The World's 18 Strangest Airports

[pjdavis67]

Popular Science recently compiled a list of the 18 strangest airports in the world. Included is an airport that has an 18-hole golf course in the middle of its two runways, one with an ice runway, and one in the Alps that features a large hill in the middle of the runway.
Making the list is one GA airport: Copalis State Airport (S16) in Grays Harbor County, Washington. Popular Science notes:
“One way to get to Washington’s Griffiths-Priday Ocean State Park is to land on this 4,500-foot-long strip of beach. The runway is located between the mouth of the Copalis River and a barrier of rocks, with orange reflective markers at both ends to help guide pilots to a safe landing. The Washington State Department of Transportation urges incoming pilots to do a fly-over before landing to make sure the runway is free of debris. The Department of Transportation also notes that pilots should aim for dark, wet sand, which is more stable to land on than light-colored, soft sand. As with other beach-based landing areas, Copalis State Airport is submerged every time the tide rolls in. Pilots considering spending some time on the beach should make sure to park their aircraft above the high tide mark in order to ensure that their planes aren’t taken out to sea.”
See the full list

http://www.popularmechanics.com/tec...ea8af5d5f-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email

 

[Tennisdogs]

Re: The World's 18 Strangest Airports

I like the hilly one in France the best. Imagine landing at 6500 feet on that!

 

[CFCS]

Re: The World's 18 Strangest Airports

I like the hilly one in France the best. Imagine landing at 6500 feet on that!

Actually with 18% grade and 1700' it wouldn't be very difficult in or out.

Much easier than Mile High in Idaho. I have been in and out of it several times over the years. I think its official length is around 700ft at 5800' elevation. (Commander excluded of course)

The hard part for most newbie mountain flyers is getting past being overwhelmed by the terrain, when it bites you it bites hard.

It would sure be fun flying through those mountains on a calm day.

 

[nruzic]

Re: The World's 18 Strangest Airports

Much easier.....Mile High ....... I have been in .... several times over the years

Hey Lonnie & Jim Bunn how do you let this Floyd get away with such Mile High bragging and yet if I ask a perfectly legit question about Mile High & IFR rules you guys are all over me!

PS Sorry for the thread misdirection here Floyd

 

[rob egph]

Re: The World's 18 Strangest Airports

it"s pure envy Sid ! you may as well flaunt it while you've got it

I've been into Gibralter and it's interesting to say the least. Sitting in the back you are convinced that you are just about to ditch in the water as it gets so close. Then suddenly a flash of beach and you're down. Then you're aware of the ABS as the crew bring the plane to a stop just in time to prevent you running into the sea at the other end of the runway.

 

[Lawrence Rippon]

Re: The World's 18 Strangest Airports

I like the hilly one in France the best. Imagine landing at 6500 feet on that!

I flew the approach into there, non radio, in 2008 during the summer with a Mountain Rated pilot in the right seat, unfortunately on final we could see 2 workmen digging up the runway and had to go around, which in its self is an adventure. Apparently the 55OM is plenty for a Commander with a tailwind on an 18% gradient. What a trip just to get there, passed Mont Blanc, the Eiger and came through the Petite St Bernard Pass at 11,000'.

 

[Airotto370]

Re: The World's 18 Strangest Airports

Nice find Paul D.

Some additions...we already have written about the iceport in Alton Bay, NH (B18). Another gem is Airway Meadows (Heber Airport K30) http://www.airwaymeadowsgolf.com/flyngolf.htm near Saratoga, NY. 2200' runway separating two fairways, signs on the tees to watch for low flying aircraft. Been there a number of times, great place.

 

[wab003]

Re: The World's 18 Strangest Airports

Get much hail damage there?

 

[Airotto370]

Re: The World's 18 Strangest Airports

Not yet, but there are a few million balls in the OB grass close to the runway.

Get quite the reaction when landing from the players.

 

[FS]

Re: The World's 18 Strangest Airports

Get much hail damage there?

If a stray ball hits the prop then do you have to tear down the engine?

What about the poor caddy that has to spot where the ball landed? It could end up miles away.

And does the player that lofted said ball have to go way over to the adjacent county in order to play it back to the same hole?

 

[Airotto370]

Re: The World's 18 Strangest Airports

Frank, Frank, Frank...how do you get through the day with such random worries???? Besides, a good caddie will find the ball no matter where. Sheesh!

 

[N4843W]

Re: The World's 18 Strangest Airports

Great post, Paul.

Lonnie ... I really think M43 should have made the list. What with the guys flying RC planes up and down the strip and the enthusiastic greeting you get from those two fabulous Steverson Aviation babes Cali and Kenzie ... I rate it as a unique experience!