Flight Simulator Flights at MPSM Cap Scarlett R Martinez L Intl

Cap Scarlett R Martinez L International Airport, better known to pilots as Río Hato, sits in Coclé Province, Panama, and offers a single long, hard-surfaced runway equipped with an ILS. Its history as a wartime airfield and its role today as a regional airport with occasional airline service make it a useful and interesting VFR or IFR destination for simulator pilots flying in Panama.

Overview

Cap Scarlett R Martinez L International Airport (ICAO MPSM, IATA RIH) is a small airport near the town of Río Hato in Coclé Province, Panama. It is named after Captain Scarlett Martinez and has historically been associated with the former Río Hato Army Air Base. The field is notable for its single substantial hard runway fitted with an ILS, and for occasional scheduled airline service, making it a worthwhile stop for pilots exploring Panama's Pacific coastal region.

Airspace & Location

The airport lies in Coclé Province on Panama's Pacific coast, close to the town of Río Hato, from which it takes its unofficial name. No further detail on surrounding controlled airspace, FIR boundaries or neighbouring aerodromes is available.

Runways

The airfield has one physical runway, 17/35, 8030 feet long with a hard surface. Runway 35 is equipped with an ILS.

Radio & Navigation

Tower frequency is 118.2 MHz. Runway 35 carries an instrument landing system for precision approaches.

History

The airfield was formerly known as the Río Hato Army Air Base, reflecting its military origins, and it is named in honour of Captain Scarlett Martinez.

The Airfield Today

The airport remains in use as a small airport with airline service, situated at Río Hato in Coclé Province.