Flight Simulator Flights at SCHA Chamonate Airport

Chamonate Airport is a small aerodrome in Chile's Atacama Region, lying in the valley of the Copiapó River a short distance downstream from the city of Copiapó. It served for decades as the region's principal airport before being superseded by Desierto de Atacama Airport in February 2005, and it remains of interest to visiting pilots for its single hard-surfaced runway and the striking desert terrain that surrounds it.

Overview

Chamonate Airport sits in the Atacama Region of northern Chile, close to the city of Copiapó, and was for many years the main air link for the region. It lost that role in February 2005 with the opening of Desierto de Atacama Airport, but the field and its runway remain in place in the Copiapó River valley, making it a notable waypoint for a sim pilot exploring the arid landscapes of northern Chile.

Airspace & Location

The airport lies in the valley of the Copiapó River, about 11 kilometres downstream from the city of Copiapó, at an elevation of 951 feet. Pilots should note that there is rising terrain in all quadrants around the field, a factor worth bearing in mind when planning a VFR approach or departure in this mountainous desert setting.

Runways

Chamonate has a single physical runway, 09/27, oriented east-west. It is 5,450 to 5,451 feet long, has a hard surface, and is lit.

Radio & Navigation

No communications frequencies are published for Chamonate Airport, and the field has no instrument landing system or other navaids listed.

History

Chamonate Airport served as the principal airport for the city of Copiapó and the wider Atacama Region until February 2005, when Desierto de Atacama Airport opened and took over that role. It is situated in the valley of the Copiapó River, some 11 kilometres downstream from the city, an area characterised by rising terrain on all sides.

The Airfield Today

Since being superseded as the region's main airport in 2005, Chamonate has continued to exist as an aerodrome in the Copiapó valley, though current details of its operating status, facilities and any permission requirements are not documented in available references.