Miami, United States
Explore Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in Ochopee, Florida. Learn about its role in pilot training, location in the Everglades, facilities, and practical information for visitors.
4 features verified at Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport
Typical foot-traffic by hour, sourced from Google. Live conditions may differ.
Busiest on Mondays around 10 pm — usually as busy as it gets.
The Everglades Jetport, envisioned in the late 1960s, was planned to be the largest airport globally, with six runways and the capacity to handle supersonic airliners. Located in South Florida, it was expected to serve as a major hub due to its proximity to the ocean, which could mitigate the impact of sonic booms. However, environmental concerns regarding potential damage to the Everglades National Park led to the project's cancellation after only one runway was constructed. Today, the site, now called Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport, is mainly used for pilot training. The surrounding area is part of the Big Cypress National Preserve, home to diverse wildlife. The ambitious plans for the airport were abandoned, leaving behind a single runway as a relic of what might have been.
Originally saw the air field on goggle maps. I was driving by the other day and drove down to see it. Access ends a couple miles down the road. It satisfied my curiosity, so now I know.
Honestly best airport there is!!!! Barely any lines at all, pretty peaceful and eco friendly compared to other airports in the south Florida region. Oh and the food is amazing here actually. I will always try to fly in here when i can
I will say I came here one time to take an international flight out from Florida down to Cancun Mexico. Now I want to say parking was a real pain they made me park in parking garage C and had to drive up to the 4th floor to find a parking spot and then it took me like another 30 minutes to Traverse across the walkways and over to the main Concourse and then I had to wait in line to put my bag on the bag check in line all tagged and everything. Then I got my carry on and went to wait in line for security TSA was a real pain I mean it was like 20 minutes to get in the line even with the Clear check-in. Got to the main terminal and of course you know the flight was delayed by 45 minutes for maintenance issues then we get on the runway and ATC decides to hold us on the taxiway for like another 25 minutes after it took like 45 minutes for everyone to board. But sure enough we took off and I got to Cancun Mexico okay. In Terminal B I will say they have this really good pizza place they have this French style of making pizza I forget the name of the place but it's right next to a TGIF. Personally I would just fly to Palm Beach International it's an easier airport smaller but I guess if you don't mind the crowded International Airport type then Dade Collier airport is great and they do have flights to just about every country.
Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport (IATA: none, ICAO: KTNT) is a specialized airport located deep within the Florida Everglades, approximately 36 miles west of Miami. Unlike typical commercial airports, this facility serves as a dedicated training and transition airport for pilots, particularly those operating large aircraft such as Boeing 747s and other wide-body jets. It is owned and operated by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and is part of the Miami International Airport system. The airport's primary purpose is to provide a safe, remote environment for pilot training, including takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures, without the congestion of commercial air traffic. It also supports general aviation and occasional military exercises. Despite its limited passenger services, the airport plays a critical role in aviation safety and training in the southeastern United States.
Situated in Ochopee, a small unincorporated community in Collier County, Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport lies in the heart of the Everglades region. Its address is 38000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141, along U.S. Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail), which connects Tampa to Miami. The nearest major city is Miami, about a 45-minute drive east. To the west is Naples, approximately 40 minutes away. The airport is surrounded by the Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park, offering a unique wilderness backdrop. Access is primarily by car via Tamiami Trail. There is no public transit directly serving the airport, so renting a vehicle or using a ride-sharing service is necessary. The airport has a large parking area designated as a wheelchair-accessible car park. Pilots and visitors should note that the area is remote, with limited services nearby, so planning ahead for fuel, food, and supplies is essential.
Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport provides basic amenities tailored to its training mission. Confirmed facilities include a wheelchair-accessible car park, wheelchair-accessible entrance, and wheelchair-accessible toilet, ensuring that the airport is navigable for individuals with mobility challenges. Standard toilets are also available. However, unlike commercial airports, there are no restaurants, shops, or lounges. The airport lacks passenger terminals; instead, it has general aviation hangars and apron areas for aircraft. There is no air traffic control tower; pilots communicate via Unicom frequency. The runway is a single 10,500-foot strip, capable of accommodating large aircraft. For pilots, there are fuel services (Jet A and Avgas) but not confirmed in the provided data; visitors should check with the airport directly for current fuel availability. Given the airport's purpose, amenities are minimal, and travelers should come prepared with their own food, water, and entertainment.
The airport's location in Ochopee places it at the edge of the vast and ecologically unique Florida Everglades. This region is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an International Biosphere Reserve, known for its slow-moving water, sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and diverse wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and numerous bird species. The area is popular for eco-tourism, airboat tours, hiking, and wildlife photography. Nearby attractions include Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and the Smallest Post Office in the United States (the Ochopee Post Office). The climate is subtropical, with hot, humid summers and mild, drier winters. Visitors should be prepared for mosquitoes and high humidity, especially in the wet season (May to October). The region's isolation adds to its charm, offering a true wilderness experience. For pilots training at the airport, the remote setting provides a distraction-free environment but also necessitates self-sufficiency.
Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport is not open to the public for commercial flights; access is restricted to authorized personnel and pilots with prior permission. The airport operates 24 hours a day, but peak activity is typically in the evenings, as indicated by peak hours around 9:00 PM and 10:00 PM, likely due to night training sessions. However, it is not open every day; specific operational days may vary, so contacting the airport in advance is recommended. For inquiries, call +1 305-869-1662. The official website is part of the Miami-Dade Aviation Department's site at http://www.miami-airport.com/dade_collier.asp, where you can find more details, including a notam (notice to airmen) link for current conditions. Given its specialized function, travelers should not expect standard passenger services. If you are a pilot or aviation enthusiast visiting, ensure you have proper authorization and plan for the remote environment.
Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport
Miami International Airport (MIA) is America's New Global Gateway, welcoming 45 million passengers per year. Founded in 1928, MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, is America's third-busiest airport for international passengers, boasts a lineup of over 100 air carriers traveling to more than 150 destinations, and is the top U.S. airport for international freight. MIA is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County, generating a business revenue of $30.9 billion annually and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida. The airport is operated by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and is property of the Miami-Dade County government.
Airport with free WiFi, a cell phone waiting lot & areas to observe planes taking off & landing.
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Wikipedia
More about Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport
Wikipedia
More about Dade Collier Training and Transition Airport
Miami International Airport (MIA) is America's New Global Gateway, welcoming 45 million passengers per year. Founded in 1928, MIA offers more flights to Latin America and the Caribbean than any other U.S. airport, is America's third-busiest airport for international passengers, boasts a lineup of over 100 air carriers traveling to more than 150 destinations, and is the top U.S. airport for international freight. MIA is also the leading economic engine for Miami-Dade County, generating a business revenue of $30.9 billion annually and approximately 60 percent of all international visitors to Florida. The airport is operated by the Miami-Dade Aviation Department and is property of the Miami-Dade County government.
Airport with free WiFi, a cell phone waiting lot & areas to observe planes taking off & landing.
Complete guide to Naples Airport Authority KAPF in Florida: location, transport, terminal facilities, and what makes Naples worth visiting.
Naples Airport guide: location, facilities (wheelchair-accessible parking, Wi-Fi), regional information, and practical tips for travellers flying into Naples, Florida.
Regional airport featuring an array of works by local artists plus eateries & shops.