USAF Academy Airfield (AFF)

The USAF Academy Airfield (KAFF (AFF)), officially known as Davis Airfield, is primarily a private military training facility for the United States Air Force Academy, not a commercial airport. As such, traditional traveler reviews and experiences regarding terminal facilities, security wait times for public flights, or customs/immigration are not applicable. Visitor experiences at the airfield are generally restricted to official business, airmanship programs for cadets, or specific approved events.

What Travelers Love (as visitors to the USAF Academy campus):

• Stunning Campus and Architecture: Visitors frequently praise the beauty of the USAF Academy campus, its unique modern architecture like the Cadet Chapel (though currently under renovation until 2027), and breathtaking mountain panoramas.
• Educational and Inspiring Experience: The Academy offers an insightful look into military training and leadership development through sites such as the Barry Goldwater Visitor Center, the Terrazzo (Airplane Display), and Polaris Hall.
• Athletic Facilities and Outdoor Activities: The Academy boasts state-of-the-art Division I athletic facilities, and the surrounding Colorado Springs area provides abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking and camping.

Common Challenges for Visitors (related to accessing the Academy and its airfield):

• Restricted Base Access: Non-DoD ID holders must request and obtain a visitor pass to enter the USAF Academy base, which involves a background check and can take up to 72 hours for approval. This can lead to increased security measures and potentially longer wait times at the gates for visitors.
• Limited Public Transportation to the Academy: While private shuttle services are available, and cadets have dedicated options, public transportation does not directly serve the Academy. Visitors typically need to rely on personal vehicles, rental cars, or ride-sharing services, which can be expensive, especially from Denver International Airport (DIA).
• Airfield Use Restrictions: Davis Airfield (KAFF) is strictly for official business only. It does not offer transient services or maintenance for the general public, and prior permission must be coordinated 72 hours in advance for any approved use.

In summary, the USAF Academy Airfield (KAFF) functions as a crucial military training hub for cadets rather than a conventional commercial airport. While the broader USAF Academy offers a highly regarded and inspiring visitor experience with impressive facilities, accessing the base requires advance planning due to security protocols. Travelers should be aware that the airfield itself is not accessible for general public air travel.