🇹🇷 Cengiz Topel Airport

Cengiz Topel Airport (LTBQ/KCO) is a joint military and public airport located in Kartepe, Kocaeli Province, Turkey. It is also known as Cengiz Topel Naval Air Station and serves as the base for the Turkish Naval Aviation Command.

History and Operations:

• The base was originally a Turkish Air Force facility.
• In 1973, it became a joint-use facility for the air force and navy, and in 1976, it was transferred to the Turkish Navy Command.
• The Naval Air Station Command was established here on August 4, 1976.
• It hosts the 301st Squadron (fixed-wing aircraft) and the 351st Squadron (rotorcrafts) of the Turkish Naval Aviation Command.
• The airport was opened to public air traffic in 2011.
• It was assigned to NATO on October 28, 1981.

Notable Features:

• The airport has a single runway (09/27) measuring 2990x30 meters with a concrete surface.
• Fuel types available include Jet A1 (civil) and JP-8, AVGAS (military).
• De-icing facilities are available.
• Customs and immigration services are available during international flights.
• The airport offers IFR/VFR traffic.
• Firefighting services are Category 7 for civil operations and Category 4 during military operating hours.

Current Status:

• Cengiz Topel Airport is active and operated by DHMI.
• It has an annual passenger capacity of 800,000.
• Pegasus Airlines offers seasonal flights to Trabzon.
• The airport's elevation is 182 feet (55 meters) AMSL.

*Sources researched: dhmi.gov.tr, en.wikipedia.org, skyvector.com, thepilotsdesk.com, airports-worldwide.com*