CAJ3 at N49 02 13 W116 29 54
| |
CAJ3 at N49 02 13 W116 29 54 |
|
The Creston Valley Airport is operated by the Town of Creston. Fuel (100LL) can be purchased at the airport, and it is best to phone ahead for service at 250-428-2733.
Runways 15 and 33 both have PAPI's and night lights that are activated by keying the mic 5 times for 15 and 7 times for 33. The runway is smooth with good visibility of the taxiway and runway from both ends. It is 3945 feet of newly painted asphalt and is 75 feet wide.
Procedures
The Air Traffic Frequency is on unicom 122.8 and a first call stating inbound should be made at least 5 nautical miles out. Many pilots make inbound calls at 15, 10 and 5 nautical miles. This is a busy little airport, and all pilots are encouraged to fly a standard approach that includes crossing midfield then proceeding onto a downwind.
All circuits are flown on the EAST side of the airport. Circuits are a LEFT downwind for runway 15, and RIGHT circuits for runway 33. This so that there will less opportunity for traffic conflict with aircraft operating from the turf strip at US Customs in Porthill, Idaho, just 2.5 miles away. Porthill circuits are flown on the WEST side of the valley and also use 122.8.
Several NORDO aircraft regularly fly from our airport, so a constant vigilance must be maintained. Also, if you are flying NORDO, be aware that scheduled flights to Creston are in operation, so 'fly the pattern'!
Natural hazards exist at all airports, in some form, and pilots are cautioned to be extremely alert. Herds of elk and deer enjoy the fenced haven of our airport and have been known to 'own' the runway at dusk. It may be prudent to make an over-flight of the runway during times of limited visibility.
Winds from the west can create regions of moderate downdrafts over both ends of the runway. A 250 foot hill lies immediately to the west of the runway, and significantly affect local conditions. Add to this the fact that the airport is built near the edge of a mountain bench that lies at an average altitude of 300 feet above the flat valley bottom, and moderate turbulence can be expected shortly before landing or after take-off.
Limited winter maintenance allows operation of heavier chartered and scheduled flights. Occasionally, heavy slush may create difficult taxiing. As aircraft transition in their takeoff or landing roll, the heavy slush may significantly reduce controllability.
There is ample parking on the ramp. Scheduled flights have reserved tie-downs on the south-east corner of the ramp. Tie-downs and parking on the west side of the ramp is discouraged during the winter, so that operators of snow removal equipment can push snow to that side.
 |
This webpage created and copyrighted by Web Water Designs. |