Sanderson Field: The Key to the Pacific Northwest
Introduction
Sanderson Field (IATA: SHN), located in the heart of the Pacific Northwest, is a medium-sized airport that serves as an important transportation hub for the Shelton region of Washington. The public airport opened in December 1938 and has grown along with the rest of aviation, as commercial operators, corporate aircraft owners, flight schools, and recreational pilots all make use of its facilities.
Airlines and Destinations
Sanderson Field is a general aviation airport, meaning it services private and charter aircraft. Although it does not have scheduled passenger service, the airport is an attractive choice for travelers looking to use one of its regional airports as an alternative.
Passenger and Flight Counts
Sanderson Field is a relatively small airport, and so it does not see high passenger volume. That means the airport is still a useful resource for people in the area who participate in various aviation-related activities or need to fly on commercial or private planes. While there are no published numbers for annual passengers or flights, frequent activity at the airport and a significant amount of growth in recent years suggest it remains heavily trafficked.
How to Get Here
Sanderson Field is just outside Shelton, Washington, and 71 nm (about an hour) southwest of Seattle. Several major highways, such as U.S. Route 101, connect directly to the airport, allowing for road access between Bay Area cities and Moffett Field with a minimal commute time from much of Silicon Valley.
Parking
Visitors to Sanderson Field have plenty of options for parking, as it includes both short-term and long-term options on-site. If you have your own mode of transport, the airport's parking facilities are located just near the main terminal building, meaning that it is extremely convenient for those arriving by car.
Transportation Prices
While only a general aviation airport, Sanderson Field does not have an established public transportation system. There are, however, a few different ways to get you in and out of the airport, including taxi services, widespread rideshare programs, or car rental options. The costs of these transportation services can vary by provider and have a fixed price according to the distance.
Terminal Layout
Sanderson Field is a single-terminal airport, and all facilities are located near the single passenger area. The terminal building itself is home to the airport's administrative offices, in addition to a variety of pilot and passenger amenities.
Navigating the Airport
It is easy to find your way around Sanderson Field, as the airport features good signage and a simple layout. Visitors, on the other hand, need no help navigating through the terminal and parking facilities within the airport grounds.
Getting Between Terminals
Since Sanderson Field is a single-terminal airport, passengers do not need to travel from or go through multiple terminals. The main terminal building has all the facilities and services, which makes passengers wait for their flight with comfort.
Services and Amenities
The airport and nearby area feature a number of services, facilities, and amenities to support its general aviation operations. Such facilities tend to include aircraft maintenance and repair, fueling services, pilot lounges, or other amenities that cater primarily to pilots and owners of aircraft.
Restaurants and Shops
While Sanderson Field is not a huge asset and is mostly green space, there are some snack options available on-site. The terminal building will also house a small café or snack bar, catering to the pilots as well as others flying in and out.
Security and Customs
Sanderson Field is a general aviation airport and operates with less stringent security and customs regulations compared to larger international airports. Nevertheless, the airport keeps security functions in place to ensure that services remain safe and secure.
Accessibility
The airport includes features such as parking, a ramp, and others to help those who are either disabled or have other mobility challenges.
Travel Tips
Being prepared and planning in advance are key to visiting Sanderson Field. Get to the airport with enough spare time for parking and check-in, but also have time there to get around and fully enjoy the amenities. Also, be aware of any security or operational rules that may apply and always follow the advice provided by airport staff and signs.