Pohnpei State Flag PINGELAP CIVIL AIRFIELD

Pingelap Civil Airfield is located in Pohnpei State on the west coast of the largest and southernmost of the three islands that compose Pingelap Atoll, roughly 154 nautical miles (285 km) west of Pohnpei Island. In order to utilize the airstrip, operators must apply for the appropriate flight permits with the F.S.M. Division of Civil Aviation. Once approval has been granted, the operator can contact the Pohnpei Port Authority Airport Manager to make arrangements for on-call personnel to be present at the airfield.

 

ABOUT PINGELAP ATOLL

 

Pingelap Atoll is 2.6 miles long and 1.6 miles at its widest point. Only the largest island is inhabited with roughly 250 residents living mostly near the airfield on the west side of the island. The three islands have a cumulative land area of 1.1 square miles. The local language is Pingelapese, though English is also spoken. Pingelap is famous among geneticists around the world because of the high occurrence of achromatopsia (a type of color-blindness). Perpetuated by a small gene pool and rapid population growth, nearly 10% of the current population suffers from the condition. Neurologist Oliver Sacks' 1997 book, The Island of the Colorblind, was written about the atoll.

Pingelapese boatmen help to unload a visiting supply ship

BASIC AIRFIELD INFORMATION

Lat/Long:  6°12'40.66"N / 160°42'16.02"E (estimated)
Elevation:  8 ft
From population center:  328 ft / 100 m N of primary settlements on PINGELAP ISLAND, PINGELAP ATOLL
Time zone:  UTC +11 (year round; does not observe DST)

AIRFIELD OPERATIONS

Airport use:  Open to the public, PPR FOR LANDING TO BE FILED 48 HRS IN ADVANCE WITH FSM SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION, COMMUNICATIONS & INFRASTRUCTURE: DIVISION OF CIVIL AVIATION.
Control tower:  no
Lights:  no
Beacon:  no

AIRFIELD COMMUNICATIONS

CTAF: 123.6 (COMS provided by Pohnpei Radio)

AIRFIELD SERVICES

Fuel available:  no

RUNWAY INFORMATION

Dimensions:  1200 x 100 ft / 366 x 30 m
Surface:  concrete, in fair condition, deteriorated paving in some places, eroded fringe
Lights: no
Latitude:  6°12'40.66"N (estimated)
Longitude:  160°42'16.02"E (estimated)
Elevation:  8 ft
Runway heading:  057
Markings:  yes, faded
PHOTO CREDITS: Caroline Islands Air plane on airstrip & Cockpit Interior - F.S.M. DCA © 2012. Boats & Local House - Mike Hilbert © 2012.
Pingelap Civil Airfield Map

CONTACT INFORMATION

ppa airport manager:    Melson Darra
phone:    691.320.3241
email:    mdarra@mail.fm

HOURS OF OPERATION

ALL DAYS    Personnel On-Call
Contact Airport Manager to request station agent at airfield     

WEATHER INFORMATION & NOTAMS

Please contact the PPA Airport Manager at 691.320.3241

 

 

 

Local House Caroline Islands Air cockpit