uses 'FL45' for Manatee Memorial Hospital Heliport, Bradenton, FL

[FL82] "code FL82" by rrobledo

Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:28:48 -0500

Comment by @rrobledo on Oak Ridge Airport, United States:

The FAA uses 'FL82' for Oak Ridge Airport, Interlachen, FL

[7FL6] "Spruce Creek Airport - The world's largest residential airpa" by Anonymous Flier

Sat, 12 Dec 2009 23:43:21 -0500

Comment by an Anonymous Flier on Spruce Creek Airport, United States:

Nested in Northeast Florida, a few miles south of Daytona Beach and NASCAR's epicenter, the Daytona International Speedway, lies one of the most unique residential communities in the world.

The Spruce Creek Fly-in Community is the world's most famous residential airpark. With a 4,000 ft lighted runway and a GPS approach, the private airport at the center of the community can accommodate anything from a Stearman to a Gulfstream.

Originally a navy airfield during WWII, it evolved into the world's largest residential fly-in community. Today, almost 5,000 residents, 1,300 homes and 700 hangars share a unique life in this private gated village with immaculately groomed homes and common grounds. The first thing a visitor sees after driving through the security gates is a sign that summarizes the spirit of this community: “CAUTION Children and Adults at Play”. Truly a piece of pilot's heaven.

A championship golf course and Country Club and 24-hr patrolled security complements the safety, privacy and enjoyment of our residents. Frequent community-wide events and social clubs for most any interest from flying to book reading and gardening ensure a tightly knit and friendly community hard to duplicate anywhere. John Travolta and many other celebrities have enjoyed the Spruce Creek Fly-In lifestyle and privacy. Current home prices vary from a $165,000 condo to several million dollar hangar mansions.

Please keep in mind that any visits are by invitation only, as the community is not open to the public. If you are interested in real estate at the Spruce Creek Fly-in, contact us for an invitation and we will happily schedule a guided tour: flyinrealty.com .

Learn More about Spruce Creek at 7fl6.com

[KXMR] "Freqs correction" by AlStern

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:20:26 -0500

Comment by @AlStern on Cape Canaveral AFS Skid Strip, United States:

PMSV (Metro) freq should be 344.6 MHz.

Tower's UHF freq is 239.05 MHz

[KCOF] "Freqs Correction" by AlStern

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:15:59 -0500

Comment by @AlStern on Patrick Air Force Base, United States:

Beach Ops should be 311.0 MHz

PMSV (Metro) should be 344.6 MHz

[KCOF] "Freq corrections" by Anonymous Flier

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 10:05:10 -0500

Comment by an Anonymous Flier on Patrick Air Force Base, United States:

Beach Ops should be 311.0

PMSV (Metro) should be 344.6

[FL65] "re: House for sale on this airstrip .." by ptomblin

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:12:35 -0400

Comment by @ptomblin on Mac-Ivor & Friends Airstrip, United States:

The person spamming these comments (I've deleted a bunch of them already) is Bernice Velez, real estate agent. Her email address is bernicevelez@mac.com

[FL65] "House for sale on this airstrip ..954-347-8532" by Anonymous Flier

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:42:34 -0400

Comment by an Anonymous Flier on Mac-Ivor & Friends Airstrip, United States:

House for sale located in airstrip. 954-347-8532

[KVNC] "Great American Airport!" by Anonymous Flier

Mon, 25 May 2009 09:58:35 -0400

Comment by an Anonymous Flier on Venice Municipal Airport, United States:

Venice Municipal Airport is a wonderful airport. It is steeped in history, big and safe, and beautifully located.

[KPFN] "KPFN" by flybob

Mon, 18 May 2009 20:19:18 -0400

Comment by @flybob on Panama City-Bay Co International Airport, United States:

Nice airport on the water, minutes from the finest, whitest beach sand I've ever seen.

[KRSW] "Emergency landing after death of pilot" by david

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 21:58:53 -0400

Comment by @david on Southwest Florida International Airport, United States:

On Sunday 12 April 2009, a low-time, single-engine private pilot landed a King Air at Southwest Florida International successfully after the pilot died:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/04/13/florida.plane.emergency/index.html#cnnSTCText

[06FD] "good runway and nice people" by Anonymous Flier

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 20:55:54 -0400

Comment by an Anonymous Flier on Grass Roots Airpark, United States:

The runway is very large (grass) and the hangars are pretty oversized. The owner, David, is a good guy.

I found their website: grassrootsairpark.com

[KMIA] "re: Airport OK; getting to it, not so much" by david

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 12:49:13 -0400

Comment by @david on Miami International Airport, United States:

Actually, one problem with the airport was very long security lines for the C and D gates. That might have been just because it was a Saturday around spring break, but make sure you arrive very early for your flight -- don't assume you'll be through security in 10 or 20 minutes.

