Imagine you're piloting an aircraft preparing to land at San Luis Valley Regional Airport in Colorado. What critical information do you need for a safe landing? Airport codes, precise location, and elevation are all vital. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of San Luis Valley Regional Airport (KALS) data to equip pilots with essential flight information.
1. Airport Overview: Quick Facts
San Luis Valley Regional Airport serves as a key aviation hub near Alamosa, Colorado. Like all airports, it has unique identification codes:
- IATA Code: ALS
- ICAO Code: KALS
- FAA Code: ALS
These codes function as the airport's identification and are used extensively in flight planning, booking, and air traffic control communications.
2. Geographic Location: Precise Coordinates
Accurate location data is crucial for navigation:
- Country: United States
- Location: Alamosa, Colorado
- Latitude: 37° 26' 5.70" N
- Longitude: 105° 51' 59.60" W
- Elevation: 7,539 feet (2,298 meters)
The high elevation significantly impacts aircraft performance, requiring careful consideration during flight planning.
3. Airport Facilities: Infrastructure for Safe Operations
While specific facility details aren't provided, regional airports typically include:
- Runways for takeoffs and landings
- Taxiways connecting runways to aprons
- Terminal buildings for passenger services
- Navigation aids including radio beacons and ILS
- Meteorological services
- Air traffic control services
4. Pilot Considerations: Safety Recommendations
Pre-Flight Preparation
- Review current airport diagrams for runway configurations and obstacles
- Monitor Colorado's variable weather conditions
- Understand controlled airspace requirements
High-Altitude Operations
The airport's elevation requires:
- Adjusted takeoff/landing speeds due to reduced air density
- Modified aircraft performance calculations
Emergency Preparedness
Pilots should:
- Conduct thorough pre-flight checks
- Carry emergency supplies including first aid kits
5. Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the airport codes? IATA: ALS, ICAO: KALS, FAA: ALS
- Where is the airport located? Near Alamosa, Colorado
- What is the airport elevation? 7,539 feet (2,298 meters)
6. Local Attractions: Exploring Alamosa
For visitors, notable nearby destinations include:
- Great Sand Dunes National Park
- San Luis Valley Museum
- Rio Grande Scenic Railroad
7. Additional Resources
For further aviation information:
- KALS airport charts
- Global navigation databases
- Airline code references
8. Knowledge Testing
Interactive aviation quizzes are available for:
- Air traffic control simulations
- Airport code recognition
- Aircraft identification
Understanding San Luis Valley Regional Airport's specifications is fundamental for aviation safety. This information enables pilots to conduct operations efficiently while prioritizing safety in Colorado's high-altitude environment.