That's been the experience of the pilot who spoke to AOL Travel, "They are unbelievably demanding. I have flown into this airport many times and it is for sure a white-knuckle experience. I found myself gripping the armrest as my plane attempted a landing in Africa on a remote sandy airstrip, the landing was called off and we needed to circle around several times in order to scare off several resilient giraffes that were occupying the runway. A glance at the accident databases online shows how dangerous Aspen can be. CRJ-700 jets operated by commercial airlines receive new passengers at the Aspen-Pitkin County Airport earlier this week. Tackling Everest might be the least scary of all! The airport, about 230 miles west of Denver, has an elevation of 7,815 feet. Aspen/Pitkin Co. Airport/Sardy Field covers an area of 573 acres (232 ha) at an elevation of 7,820 feet (2,384 m) above mean sea level. Last spring I voted for the Vision Committee recommendations, because they included two ideas I had fought for: 1. This Ice Runway is built on the bare volcanic rock of Hut Point Peninsula on Ross Island with a runway that is made completely of "white ice", (four inches of compacted snow.). A journalist based in Brooklyn, New York. My friend looked online and saw all the scary things people say about the Aspen airport and is freaking out. According to Honeywell, pilots can always count on serious tailwinds as they approach San Diego International Airport, and terrain issues as they land. We never had a problem, but we respected the fact Aspen was not your average airport. Yet despite all this, the vision process shortchanged safety needs and the airport is planning to expand, to allow larger, heavier commercial and general aviation airplanes. Combining air and ground travel to accommodate regional needs well into the future is good planning. This is a BETA experience. The only game in town was to descend to 16,000 and when you arrived over SKIER, you either had a good visual on the airport or you started holding and requested clearance to your alternate. No aircraft departures are permitted after 22:30 local. While road traffic must come to a standstill for airplanes in Gibraltar, landings at Gisborne Airport on the eastern edge of New Zealands North Island must be coordinated with the national rail service which runs the Palmerston NorthGisborne Line directly across the one main paved and three grass runways. Many of these airports are accessible only by well trained and qualified pilots. Meanwhile, the $400 million estimate for Aspens expansion is a princely sum for grandiose designs at the most dangerous airport in the country. Pilots are forced to make a dramatic sharp turn and land near the valley, and the experience is often compared to landing on an aircraft carrier. This project was completed on November 2, 2011.[5]. if( navigator.sendBeacon ) { hello, today we are plane spotting at the DANGEROUS AIRPORT of Aspen Regional Airport!Aspen airport is located in a valley so there is always high winds. According to Jalopnik, only 20 captains with British Airways are qualified to operate into Madeira Airport (FNC), in which they use waypoints like a banana shed [to guide them in]. Additionally, there is no instrument landing system (ILS) so pilots must navigate the challenging terrain manually. This 8,000-foot runway is built directly on ice. These reflect our local character and mission to preserve the high quality of life you're sure to experience throughout your visit in Pitkin County. The runways are also considered the most slippery in the world and have resulted in a large number of fatal crashes. This Arizona airport has mountains on three sides and a mere 8,500-foot runway, requiring a rapid descent and tricky landings even in the best conditions. The strong winds are the most threatening element to landing on the 6,000-foot runway. Parking; Public Transportation; } ); We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer), little-known airplane feature that could save your life, Longyearbyen Airport lost its international designation in 2017, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Toncontin International Airport in Tegucigalpa, Honduras (ORLANDO SIERRA/AFP/Getty Images). Professional, strong work ethic, personable, long term commitment. Aircraft landing at Princess Juliana International Airport. Don't count on these folks to be in a good mood. To make things worse, one writer points out that the crosswinds here are intense, due to the airport's water-adjacent location. Check out more of the scariest airports to take off from and land at. Today's Video: Big Jets At Aspen Airport - The Most Dangerous Airport In America? Sitting precariously on the edge of a cliff, this tiny and narrow 1,300-foot runway is scary enough to have even the most seasoned traveler clutching the armrest during a landing on this gem of a remote Caribbean island known for stellar SCUBA diving. In the winter, its regular, weekly flights number more than 170 (not