Centennial Airport is well-known as one of the busiest general aviation airports in the United States. As a General Aviation airport, Centennial supports all forms of aviation other than Part 121 Scheduled Air Carriers. In addition to our role of supporting private, corporate, and training flights, Centennial occasionally hosts a variety of specialized aviation operations. These missions are essential to public safety, national defense, and the integrity of the aviation system, and while they may be out of the ordinary, they are carefully coordinated to maintain safety.
Medevac Flights
Medevac operations at Centennial Airport (APA) are unique because of the airport’s central location in the United States and its proximity to several nationally recognized, award-winning hospitals. As one of the busiest general aviation airports in the country, Centennial supports both fixed-wing air ambulance flights and helicopter transports, providing critical flexibility depending on distance, patient condition, and hospital destination. Fixed-wing aircraft are often used for longer-range transports, while helicopters enable rapid point-to-point service across the Denver metro area and beyond. On average, APA handles approximately 15 medevac flights per day, underscoring its vital role as a hub for emergency medical transport and patient care access.
Military Flights
Although Centennial is a civilian airport, it supports military aircraft operations, often for training, transport, or logistical support. These flights are authorized under federal law, which ensures that military aviation units have access to the National Airspace System, including public-use airports, for readiness and operational purposes.
Firefighting Operations
During Colorado’s wildfire season, Centennial Airport plays a strategic role in supporting aerial firefighting efforts. Air Tankers and helicopters may be temporarily based at the airport to assist in fire suppression throughout the Front Range and beyond. Air Tankers and helicopters may also use the airport for refueling depending on proximity to fires.
You may notice:
- Low-flying aircraft operating in and out of the airport during active wildfire events
- Unusual aircraft types including CL-415 Super Scoopers, BAe 146s, Air Tractors, SkyCranes, and S-70 Firehawks
These aircraft are operated by federal, state, and local firefighting agencies and are authorized for rapid deployment as needed. Their presence is critical to protecting lives, property, and natural resources.
Instrumentation Flight Checks
Most major airports have advanced navigation systems installed that help pilots navigate and land at the airport. It is important that these systems are accurate to maintain a high level of safety and regular maintenance is performed.
One critical element is the calibration flight. This is where an aircraft will test the navigation systems by using them to navigate and land at the airport. To ensure full and complete testing, multiple passes are often required. This can result in the testing aircraft performing multiple repeat passes and flying in areas not typically overflown.
These highly specialized aircraft are flown by FAA crews trained to verify the accuracy and performance of navigational systems, which is essential for safe aircraft operations across the National Airspace System.
These examples highlight some of the specialized missions supported at Centennial, but unique operations are not limited to those listed and may vary depending on public safety, national defense, or aviation system needs.
