San Juan Islands
terenphotography.com
by Yasmina Platt
© Copyright 2024. All rights reserved!
Published in Midwest Flyer Magazine April/May 2024 Digital Issue
I have talked about island hopping in the Bahamas and Michigan before but, this time, we’re traveling to Washington State. It is easy to create a circular air trail around them. Consider embarking on your journey with a full tank of fuel.
The closest island coming from Seattle is Decatur. While there are two airports on the island, they are both private and prior permission from the owners is required to pay a visit.
FAA Sectional Map
•WN07 – Decatur Shores Airport with Runway 15/33, 2,550 x 75 ft, gravel with turf.
•WA18 – Decatur (Jones) Airport with Runway 01/19, 1,500 x 50 ft, grass.
Next door neighbor, Center Island, also has a private airport (78WA). While they do not allow training flights, they seem amiable to visitors.
Going westbound, Lopez Island is the first island with a public-use airport (S31). It has a single runway, 2,905 x 61 ft. Do your density altitude calculations in the summer, but at least it’s at sea level! Keep in mind they have a landing fee, however.
Buzzing around the San Juan Islands on scooters.
Yasmina Platt Photo
And then you’re in San Juan Island proper. There are a few options:
•Friday Harbor Airport (KFHR) has a 3,402 x 75 ft runway (16/34). Runway 16 is preferred in calm wind conditions. My guess is this is because of noise abatement. It has 100LL, but attendant staffing is understandably limited.
•Friday Harbor Seaplane Base (W33) for those of you with seaplanes or amphibious aircraft. Those water runways are plenty long and wide: 10,000 x 2,000 ft (03W/21W) and 6,000 x 1,000 ft (12W/30W).
•Roche Harbor Airport (WA09) is on the north end of the island, but it requires prior permission since it is an airport community. Runway 07/25 is 3,593 x 30 ft.
•Like Friday Harbor, Roche Harbor also has a seaplane base (W39). The water runways here are 5,000 x 1,000 ft (NE – SW), and 2,500 x 500 ft (NW – SE).
Keep in mind there is Canadian airspace to the west of San Juan Island, and north of Stuart Island and Waldron Island, as you are coming around.
Orcas Island Airport (KORS)
WSDOT Photo
The next big island is Orcas Island. There, you can find Orcas Island Airport (KORS). Runway 16/34 is 2,901 x 60 ft. It is my favorite in this article. The airport is in a pretty area, especially looking at it southward towards the East Sound. In addition to a courtesy car, the airport also has a few bicycles available for pilots and their passengers. They even have a BBQ pit, and a shower should you need one after your bike ride. What a fun day! You can even camp out overnight if you’d like. And, to make it even more appealing, the airport has 24-hour 100LL self-service fuel. Check the airport website for more information: https://www.portoforcas.com/.
Blakely Island Airport (38WA) is another beautiful airport community that requires prior permission to land. Runway 01/19 is 2,200 x 40 ft and paved, with a higher elevation midsection than either of the ends. Runway 19 is right traffic.
There are a few other private airstrips around. Keep them in mind in case of an emergency.
Because these are all small islands, getting around could involve getting a taxi, renting a scooter, bringing your bicycle (did someone say portable ebike!? I’m looking at you, Montague!), or simply walking. Renting a bicycle is also an option on some of the islands. For example, from “Cycle San Juan” near KFHR.
You can plan different activities to do at each of the stops. Some of those activities can include biking, hiking, swimming or just hanging out at a beach, kayaking, going on a wildlife/boat tour, dining (I can hear oysters being shucked, yum!), camping, or shopping to name a few. The local Visitors Bureau has an informative website to help you plan your trip: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/. You can also order a free brochure and map of the islands here: https://www.visitsanjuans.com/printed-guide.
You know the drill… fly safe and fly often! Whatever you decide to do, I’m sure it will be fun!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Yasmina Platt’s full-time job has her planning the future of aviation infrastructure for Joby’s electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) aircraft. She also writes an aviation travel blog called “Air Trails” (www.airtrails.weebly.com), in addition to articles on pilot destinations for Midwest Flyer Magazine. Pilots can locate articles Yasmina has written by going to www.MidwestFlyer.com and typing “Yasmina” in the search box, or by going to the “Archives” section, then “Columns,” then “Destinations.”
DISCLAIMER: The information contained in this column is the expressed opinion of the author only, and readers are advised to seek the advice of their personal flight instructor and others, and refer to the Federal Aviation Regulations, FAA Aeronautical Information Manual, and instructional materials before attempting any procedures discussed herein.