including extra flights often run during busy holiday seasons). With mountains to the north and east, Mexican . There is no second chance landing here due to the runway position, and pilots must make it perfectly the first time. Because of strict noise restrictions, pilots must take off at maximum throttle and then abruptly pull back on their engines. It's no wonder: The airport sits in a high mountain bowl that requires a series of rapid "step-downs" as soon as the pilot clears the mountain range, dropping around 2,400 feet in one minute. pilots in total are qualified to make the landing here at Paro Airport! Big Jets At Aspen Airport - The Most Dangerous Airport In America Aspen Extended | Aerosoft Shop 15 Most Dangerous Airports in the US [Update 2023] - USA by Numbers He may be reached at andersen@rof.net. American Airlines pilots likely breathed a sigh of relief last fall when the airline decided to discontinue flights thereostensibly due to low demand, though we'd bet pilot hatred might have had something to do with it. Wellington International Airport / New Zealand This airport features a one-lane 6,351-foot runway that appears to startand end in the water. In 2011 this runway was . Please help update this article to reflect recent events or newly available information. "Over the last four decades, there have been over 40 accidents all involving private,. Few airports challenge a pilot to the same headache-inducing degree as Aspen, playground for the rich and famous. In 1956, Aspen Airport Corporation officially deeded the Airport to Pitkin County making it a publicly owned public use airport, one of the requirements for federal participation in airport development. On my next visit, I will be taking the ferry from neighboring St. Maarten. In a place with so much wonderment and joy due to many great planners, managers and employees, it is inconceivable that we would tolerate a dangerous airport, let alone the most dangerous in the U.S. P.S. Positioned between mountains with a very short runway, the landing can be as dramatic as the ascent to the famed mountain. Today's Video: Big Jets At Aspen Airport - The Most Dangerous Airport In America? Pilots. These 5 American Airports Are Extremely Dangerous! Bestlifeonline.com is part of the Meredith Health Group, Orlando International Airport; Orlando, FL, Newark Liberty International Airport; Newark, NJ, Palm Beach International Airport; Palm Beach, FL, Laughlin/Bullhead International Airport; Bullhead City, AZ, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport; Arlington, VA, Norfolk International Airport; Norfolk, VA, San Diego International Airport; San Diego, CA, Toronto Pearson International Airport; Toronto, Canada. One clear day I asked the tower if I could circle to 33 [in a Challenger] just to see what it was like, one pilot said. What about Sardy/Aspen Airport up in Aspen it's been known to be dangerous too along with the one in Leadville! The report was released in 1993 report labeled Sardy airport in Aspen as "dangerous." Before Thursday's crash, 23 people were killed in aviation accidents at the airport since 1983. Letter to the Editor Letter-to-the-editor | September 8, 2020. Position performs maintenance duties on Town parks,, The North of Nell is now hiring full-time year around for the following positions: - Controller - Housekeepers These are, We are looking for two maintenance technicians, full, or part time to perform tasks such as painting, drywall patching, room, Colorado Western Slope established water law firm seeks a paralegal. Although the views of the Empire State Building are breathtaking during takeoff and landing from LaGuardia, this airport sits a little too close to the Manhattan skyline. Also known as Lukla Airport, as it's in Lukla, Nepal, the airport is located 9,838 feet above sea level. All Rights Reserved. The tailwind issues at Aspen are a very important consideration, said another pilot. As we deplaned, machine gun-toting security guards greeted the passengers which only added to our dramatic arrival. One of America's Most Dangerous Airports | Landing at Aspen | Cirrus A classic safe town. ASPEN Pilots will tell you that flying into and out of Aspen can be dangerous and so does the data. Leave the runway where it is, and dont move it 80 feet to the west, putting incoming and outgoing aircraft closer to Shale Bluffs, and. This page was last edited on 31 January 2023, at 22:35. How dangerous is the landing at this rather unassuming airport with the microscopic 6,500-foot runway tucked in among 18,000-foot peaks of the Himalayan Mountains? The airport is mostly used by 'private' jets Gulfstreams, Learjets and the likes are very common. Paul Andersen. It's in the middle of nowhere, and almost completely deserted. Many sources rate this the most dangerous airport in the United States. Under the direction of, Hiring Assistant Manager. It landed in the second spot on Honeywell's list. This airport is thought to be one of the most dangerous in the United States because it is in a very dangerous area. Instead, McBride suggests developing the Rifle airport as a more sensible regional airport, taking advantage of a much larger and flatter valley, an existing 7,000-foot-long East/West runway with takeoffs/landings in the same direction, and with an elevation almost 2,500 feet lower than Aspen to allow greater lift and milder weather conditions. Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, Colorado. Airplane pilot group on a mission to curb crashes in and out of Aspen Dining with Death: The 2001 Avjet Aspen crash - Medium Aspen Airport History | Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, ASE CRMS offers. Another pilot said frontal passages create turbulence across the mountains so severe at times that an approach is not even possible. Copyright 2023 Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, ASE. Of course this is because Aspen has its fair share of rich and/or famous residents. Short runways covered in ice, extremely cold temperatures, severe winds, and low visibility due to not only heavy snow but also ash clouds from nearby active volcanoes make landing at Narsarsuaq Airport in Greenland not for the faint of heart. . In 2007, the runway was completely rehabilitated with new grooved asphalt. Pilots are warned when flying in that they may have to make high-angle descents. Vehicles are made to stop every time an aircraft lands or takes off. Aspen-Pitkin county / Sardy Field in Colorado is listed as one of America's most dangerous airports. The approach isalmost at a cliff, alongside the jagged terrain of Saba and then a sharp bank left before an immediate landing. Airplane pilot group on a mission to curb crashes in and out of Aspen Morphing the quaint Aspen airport of today the most dangerous airport in the U.S. into a Jetsons-style spaceport is being sold to the public as an economic necessity, when its not. 0233 E. Airport Rd. Copyright 2023 AIN Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. We are landing at 9pm night and taking off at 140pm from ase. All rights reserved. The airport needed to be built on permafrost with the runway insulated against the ground so it will not melt during the summer. Three years minimum experience. Mutual aid response to airport incidents is provided by the Aspen Fire Department, Pitkin County Sheriffs Department, Aspen Ambulance, and others. The airport is packed. Commercial interests are clearly at the controls, guiding the proposed Hindenburg of an airport expansion on the assumption that bigger jets will bring more passengers and more money to enrich insatiable commercial interests. San Diego International Airport, San Diego. An October 2018 opinion piece in the Aspen Times began with an ominous statement; "The Aspen Airport is rated the most dangerous in the United States." The airport has been the scene of. Tenzing-Hillary Airport. It's almost completely surrounded by water in the Sitka Sound and weather can get a little crazy, so pilots have to watch out for boulders and debris that often wash from the causeway onto the island's only runway. Paul Andersen: Aspen is the wrong airport to expand This would address two key transit objectives: providing a safer, more dependable airport within reasonable range of Aspen, and enabling the downvalley workforce with a sane commuting experience that provides greater ease and efficiency. Jet Crashed Approaching 'Dangerous' Airport - ABC News Thats a regional question that should be weighed by the larger social values of scale and compatibility where the downvalley workforce could potentially benefit. Another airport stuck in the center of a mountainous region, the rinky-dink Bert Mooney has the added attraction of being absent a control tower and often experiencing below-freezing temperatures (obviously not ideal for flying). There are huge cliffs at both ends of the airports single runway, and strong mountain winds in the cold of winter, all serving to make landing an airplane in Telluride a dangerous proposition for even experienced pilots. Hold on tight, folks, it's going to be a bumpy landing! Years later when the VOR approach to RW 15 was commissioned, we flew it religiously. At one end of the runway is a mountain wall and the other end is a dramatic 2,000-foot plunge into the valley. Fair Game. Its a risky maneuver under the best conditions in a high-performance jet.. If we pause now and take the time to get our options clear and properly explored, especially those not yet considered, there is a lot we can do to assure ourselves and our guests that we have done all we can to make our airport as safe and as first-class as our mountains. Aspen, CO 81611. The short runway also abruptly ends at the Sea on both ends, forcing pilots to hit the brakes immediately after landing. Aspen-Pitkin County Airport (also known as Sardy Field) (IATA: ASE) (ICAO: KASE)), . Swipe is only available in chrome dev tools mobile mode. Additionally, the runway drops off so much on both sides that pilots at one end of it