PFC

PFC/Pacific City

After 4S1/Gold Beach probably my favorite Oregon Coast airport. The runway is a bit short at 1,875 feet but it is at sea level with no major obstructions nearby.

Be warned that it is one of the few Oregon Warning airports. If you do not believe the ODA warnings then check out the burger shack on the north east corner of the field. The inside is filled with wonderful historical photos of the area and several of aircraft that ended their lives at PFC.

If the wind is from the North, as it usually is, you have an easy long approach over the river from the South. I have never been to PFC when the wind is from the South, but pilots get in the habit of landing to the North and with the odd Southern wind they sail off the end of the runway into the road and buildings on the North end. Check the wind!

When I visited PFC in the summer of 2005 there was a sad looking 182 that had bounced on its nose wheel to a crash. I suspect this was not caused by any airport problem but by a pilot fearful of the airport. No need to mash the plane on to the runway here, any touchdown near the start of the runway will do. If you are confident in your short field landings, and are sure of the wind, then this airport should not be a problem.

The approach over the coast is glorious. Haystack rock is about a mile or two to the North. Once you are down you have a lot of options. Head one block east of the North end of the runway and you are in a delighful little town. There are several curio shops and art dealers. Grab a lunch from one of the restaurants and head two blocks West of the airport to the beach. Several hotels and motels are nearby for overnighters.

Airnav - PFC
ODA - PFC

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