KCDK Airport Information

• Please use 122.9 and announce all intentions.
  
• Please follow Airman's Information Manual procedures for uncontrolled airports. Left hand traffic for both runways.
  
• There is no weather reporting service on the field (ATIS or AWOS). Though you can reference the NOAA Station CDRF1 that is located approximately 1 mile to the east of the airport.
  
• The runway is short– the shortest paved runway of Florida’s public airports.  2,355 feet long by 100 feet wide.  Landing on Runway 5, the landing distance available is the full 2,355 feet.  However, landing on Runway 23, the threshold is displaced and only 2,017 feet.  Nevertheless, this is plenty of runway for most light aircraft to takeoff and land. 
  
• Be aware that it is very common to come in TOO HIGH and TOO FAST on approach. Pay attention!
• If you don't touch down in the first one-third of the runway, don't be embarrassed about going around!  The consequences of landing long or hot may be blown tires or ending up in the marsh at either end of the runway.
  
• The pavement that parallels the runway is NOT a taxi-way.  It is a road.  Taxi on the runway. Cars do not know to yield and do not understand that planes cannot back up.
  
• Since we taxi on the runway, plan your approach to give time for someone to taxi-back.
  
• The runway lighting for night operations is minimal.  There is no rotating beacon and it is difficult to see the lighted windsock.  If you have never been here before, plan to land before sunset.
  
• For night-time departures taking-off Runway 23 to the southwest over the Gulf, on dark moonless nights or overcast conditions, YOU ARE TAKING-OFF INTO A BLACK HOLE.  Don't try to climb out visually, use your instruments!  If you are not IFR current, it is recommended you don't takeoff in those conditions. (Read the bronze plaque memorial in the parking area.) Taking-off to the northeast off Runway 5 out over the town with the city lights is much easier.
• Motor vehicles are prohibited from operating on the runway per local statue, but...
  
• Watch out for pedestrians, bicyclists, dogs, golf carts, and cars on the runway or about to enter the runway.  A lot of folks are either not aware of the runway, or simply don't care to respect it.
  
• Be aware that the Cedar Key area has protected bird sanctuaries, i.e. we have a lot of big birds in the area including ospreys, eagles, herons, egrets, buzzards, and pelicans. In fact, there are 4 osprey nests in the immediate area of the runway. Buzzards often like to soar over and near the runway.
  
• Parking is always at your own risk.
  
• The normal parking area is at the southwest end of the runway. There's room for about 4 aircraft on the back line next to the grass and about 4 on the front line.  Only 3 spots have tie-down ropes.  There are blocks of wood lying around for use as chocks.
  
• If the ramp area is full, then the next common area to park is on the grass on the north side of airstrip, directly opposite the ramp. There are a few additional areas also on the south side of the strip along the road. Watch out for SOFT SAND.  If you don't see grass, its probably soft sand... and even still. Your plane can get stuck and cannot get out even with full power - though interesting to watch.  Bring your own tie-downs if on the grass.
• If you get in a pickle, some of the local pilots monitor 122.9 at home and will come out to help.
• Dates around the Sun 'n Fun Fly-In (Lakeland), our local Arts Festival, and local Seafood Festival are when we experience the most traffic. Please take extra caution flying in the area during those times and make sure to announce all intentions and follow normal procedures for uncontrolled airports.
  

And Just So You Know...

• There is No Fuel and No Phone. 
  
• Verizon cell service works best at the airport. AT&T sometime works. If you have other cell service, it probably won't work here.
• There is a public use port-a-potty available on the west side of the parking apron.
  
• No Mechanic.  You might luck into a mechanic who happens to be at the airstrip.  But most likely you will have to call home for support.  Alternatively, the closest neighboring airports with shops and services are Williston and Crystal River.
• There is no fence around the airport, so watch out for people walking or driving up close to your plane.  (Remember, we have tourists.)
  
• Theft is rare but can happen anywhere.  Don't leave things in the open unlocked.
• Camping by the plane is a no-no, but not too rigidly enforced.
  
• The taxi lady, Miss Judy, monitors 122.9 if you need a ride into town. There is no other taxi service available.
  
• There are several golf cart rental companies in town, or your hotel, may be available to pick you up. 
• It takes about 20 - 30 minutes to walk into town.  (Image provided by Google)
  

Take road that parallels runway. At the 23 end of the runway, take a right on Airport Rd. After the second concrete bridge, turn right onto Whiddon Ave. At front door of schoolhouse, turn right on G Street. Walk until you dead end at the water, turn left on 1st Street (from this road you can see the "Honeymoon Cottage", one of Cedar Key's icons).  Town and the dock are just another 2 blocks ahead and have numerous shops and restaurants.