โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Sparta Fort McCoy Airport (CMY/KCMY) is a public-use aviation facility located in Monroe County, Wisconsin, serving the city of Sparta and the adjacent Fort McCoy military installation. As a joint-use airport, it plays a critical role in supporting both local general aviation and military flight operations for the U.S. Army. The airport's strategic location in the 'Driftless Area' of western Wisconsin makes it an important link for regional transportation, emergency services, and business travel within the state.
The terminal building is a functional and well-maintained facility that serves as the airport's administrative and operational hub. Inside, visitors will find a welcoming pilot's lounge with comfortable seating, a flight planning room, and clean restroom facilities. While the airport does not support scheduled commercial airline service, the terminal is designed to handle the needs of transient aviators, military personnel, and their passengers efficiently. Amenities at CMY are focused on essential travel needs, including high-speed Wi-Fi and light refreshments often provided by the airport management.
Operational infrastructure at Sparta Fort McCoy Airport include a primary paved runway (01/19) measuring 4,712 feet in length, which is capable of supporting a variety of light and medium-sized general aviation aircraft and military transport planes. The airport also offers a range of high-quality support services, including 24-hour self-service fuel (100LL and Jet A) and hangar facilities for aircraft storage. For ground transportation, the airport is located just a few miles from downtown Sparta, with private vehicle transfers and local transport options readily available to transport visitors to their local destinations or the Fort McCoy base.
๐ Connection Tips
Sparta/Fort McCoy Airport (CMY) is a joint-use airport, and the Federal Aviation Administration includes Sparta/Fort McCoy on its list of civilian airports that share facilities with a military installation. That tells you how to think about connections here: CMY is useful for general aviation, military support, and charter access, but it is not a scheduled-airline handoff airport where you can expect interline baggage, commercial help desks, or multiple backup departures. If you land here, your onward connection is almost always by road.
The airport can still be practical because of its location between Sparta, Tomah, and Fort McCoy. For a traveler heading onward to commercial air service, the real decision is which larger airport you are targeting next. Madison, La Crosse, Eau Claire, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis-Saint Paul all serve different use cases depending on ticket price, route availability, and driving tolerance. That means the most important planning step is not inside the terminal. It is confirming which road transfer you are making and how much time you are allowing for it.
Because the military side is a real part of airport operations, do not assume the atmosphere will be identical to a quiet county field every day. Operational tempo can vary, and access expectations may differ from purely civilian airports nearby. If you are traveling on private or charter aviation, confirm meeting instructions, rental-car delivery, and any Fort McCoy access requirements before wheels-up. CMY works well as a regional access point, but successful connections depend on ground planning rather than airport infrastructure.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ambler Airport (ABL) is a remote, state-owned public-use airport located in the Native Alaskan village of Ambler, within the Northwest Arctic Borough. It serves as an indispensable lifeline for this isolated community, as there are no connecting roads. The airport's infrastructure is extremely basic, reflecting its role as a bush airport. There is no traditional terminal building; instead, operations are conducted from a small, heated shelter or a designated waiting area adjacent to the gravel runway. This single facility serves as the waiting lounge, check-in area, and baggage claim point.
The airport is equipped with two gravel runways, the longest measuring 3,000 feet, operating at an elevation of 334 feet above mean sea level. This design accommodates the small aircraft, typically Twin Otters or Cessnas, that are vital for connecting Ambler to larger regional hubs. Passengers should anticipate a highly informal process, with direct interactions with pilots and airline representatives from operators like Bering Air.
Amenities at Ambler Airport are exceptionally sparse. There are no cafes, restaurants, vending machines, or shops on-site. Travelers are strongly advised to bring all necessary provisions, including food, water, and personal supplies. Security procedures are minimal, consistent with bush flying operations in remote Alaska, focusing on adherence to general aviation safety guidelines.
๐ Connection Tips
Connections at Ambler Airport are exclusively through domestic bush flights, with Bering Air being the primary scheduled carrier. These flights are crucial for linking Ambler with the regional hub of Kotzebue (OTZ) and nearby villages like Shungnak (SHG) and Kobuk (OBU). Kotzebue's Ralph Wien Memorial Airport serves as the main gateway from which most flights to Ambler originate, providing essential connections to Anchorage via Alaska Airlines. Because there are no roads connecting this isolated part of the Northwest Arctic Borough to the rest of the state, these regional air links are the only way to transport supplies, personnel, and medical essentials to the community. Travelers should expect a highly personalized but informal experience, as flights often operate as multi-stop 'milk runs' across the Kobuk River valley.
Travel to and from Ambler is highly dependent on unpredictable Arctic weather conditions and available daylight hours. Flights are frequently subject to significant delays or total cancellations due to adverse weather patterns, including dense fog, heavy snow, or high winds, which are common throughout the year. It is crucial for all travelers to maintain flexible itineraries and to confirm their flight status directly with Bering Air or their charter operator before heading to the airstrip. Unlike major commercial airports, there are no inter-airline baggage transfer services here; all luggage is handled manually by the pilot and ground agents upon arrival and departure. Always prepare for the unexpected and carry essential items in your carry-on, as the challenging environment can lead to extended stays in regional hubs like Kotzebue.
Ground transportation in the village of Ambler is extremely limited and primarily relies on local community members or pre-arranged pickups from your lodging provider. There are no traditional taxi services, Uber, or rental cars readily available at the airport, which is located about 1.5 miles north of the village center. Most residents and visitors use ATVs (four-wheelers) during the summer and snow machines in the winter to navigate the gravel road between the airstrip and the community. Bering Air typically has a local agent who coordinates arrivals and can assist with logistics, but it is vital to have a clear plan for your ground transport well in advance of your touchdown to ensure you are not left stranded at the remote airfield.
Self-sufficiency is paramount when traveling to such an isolated destination, and coordination with local providers like the Kobuk River Lodge is highly recommended. This lodge is the primary provider for both accommodation and meals in Ambler and can often assist with arranging the necessary transport from the airport. During the summer months, travel between Ambler, Shungnak, and Kobuk can also be conducted via small boats on the Kobuk River, though this is a local arrangement and not part of any formal transit system. Having a thorough understanding of your ground logistics, including pre-booked lodging and a confirmed local contact for pickup, is as critical as your flight plan when navigating the unique challenges of the Alaskan bush.
โ Back to Sparta Fort McCoy Airport