Location and Basic Information
Valdez Pioneer Field Airport is situated at a latitude of 61-08-03.1990N and longitude of 146-14-41.1650W, with an estimated decimal degree location of 61.1342219, -146.2447681. The airport’s elevation is surveyed at 128 feet (39.0 meters) above sea level. Navigators should note the magnetic variation of 19E as of 2015. The local time zone is UTC -9, observing UTC -8 during Daylight Saving Time, and the zip code for the airport is 99686.
Airport Operations and Services
Valdez Pioneer Field Airport is open to the public and operates year-round. While there is no control tower, air traffic services are provided by Anchorage Center ARTCC. Pilots can contact Juneau Flight Service Station for flight services at 907-586-7380 or through their radio communication on frequency 122.2 via Valdez RCO. NOTAM-D service is available under the FAA identifier VDZ.
The airport is attended Monday to Friday from 0600 to 1830, and Saturday & Sunday from 0800 to 1830, throughout the year from January to December. Operational aids include a lighted wind indicator and a segmented circle. Runway lighting is pilot-activated on CTAF frequency, including MALSR for Runway 06, REIL for Runway 24, PAPI for Runway 06, and HIRL for Runway 06/24. A white-green beacon operates from sunset to sunrise, identifying it as a lighted land airport.
The white-green beacon at Valdez Pioneer Field Airport signals its status as a lighted land airport, crucial for nighttime operations.
For emergency services, Valdez Pioneer Field Airport has an ARFF index A fire and rescue capability. It’s important to note that airline operations are restricted to aircraft with more than 30 passenger seats unless 24-hour prior permission is obtained in writing from the Airport Manager (P.O. Box 507, Valdez, AK 99686, Fax 907-835-5849). Valdez Pioneer Field Airport does serve international operations as a customs landing rights airport.
Communication and Navigation
For communication, the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) is 122.9 MHz. Weather information is available via WX AWOS-3P on 118.8 MHz or by phone at 907-835-5578. Approach and Departure services are provided by Anchorage ARTCC on frequencies 269.4 (Middleton Island RCAG) and 119.3 (Johnstone Point RCAG).
Nearby radio navigation aids include the MINERAL CREEK NDB (Non-Directional Beacon), located 3.2 nautical miles away on a heading of 060 degrees. It operates on a frequency of 524 kHz and is identified as MNL (– -. .-..).
The MINERAL CREEK NDB provides radio navigation assistance near Valdez Pioneer Field Airport, aiding pilots in locating the airfield.
Airport Services
Valdez Pioneer Field Airport offers essential services for aircraft. Fuel availability includes 100LL and JET-AA, obtainable with prior permission by calling 907-834-6933. Minor airframe and powerplant services are also available.
Runway Information: Runway 6/24
The primary runway at Valdez Pioneer Field Airport is Runway 6/24, measuring 6500 x 150 feet (1981 x 46 meters). The runway surface is asphalt, grooved, and reported to be in good condition. Weight-bearing capacity is substantial: Single wheel 107.0, Double wheel 187.0, and Double tandem 346.0. Runway edge lights are high intensity.
| Runway 6 | Runway 24 |
|---|---|
| Latitude: 61-07.972388N | Latitude: 61-08.134095N |
| Longitude: 146-15.776422W | Longitude: 146-13.595652W |
| Elevation: 57.4 ft. | Elevation: 128.0 ft. |
| Traffic pattern: right | Traffic pattern: left |
| Runway heading: 062 magnetic, 081 true | Runway heading: 242 magnetic, 261 true |
| Declared distances: TORA:6500 TODA:6500 ASDA:6500 LDA:6500 | Declared distances: TORA:6500 TODA:6500 ASDA:6500 LDA:6500 |
| Markings: precision, in fair condition | Markings: nonprecision, in fair condition |
| Visual slope indicator: 4-light PAPI on left (3.00 degrees glide path) | Visual slope indicator: Not available |
| Approach lights: MALSR | Approach lights: No MALSR |
| Runway end identifier lights: No | Runway end identifier lights: Yes |
| Touchdown point: yes, no lights | Touchdown point: yes, no lights |
| Instrument approach: LDA/DME | Instrument approach: No |
| Obstructions: 55 ft. trees, 2100 ft. from runway, 34:1 slope to clear | Obstructions: 77 ft. trees, 1580 ft. from runway, 20:1 slope to clear |
Runway 6 is equipped with a 4-light PAPI visual slope indicator on the left at a 3.00-degree glide path and a MALSR approach lighting system. Runway 24 features runway end identifier lights (REIL). Instrument approaches are available for Runway 6, specifically LDA/DME. Obstructions include trees at both ends of the runway, requiring careful attention during approaches and departures.
Runway 6/24 is the primary runway at Valdez Pioneer Field Airport, equipped with precision markings on Runway 6 and nonprecision markings on Runway 24.
Airport Ownership and Management
Valdez Pioneer Field Airport is publicly owned by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (Northern Region, 2301 Peger Road, Fairbanks, AK 99709, Phone 907-451-5217). The airport is managed by Dave Wiley (P.O. Box 507, Valdez, AK 99686, Phone 907-835-5658).
Important Remarks for Pilots
Pilots should be aware of the following additional remarks:
- Runway designation is A39-06/24, with a PCR value of 407/F/A/X/T.
- A 1675 x 200 ft southwest portion of the ramp is not maintained from November 1 to April 15.
- Maintenance hours are Monday-Friday 0600-1830; Saturday & Sunday 0800-1830.
- Be alert for strong north winds, as midfield and east end runway winds may be significantly higher than indicated by AWOS.
- Pilots should be aware of special notices regarding the Port Valdez area and Genots-Thompson Pass avalanche control.
- A Potato Point weather camera is available online for real-time conditions at https://weathercams.faa.gov.
- Airport sand is larger than FAA recommended size; refer to AC150/5200-30 for guidance.
- Valdez Pioneer Field Airport is a cold temperature airport; altitude correction is required at or below -11C.
Instrument Procedures
Instrument Approach Procedures (IAPs) are available and published by the FAA. For navigational purposes, pilots must procure official charts. Procedures effective from 20 February 2025 at 0901Z to 20 March 2025 at 0900Z include:
- LDA-H Approach: Download PDF
- Special Alternate Minimums: Download PDF
- Departure Procedures:
- NAKED SIX Departure: Download PDF
- JMAAL THREE (OBSTACLE) Departure: Download PDF
- Special Take-Off Minimums/Departure Procedures: Download PDF
Nearby Airports with Instrument Procedures
For pilots considering alternate airports, nearby options with instrument procedures include:
- Tatitlek Airport (PAKA) – 20 nm SW
- Merle K (Mudhole) Smith Airport (PACV) – 45 nm SE
- Gulkana Airport (PAGK) – 65 nm N
- Warren “Bud” Woods Palmer Municipal Airport (PAAQ) – 86 nm W
- Wasilla Airport (PAWS) – 98 nm W
Valdez Pioneer Field Airport is an essential part of Alaska’s aviation infrastructure, providing crucial access to Valdez and the surrounding Prince William Sound region. Pilots are urged to review all available information and NOTAMs before operating at VDZ to ensure safe and efficient flight operations.
