Its The Last Registered Ocean Beach Airport In The United States

By Maria Morrison

Late this spring, the last ocean-front beach airport reopened sporting some safety and navigation improvements. Copalis State Airport (S16) now has a windsock and navigation cones that mark the beginning and the end of the strip of sand on which planes are allowed to land. The airport, however, is still very much a “fly at your own risk” area, and pilots must watch out for driftwood, vehicles, and people before landing or taking off. Landing in the dark, wet sand is advised, as it has the qualities of a well groomed grass strip. The fluffy, dry sand can bog down aircraft and bury the landing gear. The tides, of course, are also a big factor for pilots to consider, and those flying in are strongly advised to check tide tables.

Overflight of the sand runway 14/32 is also suggested so pilots can have a have a closer look at the condition of the runway. However, aviators must be aware that the Copalis Airport is within the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, which has NOAA restrictions for flight below 2000 feet along the coast. NOAA is aware that the airport is in the sanctuary’s airspace, and understands that aircraft will be flying in the pattern.

Reported to be established around 1976, Copalis State Beach Airport is the last registered beach airport in the United States, located on the coast of the Pacific Ocean in Washington State. Although the airport has been active for quite some time, a small number of the residents don’t care for the airport on the beach. Occasionally, pilots report locals standing in the way of departing airplanes. WSDOT’s Paul Wolf, the state airport manager, stated that “neighbors sometimes object, and think that the airport is unsafe." He strongly suggests a call to the local police or WSDOT, at 360-618-2477, if a negative encounter occurs with non-pilots. Calling Paul Wolf before departing for Copalis Beach is also advised so that pilots can get information on the airport’s current condition.

When returning from Copalis Beach, remember to vacuum and wash the plane, to clean it up from the salt spray and sand.

Landing on the sand is a unforgettable experience for all, and a unique way to spend a day at the beach.

(File image released to Public Domain)

FMI: www.wsdot.wa.gov/aviation/AllStateAirports/CopalisBeach_CopalisState.htm