Definition:
Kipnuk Airport is a public-use airport located in Kipnuk, a census-designated place in the Bethel Census Area of the U.S. state of Alaska.
Overview:
Kipnuk Airport serves the predominantly Yup'ik community of Kipnuk, a remote village situated on the Kuskokwim River Delta in southwestern Alaska. The airport facilitates essential air connectivity for residents, including access to medical services, education, and transportation of goods, which is crucial given the lack of road access to most of interior and western Alaska.
The airport is owned and maintained by the State of Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) – Central Region. It is categorized as a state-owned public airport and is included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS).
Etymology/Origin:
The name "Kipnuk Airport" derives directly from the community it serves—Kipnuk. The name "Kipnuk" is believed to originate from the Central Alaskan Yup'ik language, possibly related to "kiq'unaq," meaning "there is a depression" or "it is indented," referring to the local topography.
Characteristics:
- FAA Identifier: Z08
- Location: Kipnuk, Bethel Census Area, Alaska, United States
- Coordinates: Approximately 60°48′14″N 162°14′47″W
- Elevation: About 26 feet (8 meters) above sea level
- Runway: One gravel runway designated 6/24, measuring 2,200 feet (671 meters) in length and 60 feet (18 meters) in width
- Usage: Primarily serves general aviation and small commuter aircraft, typically single-engine and turboprop planes such as the Cessna 208 Caravan
- Services: No fuel or control tower; operations are conducted under visual flight rules (VFR)
Related Topics:
- Kipnuk, Alaska
- Alaska Native communities
- Bush aviation in Alaska
- Transportation in rural Alaska
- State-owned airports in Alaska
- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) airport designations
- National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS)