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United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Centennial Airport (APA)

Centennial Airport (APA) is one of the 25 busiest airports in the nation, averaging 1,000 takeoffs and landings per day. It is located 20 miles south-southwest of Denver International Airport, on the south end of the metro area near the Denver Tech Center, a major business district. Numerous flight schools, combined with significant business jet and helicopter traffic, present a challenging airport environment for pilots of all experience levels, as well as for the air traffic control operation. Closely spaced parallel runways and taxiways and a complex network of uncontrolled ramp areas await pilots at Centennial as well. View a printable document of the APA information found on this Web page.

 

Know Before You Go

  • APA is one of the 25 busiest airports in the nation. 
  • Numerous flight schools, business and helicopter traffic.
  • Airport layout consists of two very closely spaced parallel RWYs 17R/35L and 17L/35R 
  • There is also RWY 10/28 which does not intersect with the parallel RWYs.
  • RWYs 17R/35L and 17L/35R have staggered thresholds. 
  • Wrong surface landing risk
  • Centerline to centerline distance is 700 ft.
  • Aircraft overshooting final turn can conflict with aircraft on approach to parallel runway.
  • TCAS advisories may occur when departing or arriving either parallel RWY.
  • RWY 17L arrivals can expect low-level helicopter traffic northbound/southbound just east of RWY 17L final and in vicinity of reservoir 3 miles north of the threshold.
  • Taxiway system consists of parallel taxiways and a complex network of uncontrolled ramp areas.
  • Parking and facilities are located predominantly in the northeast corner of the airport.
  • Hot Spot 3 – Runway Incursion Risk - Hold Short Line is located immediately upon entering TWY C1.
  • Hot Spot 4 – Aircraft miss the Hold-Short Line on TWY B8 and enter RWY 17L/35R without clearance.  The Hold Short Line for RWY 17L is located immediately after making the turn onto TWY B8 from TWY B.
  • Be aware of increased distances from some RWYs to its corresponding Hold Short Line on approaching TWYs.
  • Hot Spot 2 – is a large concrete area and may be confusing to pilots not familiar with the airport.  
  • Hot Spot 1 - Aircraft departing RWY 17L, when instructed to taxi via TWY A, TWY A1 and monitor TWR, sometimes enter RWY 17L and take off without clearance.
  • Instructions to “Monitor Tower” does not constitute a takeoff clearance.
  • The instruction to “Monitor Tower” does not authorize you to cross the Hold Short Line.
  • Run-up areas are not located at the ends of TWY A.  
    • North run-up area is adjacent to TWY A2. 
    • South run-up area is adjacent to TWY A16
    • When run-up is complete, advise ATC and await further taxi instructions.
  • Ramp Taxi-lane C is not a taxiway (TWY) and is not ATC controlled.  
    • It is located on the ramp and parallels the entire length of RWY 10/28.
    • RWY Hold Short Lines are very close to the Movement/Non-Movement Area Markings.

Below find various APA-specific information and things to be aware of, as well as general information to inform your preflight planning. This will be reviewed quarterly and updated as needed. This information is to supplement the From the Flight Deck Videos that are produced by the FAA Runway Safety Group. Here you will also find information provided by the local air traffic controllers at the airport where you intend to fly. The information is subject to change. Not for navigation or legal* pre-flight action. Always refer to official pre-flight materials such as, but not limited to, NOTAMs, airport diagrams, VFR charts and airport construction notices for the latest airport-specific details.

APA Tower Administrative Office
Business Phone 720-873-2770
Open 0700L to 1500L – Monday through Friday 

General Links

Here are some links to current FAA information.

​​​​Some Advisory Circulars for Reference 

Last updated: Friday, August 25, 2023