Looking for good airports in the Northwest

Also:

http://www.aviation.state.or.us/Avia...l#Pacific_City

Pacific City State Airport is a popular coastal destination. It´s only a
short walk to the beach (Bob Straub State Park), Cape Kawanda is located
about 1 mile north, and several eateries are near the airport.
Unfortunately, this airport has more than its share of accidents. The
first thing you notice about Pacific City is that it´s short. It is only
1875´ long, and the north end has a 300´ displaced threshold to allow a
reasonable approach clearance slope over the road at the end. That
leaves just 1575´ available landing to the south. Do not hesitate to go
around. If you are not firmly on the ground in the first 400´ of the
runway, go around. The sooner a go around is initiated, the more likely
it can be safely completed. Several accidents here have resulted from
down wind landing attempts, or touching down past midfield.

Normally the winds are fairly strong in the afternoons, so that helps
compensate for the short runway. The winds are not always directly down
the runway, however, and that brings up the other substandard dimension.
This runway is narrow. The pavement is only 30´ wide, which makes the
runway look deceptively long. Also, the obstructions along the sides are
fairly close in, and there is a lot of burble and low-level turbulence
during crosswind conditions. This may not become apparent until you are
near touchdown. So be very aware of the wind. A down wind landing here
will probably not be successful. Strong crosswinds can make landings
treacherous. On the south end the approach is over the sand dunes and
Nestucca Bay, so there are no significant obstructions. The north end is
another story. There is a 3´ cable fence across the end of the runway.
Then there is a city street beyond the cable. A small building sits on
the north side of the road, 120´ from the runway end. Several aircraft
have had close encounters with this building. North of that building are
assorted trees and a 40´ powerline situated 500´ from the end. In a calm
wind condition, it is preferable to land to the north.

Another unique feature of Pacific City is that on occasion the runway is
underwater. This normally happens only during extreme high tides, or
during a winter storm surge when the river is already high. These high
tides can leave trash and logs on the runway after they subside. As a
result, always be cautious for debris on the runway. There are a limited
number of tiedowns on the ramp and they often fill up on a busy weekend.
Be very cautious of the unpaved surfaces as they are often very soft. Do
not taxi off the pavement without first walking the area to make sure it
will support your aircraft. Also look for holes and hidden objects.

Chris G. wrote:
And Fat Freddies for great hamburgers. Be sure to check out all
information on this airport. You are literally landing downtown and it
is a short, narrow runway. You may want to give the Oregon Dept of
Aviation a call to get more airport info/tips on this one. Don't get me
wrong, it's a fun airport, but it's not (IMHO) for the beginner. I went
in there recently on a practice approach with my Dad (CFII) and I
aborted both times because my short-field ops need polishing.

Oregon Dept of Aviation:
http://www.oregon.gov/Aviation/

Phone: 503-378-4880

Terry wrote:
Don't forget Pacific City airport, walking distance to the ocean.