Burke Lakefront Airport

Continent: North America Country: United States Region: Ohio


Cleveland Burke Lakefront Airport
Location Cleveland, Ohio
IATA code BKL
ICAO code KBKL
Airport type Public
Website http://www.burkeairport.com/
Overview map Google Maps
Communications
Tower 124.3
Ground 121.9
Clearance
Approach 125.35
Departure125.35
ATIS 125.25
Departure122.95

Burke Lakefront Airport is a general aviation airport serving downtown Cleveland and the surrounding Northeast Ohio area. It is the fourth busiest airport in Ohio, and acts as a reliever airport for Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Located on the shore of Lake Erie in the heart of downtown Cleveland, BKL handles much of the area's GA flights, as well as many of its sports charters.

The airport recognizes spotters and a local aviation site OPShots.net, but of course requests that spotters are courteous to arriving celebrities and business executives. The airport serves no scheduled traffic, but is capable of handling commercial and international traffic. The airport has two parallel runways: 6R/24L and 6L/24R, the latter having been recently equipped with EMAS.

Official Spotting Locations

Employee parking and Marjorie Rosenbaum Plaza

 
Spots at the employee parking lot and Marjorie Rosenbaum Plaza
 
N629DL a 757 charter at BKL

This location is towards the entrance of the airport, and is only accessible by foot. The employee parking lot offers views of parked aircraft, as well as views of take offs and landings. The plaza is slightly elevated and offers nice views, but the fence may get in the way. However, behind the plaza is a small paved path that offers good ramp views. Featured at this site are the McDonnell-Douglas F-4 "Phantom" jets painted in the livery of the Air Force Thunderbirds and Navy Blue Angles.

Other Spotting Locations

The terminal

The terminal offers views of the ramp and of landing aircraft. There is a small fence in some areas, but shouldnt be in the way too much. The terminal is open to the public. The International Women's Air and Space Museum is located throughout the terminal.

 
N724GA a Grumman American GA-7 Cougar seen from the terminal at BKL.

Voinovich Bicentennial Park

Voinovich Park is a public park located at the end of East 9th. Parking is available. The park provides excellent approach shots to runway 6R and 6L.

North Marginal Road

North Marginal Road runs adjacent to the airport property. The road itself is in poor condition, but is lightly traveled. To get good shots stop the car and walk to the fence, but please use emergency flashers. There is a paved trail between the road and the fence. A large portion of the ramp is double fenced.

Locations to Avoid

You may be asked not to record tail numbers, but there are no areas to avoid while spotting at BKL.

Typical Traffic

Burke handles general aviation traffic. The majority of traffic is business jets, but also individuals and small single engine props from the flight schools. Sometimes transient military traffic will stop in to refuel. BKL also handles many sports charter flights including MD-80s, A319s, A320s, 737s, 757s and 767s. The Cleveland Clinic operates S-76s and C560s from the airport. The airport is equipped to handle international flights.

Cargo

  • AirNet Express: AirNet express offers scheduled cargo services to Columbus Rickenbacker International Airport either on a Cessna 208 or a Piper-PA-31.

Facilities and Transportation

Cleveland National Air Show

The Cleveland National Air Show, founded in 1964, is held Labor Day weekend every year, and is attended by 60,000 to 100,000 people. The show offers a large static display of private, commercial, and government aircraft, many open for tours. CNAS features stunt planes throughout the day, and performances by either the the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds alternating every other year to close the show. The show runs for three days, typically between the hours of 9:00 to 18:00.

Hotels

Burke is located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, and is located within walking distance, or a short drive from many hotels.

International Women's Air and Space Museum

 
A 1963 Pilurs-Smith DSA-1 Miniplane built by Tracy Pilurs, on permanent display in the terminal.

The International Women's Air and Space Museum collection displayed throughout.

Parking

There is plenty of parking outside of the airport terminal for a charge of $6 a day. If you are visiting for a short time park at the curb.

Public Transportation

Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) provides services within a short walking distance from the airport.