When navigating the vast landscape of aviation information, locating specific airport codes can often prove challenging. These alphanumeric identifiers serve as an airport's unique "ID card," playing a crucial role in global air transportation. This article focuses on a lesser-known facility—Bob Wiley Field in Winner, South Dakota—to uncover its IATA designation and explore the airport's operational significance.
Bob Wiley Field: A Regional Aviation Hub
Bob Wiley Field, alternatively known as Winner Regional Airport, serves the community of Winner and surrounding areas in South Dakota. While modest in size, this airport fulfills vital transportation needs for local residents and businesses, contributing to regional economic development through accessible air travel options.
Understanding Airport Code Systems
Every airport operates with multiple identification codes across different aviation management systems. Bob Wiley Field maintains the following designations:
- IATA Code: SFD
- ICAO Code: KSFD
- FAA Code: SFD
The three-letter IATA code, assigned by the International Air Transport Association, primarily facilitates commercial operations like ticketing and baggage handling. ICAO's four-letter codes support flight planning and air traffic control, while the FAA designation operates within U.S. domestic aviation frameworks. The shared SFD code across IATA and FAA systems indicates the airport's established recognition in national aviation networks.
Geographical Context
Located near Winner, South Dakota, the airport's precise coordinates require verification from authoritative aviation sources. Online mapping services provide the most current geographical data for travelers seeking orientation and transportation connections.
Facilities and Services
While detailed specifications aren't publicly documented, regional airports like Bob Wiley Field typically maintain essential infrastructure:
- Operational runway(s) for takeoffs and landings
- Terminal building for passenger services
- Vehicle parking areas
- Aviation fuel services
- Aircraft maintenance capabilities
Some facilities may offer supplementary amenities including food services and rental car options to enhance passenger convenience.
Airport Code Research Methods
Several practical approaches exist for locating airport identifiers:
- Dedicated aviation code databases
- Airline booking platforms (which auto-populate codes)
- Travel agency resources
- Specialized flight applications
Understanding these coding systems proves invaluable for efficient air travel planning. The SFD designation for Bob Wiley Field represents more than mere letters—it connects a regional facility to global transportation networks while supporting local economic activity through aviation access.