Essex County Airport (IATA: CDW, ICAO: KCDW) serves Caldwell, US.
Travelers and pilots generally have a positive sentiment about Essex County Airport (KCDW/CDW) in Caldwell, US, often describing it as a charming and well-maintained general aviation facility. Many appreciate its convenience as a reliever airport for the New York/New Jersey region, offering a less congested alternative for flights in the area. The primary Fixed Base Operator (FBO), Air Bound Aviation, receives high praise for its services and amenities.
What Travelers Love
- Exceptional FBO Services: Air Bound Aviation is consistently highlighted for its friendly and prompt staff, quick aircraft turns, and overall professional customer service.
- Comfortable Facilities: The FBO offers a plush and comfortable pilot lounge, a conference room, WSI weather access in the flight planning room, and complimentary coffee. The restrooms are noted for their cleanliness.
- Convenient Location and Accessibility: The airport is easily accessible from major highways (23, 46, 80, 280, 287) and offers public transportation via bus to and from the Port Authority Building in NYC. It's seen as a strategic and often cheaper option for accessing the NYC area compared to larger, busier airports.
- Good Flight Training Options: KCDW is home to several flight schools, with some reviewers praising the professional instructors and structured programs, contributing to quality instruction.
- Comprehensive Parking and Hangar Options: The airport provides ample outdoor tie-downs and ten T-hangar buildings for aircraft storage. On-site parking for visitors is also available.
Common Complaints
- Flight School Availability Challenges: Some students report difficulties with aircraft availability at certain flight schools, leading to scheduling conflicts and potential delays in training due to an imbalance between students and available planes.
- Cost of Fees: While often waived with fuel purchases, ramp and overnight parking fees can be perceived as "not cheap" by some pilots, though acknowledged as part of operating near the New York metropolitan area.
- Limited Food Service Quality: One review mentioned that food services (likely catering through the FBO) could be improved, with occasional issues of meals arriving cold.
- Noise Concerns: As an airport located within a residential area, noise abatement procedures are in effect 24 hours a day, and local operations are suspended during specific overnight hours (11 PM - 7 AM Monday-Saturday, 11 PM - 10 AM Sunday) to mitigate community impact.
- Specific Flight School Dissatisfaction: One recent review warned against a particular, unnamed flight school at KCDW, citing issues with unprofessional management, outdated aircraft avionics (lacking IFR GPS for RNAV approaches), and inadequate facilities for ground lessons.
Overall, Essex County Airport is well-regarded by the general aviation community for its excellent FBO services and convenient access to the New York City area. While flight school experiences can vary, the airport maintains a reputation as a welcoming and well-equipped facility for pilots and aviation enthusiasts, with the main points of concern being the cost of some services and noise considerations for the surrounding community.
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Common questions about CDW
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Where is Essex County Airport located?
Essex County Airport is located in Caldwell, US, at an elevation of 173 ft. Its IATA code is CDW and ICAO code is KCDW.