[KMIA] "Airport OK; getting to it, not so much" by david

Sun, 22 Mar 2009 12:44:58 -0400

Comment by @david on Miami International Airport, United States:

Just flew through MIA with my family for a spring break trip. The airport itself is fine, but getting to it, not so much. Unlike every other major city I've visited, Miami barely bothers to put any signs on the freeways and roads telling you how to get to the airport (even if you're following signs, they might suddenly disappear before you get there), so it's very important to study a map or get Google directions beforehand. Even then, the same street may have a couple of different names, so write down *all* of them.

The rental car return is the worst part -- there are some signs, but they don't take you all the way to the lots, most of which are in twisty little industrial streets to the east of the airport. I'm usually comfortable walking alone through the tougher parts of bigger cities, but I have to admit that I was a little nervous driving around there (the packs of apparently ownerless dogs living on the streets were one clue that all wasn't well).

Final verdict: the airport itself is fine, but the state and city seem not to care much about people using it, despite the fact that the area economy relies heavily on tourism, and so many visitors have fallen victim to crime driving to and from MIA. I guess it's a nice airport located in a dysfunctional city and state.

[KSPG] "New Restaurant" by Komatoast

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 09:36:49 -0500

Comment by @Komatoast on Albert Whitted Airport, United States:

Coming soon is a new restaurant on the mezzanine level of the terminal. I was going to try it out -- but it was not opening until the following week. Looks like you'll have a great view of incoming traffic, you will be able to eat inside in the AC or outside on the lanai. On the south border of the airfield is a great walk-in pilot shop where you can buy just about anything you need.

[33FL] "Wrong ID?" by ptomblin

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 13:52:10 -0500

Comment by @ptomblin on Flying S Ranch Airport, United States:

The FAA uses '33FL' for Flying S Branch.

[US-FL35] "Wrong ID?" by ptomblin

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:01:09 -0500

Comment by @ptomblin on Eglin Field Nr 2 Airport, United States:

The FAA uses FL35 elsewhere.

[KHWO] "Homwe of Pelican Airways" by jetpilot2007

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:03:28 -0500

Comment by @jetpilot2007 on North Perry Airport, United States:

I spent a beautiful sunny and humid rainy time at North Perry Airport were I passed my private pilot license in the 90's. I will never forget the British couple being the bosses of that unique flying school...

[US-2FA7] "Kathrinstadt Airport, Home of Aeromarine West Indies Airways" by AeromarineAirways

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 13:49:26 -0500

Comment by @AeromarineAirways on Kathrinstadt Airport, United States:

Kathrinstadt Airport is a private airport located approximately 25 miles southwest of St. Augustine, Florida. Because it is registered with the FAA as a “Private Airport,” access is restricted, and limited to aircraft who receive landing clearance from the airport manager. Kathrinstadt Airport, besides being modeled after a 1920's style aerodrome, is also noted as being the maintenance airfield of Aeromarine West Indies Airways Corporation, an up-and-coming scheduled passenger airline service and aviation center.

Operational specifics are as follows:

Coordinates: Latitude 29° 38' 7" and Longitude 81° 27' 55"

Airport Identifier: 2FA7

Landing Surface: grass (turf)

Runway Length: 700 ft.

Runway Width: 110 ft.

Orientation of Runway: 09-27 (east-west)

Obstructions: trees at both approach ends of runways

Airport Indicators: lighted windsock, lighted segmented circle

Traffic Pattern: right traffic Runway 9 and left traffic Runway 27

Unicom frequency: 122.9

Operations: VFR only

Based Aircraft: 2 aircraft currently based at this airport (1 multi-engine and 1 single-engine)

Facilities: there is one maintenance hangar located at the center/north side of the runways.

Airport Hours: airport is attended 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.

Security: 24 hour armed security, electric/barbed wire fencing, motion sensing cameras.

Contact information: the airport manager can be contacted via email at Aeromarine.Airways@yahoo.com or by phone at the Aeromarine Office @ 386-585-8534.

Services: general mainenance facilities for Aeromarine West Indies Airways Corp only.

Information about Aeromarine West Indies Airways can be found at: http://aeromarine-airways.com/

Operational warnings: besides being restricted to those aircraft who secure clearance from the airport manager, extreme care must be exercised with regards to operations. Kathrinstadt Airport is to be considered for use by STOL aircraft, aircraft with STOL characteristics, and ultralights only! Also, ONLY experienced airmen are to be granted operational clearance to use Kathrinstadt Airport, and this at the airport manager’s discretion.

Official website for Kathrinstadt Airport: http://kathrinstadt-airport.8m.com/

The airport manager can be contacted via e-mail at the following:

Kathrinstadt_Airport@yahoo.com

The airport address:

Kathrinstadt Airport

10460 Turpin Ave.

Hastings, Florida. 32145

The airport manager can be reached via Unicom, or by phone at the Aeromarine office:

Unicom frequency: 122.9

Flight office: 386-585-8534