Imagine you're a pilot preparing to fly to Nouna Airport in Burkina Faso. Before takeoff, what critical information should you gather? Airport codes, geographic coordinates, surrounding environment—these details are crucial for flight safety and operational planning. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of Nouna Airport from a data perspective, offering clear and accurate information to support aviation operations.
1. Nouna Airport Overview: Key Data
Located in the West African nation of Burkina Faso, Nouna Airport serves as a small regional airfield. The following essential data is vital for pilots, aviation enthusiasts, and industry professionals:
- Airport Name: Nouna Airport
- IATA Code: XNU
- ICAO Code: DFON
- Country: Burkina Faso
-
Geographic Coordinates:
- Latitude: 12° 45' 0.00" N (12.75° N)
- Longitude: 3° 52' 1.20" W (3.867° W)
2. Understanding Airport Codes
Airport codes assigned by IATA (International Air Transport Association) and ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) serve as unique identifiers with distinct applications:
- IATA Code (XNU): Primarily used for public-facing operations including ticketing, baggage handling, and passenger information systems. These three-letter codes facilitate easy recognition.
- ICAO Code (DFON): Employed by aviation professionals for flight operations and air traffic control. The four-letter structure provides geographical information, with "DF" indicating African locations.
3. Geographic Considerations for Flight Planning
The airport's position at 12.75°N, 3.867°W significantly impacts flight operations:
- Climate: The tropical location necessitates awareness of high temperatures, seasonal rainfall, and potential storms that may affect flight conditions.
- Terrain: Surrounding topography influences takeoff and landing procedures, with potential effects on aircraft performance.
- Navigation Aids: Knowledge of available navigation facilities (NDB, VOR) ensures precise approach and departure procedures.
4. Environmental Analysis Through Mapping Data
Detailed mapping reveals important operational considerations:
- Topography: The surrounding terrain characteristics affect aircraft performance calculations.
- Visual References: Nearby geographical features serve as potential visual navigation aids.
- Infrastructure: Ground transportation networks impact airport accessibility and logistics.
5. Operational Tools and Efficiency
Flight planning can be enhanced through digital tools with functionality including:
- Map navigation controls (pan, zoom)
- Distance measurement capabilities
- Keyboard shortcuts for rapid data access
6. Frequently Asked Questions
-
What are Nouna Airport's identification codes?
IATA: XNU, ICAO: DFON -
What other airports serve Burkina Faso?
The country's aviation infrastructure includes Ouagadougou International Airport (OUA) and Bobo Dioulasso Airport (BOY).
7. Data Verification and Updates
While this information comes from reliable aviation databases, professionals should consult current sources including:
- Official Aeronautical Information Publications (AIP)
- Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) for temporary changes
8. Safety Considerations
Essential precautions for operations at Nouna Airport include:
- Pre-flight aircraft inspections
- Detailed weather analysis
- Comprehensive flight planning
- Emergency contingency preparations
9. Additional Resources
Aviation professionals may consult specialized databases for:
- Global navigation data
- Airline code references
- Industry identification standards
10. Conclusion
Thorough analysis of Nouna Airport's operational data enables informed decision-making for flight crews and aviation personnel. In modern aviation, data-driven approaches significantly enhance both safety and efficiency. This overview provides essential reference material for operations involving this West African airfield.