can't see planes at the other. The final approach slope is slightly less than seven degrees, about equal to that for the UKs London City Airport. The approach involves descending into a narrow space surrounded on two sides by. Alexandros Papadiamantis airport on the Greek island of Skiathos. Due to the lack of runway lights, flights are only permitted during daylight, thus hindering flights duringthe winter when the sun never rises. Ever felt as if you were taking of in a space shuttle instead of an Airbus? "Just a complete pain from 18,000 feet until you're at the gate," one pilot writes on Reddit. It might be scary but it sure is beautiful to land on St. Maarten. This slope makes taking off difficult and is reachable through deep valleys where only certified pilots are allowed. Telluride is the highest-elevation commercial airport in America at 9,070 feet. Aspen should not stand for a dangerous airport All Rights Reserved. Pilots need a special license to fly into Aspen Airport because its so dangerous! When it was opened in 1946, Aspen-Pitkin County Airport was operated by a private company. The airport meets modified FAA D-III airport reference code standards. Executive Administrative Assistant Colorado Mountain College Aspen & Carbondale Please go to: www.coloradomtn.edu/employment for more information. This can lead to occasional delays, cancellations, and weight restrictions depending on wind strength and direction. On my next visit, I will be taking the ferry from neighboring St. Maarten. According to sources, numerous aircraft crashes, including a fatal 2001 Gulfstream charter jet . It is located in a heavily built-up part of thehuge city and gives you the impression that you are scraping the tops of high rise buildings as you land. xhr.setRequestHeader('Content-Type', 'text/plain;charset=UTF-8'); And on takeoff, pilots must ascend quickly and sharply turn left so they don't fly over the White House. Get ready for a bumpy landing if you're flying into this California airport. "In order to land in snowy Aspen, pilots must be specially certified to do so," warns Airfare Watchdog. Paul Andersens column appears on Mondays. The airp. Any advice on what i can tell her to reassure her that the ASE airport is safe even a night landing? This massive airport can be a pain for plenty of passengers trying to catch a connecting flight, but for pilots, the wind there is what's most frustrating. Positioned in the Himalayan mountains, the 9,325 feet high Tenzing airport was named after the first two climbers that scaled Mt. So I avoid it like the plague. It also can demand that any private pilot who plans to come to the Aspen airport must first pass a vigorous mountain flying exam or pay a steep penalty. ", Perhaps worse than crying kids are entitled rich people, and pilots get plenty of those in this destination for the wealthy. This small airport located in Northern California is about as precarious you can get. but while landing at a dangerous airport like Aspen during poor weather, the onset of night should have given them pause. National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems, Automated surface observing system (ASOS), Learn how and when to remove this template message, "FAA expands weather camera coverage in Colorado and Montana General Aviation News", "Nonstop Growth in Austin Leads to More Nonstops to Austin", "Delta is back: Airline's return to Aspen market drives down airfare, at least temporarily", "Aspen airport remains closed after crash that killed 1, injured 2", "NTSB concludes winds, pilot error led to fatal crash at Aspen-Pitkin County Airport", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aspen/Pitkin_County_Airport&oldid=1136741674. He grinned and commented, I have probably flown with you on over one hundred VOR approaches and I have never seen you slow up to Ref plus 10 this far out. I said, Just do it this time for me, Ill explain later. As it turned out, I didnt have to explain later. The approach isalmost at a cliff, alongside the jagged terrain of Saba and then a sharp bank left before an immediate landing. Bus service provided by RFTA is free into Aspen and Snowmass Village. Aspen should not stand for a dangerous airport. Tellurides Regional Airport sits over 9,000 feet above sea level, making it the highest commercial airport in North America. Read on to learn which ones they areand remember to show some sympathy towards your captain the next time you're flying to Butte, Montana. Suite A Face coverings are optional in the Aspen Airport per TSA Executive Order. Steep banking at high altitude introduces the potential for an accelerated stall, for one thing. In order to land in snowy Aspen, pilots must be specially certified to do so, warns Airfare Watchdog. Aspen doesnt make the grade but here are the best major U.S. airports. 