Fairchild Airport in Port Angeles — Live Traffic Webcam

History of Fairchild Airport

William R. Fairchild International Airport is a public airport within the city limits of Port Angeles, Clallam County, Washington. Its construction began in 1934 and was completed in 1948 by the Works Progress Administration, the U.S. Army, and the U.S. Navy. The facility was originally named Clallam County Municipal Landing Field and was transferred to Clallam County in 1948. In 1951, the Port of Port Angeles purchased the airport and has continuously invested in its modernization ever since. The name honoring William R. Fairchild was bestowed later in recognition of the local aviation figure's contributions.

Technical Specifications and Infrastructure

The airport spans 797 acres (323 hectares) at an elevation of 291 feet (89 meters) above sea level. Its coordinates are 48°7'13"N × 123°29'58"W. Two asphalt runways occupy the property. The primary Runway 09/27 measures 6,347–6,350 feet (approximately 1,935 meters) in length and 150 feet (46 meters) in width. It is equipped with an Instrument Landing System (ILS) and can accommodate aircraft weighing up to 115,000–120,000 pounds, including the Airbus A319. The secondary Runway 13/31 measures 3,250 × 50 feet (990 × 15 meters) and is used for daytime operations only.

The infrastructure includes general aviation hangars, light aircraft parking, a 672-square-foot pilot lounge overlooking the runway with seating for 30, as well as a public recreational area. Fueling stations and aircraft maintenance services operate around the clock.

Transportation Role and Air Service

Fairchild Airport serves as a regional transportation hub for the Olympic Peninsula. Its primary focus is handling charter flights, general aviation, cargo transportation, and emergency services. A Civil Air Patrol squadron is based here. As of 2018, the airport handled 25,158 aircraft operations (averaging 69 per day). Scheduled passenger service is currently unavailable; however, charter flights connect Port Angeles with other cities in the region.

Location and Accessibility

The airport is located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) northwest of downtown Port Angeles, near the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The facility address is 1402 Fairchild Airport Road, Port Angeles, WA 98363. The airport can be reached by rental car (on-site rental agencies available), taxi, or Dungeness Line and Strait Shot buses. The drive to downtown Port Angeles takes approximately 10–15 minutes.

Nearby Area and Attractions

The airport serves as a gateway to Olympic National Park: the park visitor center is about a 15-minute drive away. Nearby Lincoln Park offers green space for walks and picnics. The airport grounds provide views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and Vancouver Island on the horizon. The coniferous forests surrounding the airport create a scenic backdrop and shelter it from winds.

What the Camera Shows

The webcam streams a live view of William R. Fairchild International Airport in Port Angeles. In the foreground, the paved Runway 09/27 with markings and an adjacent taxiway comes into view. A light single-engine aircraft is parked on the tarmac to the right. The background features airport buildings, hangars, and service structures, beyond which lies a belt of coniferous forest. The sky is slightly hazy, typical of the coastal climate of the Olympic Peninsula. The broadcast aircraft movements, taxiing, and general aviation activity on the field.