โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Blakely Island Airport (BYW), also known by its FAA code 38WA, is a small, privately-owned public-use aviation facility located on Blakely Island, one of the stunning San Juan Islands in Washington State. The airport is a critical access point for the island's residents and their guests, as there is no public ferry service connecting it to the mainland or other islands. Landing at the airport requires prior permission, preserving its quiet and secluded atmosphere for the local community.
The terminal facilities at Blakely are very basic. There is no dedicated terminal building, but rather a small shelter and information board for pilots and passengers. Amenities like Wi-Fi, dining, and retail are not available; instead, a community-run "honor system" store provides snacks and drinks near the airfield. This minimalist approach is a key part of the islandโs charm, encouraging visitors to embrace the tranquil, self-sufficient lifestyle of the San Juans.
Operational infrastructure at BYW is centered around a single 2,200-foot asphalt runway, suitable for small STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) aircraft and seaplanes that are common in the region. The airport does not have published instrument procedures, making all flights dependent on visual flight rules (VFR) and favorable weather conditions. Ground transportation on the island is typically by pre-arranged golf cart or private vehicle, and travelers should coordinate their pickup and drop-off with their hosts prior to arrival.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting through Blakely Island Airport (BYW), officially FAA identifier 38WA, is a specialized process defined by its status as a private-use facility in the San Juans. A critical tip for all pilots is the mandatory Prior Permission Required (PPR) from the Blakely Island Maintenance Commission. The 2,200-foot asphalt runway (01/19) features a unique challenge: the middle of the strip is significantly higher than either end, creating a 'hump' that can obscure aircraft at the opposite threshold. Precise position reports on CTAF 128.25 are essential. Additionally, be alert for heavy deer activity on the runway, especially during dawn, dusk, and night operations.
There is no public ferry service to Blakely Island; your only 'connections' are via private boat, water taxi, or aircraft. Upon landing, most visitors coordinate onward movement through the Blakely Island Marina, the islandโs primary social hub. While there is no formal terminal, a small mid-field loading area is provided. A unique aspect is the community-run general store near the marina, which operates on an honor system for basic supplies. No fuel is available at BYW; pilots typically plan a technical stop at nearby Friday Harbor (KFHR) or Orcas Island (KORS). Ground transport is strictly by pre-arranged golf cart or private vehicle through your host. Maintain a flexible schedule, as the San Juan Islands are prone to sudden sea fog and high winds that can rapidly close the field to VFR traffic. For frequent flyers in the Pacific Northwest, BYW offers a discrete retreat, provided you strictly adhere to the private community's arrival protocols.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Apalachicola Regional Airport (AAF), also known as Cleve Randolph Field, is a public-use facility that primarily serves the general aviation needs of Franklin County, Florida. The terminal experience here is centered around a well-maintained general aviation building that houses the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation. Unlike commercial hubs, the atmosphere is quiet and professional, catering to private pilots, corporate travelers, and flight training operations. The terminal provides essential services such as a pilot lounge, a flight planning room, and basic administrative offices, all within a compact and easily navigable single-story structure.
The facility is designed for quick transitions from landside to airside, with a parking area located just steps away from the terminal entrance. Inside, visitors will find a clean and welcoming environment with comfortable seating and access to restrooms. While there are no sprawling retail concourses or food courts, the FBO staff are known for their hospitality, often providing complimentary coffee and assistance with ground logistics. The terminal also serves as a hub for local aviation events and military training exercises, reflecting the airport's diverse role in the regional aviation landscape of the Florida Panhandle.
For those arriving by private or charter aircraft, the terminal offers seamless access to the airfield's three concrete runways. There are no jet bridges; instead, passengers deplane directly onto the apron and walk a short distance to the FBO building. Security is managed through standard general aviation protocols rather than TSA checkpoints, allowing for a much faster arrival and departure process. Despite its simplicity, the terminal at AAF provides a high level of service for the general aviation community, offering a gateway to the historic city of Apalachicola and the pristine beaches of St. George Island.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Apalachicola Regional Airport is different from commercial transfers as the airport does not host scheduled airline services. All connections are between private, corporate, or charter flights. If you are planning a multi-leg journey through AAF, coordination with the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation, is essential. They assist with aircraft staging, refueling with 100LL or Jet-A, and ensuring ground support equipment is ready. The airport operates without a control tower, so pilots must use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) for local communication.\n\nTo transition from a private flight at AAF to a commercial airline, the nearest options are Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or Tallahassee International Airport (TLH). Both are about an 80 to 90-minute drive from Apalachicola. Since there are no on-site rental car agencies with permanent counters, you must pre-arrange vehicle delivery or shuttle services. Many travelers find it convenient to use local taxi services or pre-arranged private transfers to reach these commercial hubs or destinations along the Forgotten Coast.\n\nGround logistics should be planned with the airport's operating hours in mind, as services are typically available from 08:00 to 19:00. If you require an after-hours arrival or departure, coordinate in advance with the FBO for terminal access and fuel. The rural area means ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are not reliably available, so a confirmed transport plan is crucial. Whether you are connecting to a fishing charter, a meeting, or a commercial flight elsewhere, AAF offers a low-stress environment provided that your ground and air logistics are meticulously pre-arranged.
โ Back to Blakely Island Airport