2022 Galvanized Media. The 17 Scariest Airport Landings In The World, And Why You - Forbes [WATCH] POV video shows landing at 'America's most dangerous airport A classic safe town. Responsible for overseeing a variety of efforts in support of various aspects, Full-Time (5 days per week 8 hour shifts morning and/or afternoon shifts) at Colorado Rocky Mountain School. The stunning scenery, (pun intended), the ski slopes and the relaxed feel of the . Yeager is another short runway, but what makes this airport a bit more thrilling is that it sits atop a flattened mountain. Danger may be your middle name but this airport is treacherous not only because of the extremely short runway but because of its height, location between mountains, and, oh yeah, the lack of power and air traffic controllers. [1], Aspen/Pitkin Co. Airport has more regular service from major carriers than any other regional ski town airport in North America. } Another dangerous high altitude airport makes the list because, according to Interesting Engineering, in order for planes to prepare for the descent into Toncontin Airport, they must make a quick 45-degree bank turn to reach the runway in a valley then rapidly drop altitude, being careful not to scrape the terrain directly underneath. Brush up on these tips on how to survive a plane crash before you fly. The airport terminal hosts six rental car operations, a year-round guest services operation, plus Jeddadiahs restaurant and gift shops. I explained to him, since the weather was right at minimums we should be fully configured and Ref plus 10 crossing The VOR. Two Colorado airports are among the 10 'most challenging' in U.S. No surprise: There's another New York City-area airport that came in for a drubbing from Reddit pilots. Sure it has a lovely new $10.5 million dollar terminal, but this picturesque airport between Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks still ranks as a dangerous one thanks to a lack of control tower and the need for pilots to navigate numerous obstructions while landing. ASE is a small airport for small planes only, and traffic tends to stop in any inclement weather. Airfarewatchdog.com suspects this is because the airport requires a swift descent at high altitude. Besides the congested airspace that all airports in the area suffer from, one pilot explained to AOL Travel that Newark stands out as "the worst. The name says it all. Bigger is not better when 737s come knocking on Aspens door, roaring overhead like valkyries and compromising the already tenuous rural character for which Aspen still claims a sense of identity and place. The destination is particularly treacherous due to strong and highly variable Atlantic winds, mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. And dont forget that the runway was extended from 5,249 feet to 9, 124 feet by building it out into the ocean on 180 concrete pillars it is now like a runway on stilts! The Most Dangerous Airports In The World - The Delite We recommend our users to update the browser. Under the runways are culverts allowing water to run from the mountain. Last week we landed five hours late because of some snow. The 6,500-foot runway only allows for arrivals and departures during the daytime. The terrain, the weather . Maho public beach islocated at the end of this runway which results in huge gusts of wind and sand for sunbathers but also offering up a perfect Instagram shot. AIN asked some pilots who regularly operate there to share their wisdom, on condition of anonymity. All 150 passengers and five crew members were plucked from the Hudson safe and sound. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking news? Pilots Address the Hazards of an Aspen Arrival Professional, strong work ethic, personable, long term commitment. The tricky approach through the mountainous area is well known for itsgusty winds which make it extremely difficult to maneuver landings. The January 5 crash of a Bombardier Challenger 601-3R during the crew's second attempted landing at Aspen Pitkin County. The Aspen/Pitkin County Airport operates on a core set of community values: safety, health and well-being, environmental responsibility, and operational efficiency. Good times! Other dangerous airport landings not included in this list include;Alexandros Papadiamantis airport on the Greek island of Skiathos, MCAS Futenma in Okinawa, Damascus International Airport, Aspen Airport, St. Bart's and many others. After the attacks of Sept. 11, security forces strongly enforce these rules. Nowhere else on earth does a pilot have to contend with the mix of factors that exist at this dangerous airport. You won't pay more and it won't bite you Some have compared taking off at this airport to a "ballistic missile" and a "space shuttle liftoff.". CRMS offers. I'm pretty senior with my airline, so I don't have to fly a route that's going there if I don't want to. Englands The Telegraph also ranks Aspen No. The highest commercial airport in the United States, its runway sits on a plateau above the San Miguel River and dips in the middle. "No airport was really meant for that. With just1,700 feet of runway length, this airport has a downward gradient of 18.5%.