THE GRAND TREATISE 2000 - OF ONE, WHEREUPON BRYANT ARMY HELIPORT (IATA: FRN)
Your Access Point to the Alaska Wilderness: Bryant Army Heliport
Introduction
Located in the heart of Alaska, Bryant Army Heliport (IATA code: FRN) is an extremely important transportation center for Fort Richardson base and the wider Anchorage surroundings. FRN is a critical mid-sized airport serving this corner of our great (and vast) country. This airport is the gateway for all types of visitors, whether you're in the military on TDY to battle fires or heading back home after checking off another item from your bucket list as a bohemian Alaskan adventurer.
Airlines and Destinations
The bulk of the airport's services are regional, with military flights from the US Army as the only typical commercial service. Not commercially serviced with passenger flights, the airport does see a number of private and charter aircraft. Connecting to Anchorage International Airport (ANC) and Fairbanks International Airport (FAI), travelers can reach a variety of domestic and international routes.
Flight Passengers and Flights
Bryant Army Heliport does not report all of its passenger and flight information, as it is a military airfield. Yet the airport has a consistent stream of military personnel, contractors, and authorized visitors coming to and from Fort Richardson. Annual passengers and flights may vary year to year due, in part, to the operational requirements of the U.S. Army.
How to Get Here
The Heliport is also located on the grounds of Fort Richardson, Alaska, just northeast of downtown Anchorage, about 10 miles away. Richardson Highway (Alaska Route 1) provides access to the airport and connects it with other parts of the city. You may also ride a city bus or use other public transportation in Anchorage to get there.
Parking
All parking is restricted to Heliport-authorized personnel and vehicles. To secure Fort Richardson permits, the parking locations within the military base are only available to Armed Forces and army visitors. No public parking for general aviation or private travelers is available from the airport.
Transportation Prices
Being a Military Airfield, Bryant Army Heliport doesn't have any publicly available prices for transportation services. Some will also be forced to turn to private transportation means of getting themselves and their luggage from the airport, which can cost a variety depending on where they are catching it at.
Terminal Layout
Bryant Army Heliport has one helipad with a concrete surface at the northeast edge of runway 18/36. The single particle board Colbert Ferry material runs parallel to the primary landing pad on which it is based and is sometimes used in training operations, providing another spot for landing practice or another location site during visitor traffic booms. The terminal facilities at the airport are built for military operations and do not offer services generally available in commercial aviation or even general aviation.
Navigate the Airport
Being a military facility, navigation and wayfinding in Bryant Army Heliport are essentially catered to the U.S. Army operations. Specific signage and directions are intended for military personnel or authorized visitors, whose layout is not planned to be utilized by the general public.
Getting Between Terminals
Bryant Army Heliport is a single-runway facility and hence there are no separate terminals. Airline and concession operations include mostly centralized landside facilities that require no transportation between terminals.
Services and Amenities
The Bryant Army Heliport offers a variety of services and amenities that are specifically tailored to support military missions. Colonel Ciriaco Cruz Aviation Airstrip – a private use airport for military aviation activities, with basic facilities such as a control tower and fueling services available. But no public services or amenities are offered for general aviation, let alone private travelers.
Restaurants and Shops
No restaurants, shopping, or commercial services are available at Bryant Army Heliport. The airport's complex is solely for military use, with no amenities or services available to the public.
Security and Customs
Since Bryant Army Heliport is a military airfield, it has very visible security measures such as gates. All visitors, even military personnel, must be subjected to the proper security screening and clearance before being allowed access to any of the airport's premises. The airport, being a non-designated point of entry for international travelers, does not have customs or immigration facilities.
Accessibility
The Bryant Army Heliport is unavailable to the public; access is limited by a checkpoint staffed with guard personnel. The airport only has terminal facilities, infrastructure, and vehicular access designed in a manner to accommodate the specific requirements of aircraft taking on troops departing or arriving in the United States as part of U.S. Army operations; it does not have any passenger services that may be found at other airports (although travel assistance for passengers with disabilities is available).
Travel Tips
Keep in mind that Bryant Army Heliport is a military airport hosted by JBER Garrison, and it may be necessary to secure prior permission in order to get access. Always check with Fort Richardson to ensure you have the appropriate clearance and documentation for entry onto the base that allows access to the airport. It is also advisable to accommodate the possibility of flight timings getting altered or rescheduled on account of airport operational preferences.