Cut Bank Airport (CTB), also known as Cut Bank City County Airport, serves as a vital aviation hub in northern Montana. This publicly owned, international airport of entry is essential for general aviation and offers key services for pilots navigating the region. Located just southwest of Cut Bank, Montana, CTB provides two well-maintained asphalt runways and a range of facilities. This guide provides crucial information for pilots planning to fly to Cut Bank Airport, ensuring a safe and well-informed arrival.
Planning Your Flight to CTB
Understanding the airport’s location and operational details is the first step in planning your flight to Cut Bank Airport.
Airport Overview
Cut Bank Airport is situated at Latitude 48-36-30.0771N and Longitude 112-22-34.1428W, at an elevation of 3857.8 feet (1175.9 meters) above sea level. The airport experiences a magnetic variation of 13E as of 2015 and operates in the UTC -7 time zone (UTC -6 during Daylight Saving Time). The airport’s FAA identifier is CTB, and it is located approximately 3 miles southwest of Cut Bank, Montana, which has a zip code of 59427.
Airport Operations
Opened in September 1941, Cut Bank Airport is open to the public and operates without a control tower. Air traffic services are managed by Salt Lake City ARTCC. Pilots can contact Great Falls Flight Service Station (FSS) for flight planning and weather briefings. NOTAM-D service is available under the identifier CTB. The airport is attended from 0830 to 1730 local time. Essential visual aids include a lighted wind indicator and a segmented circle. Runway lighting, including Medium Intensity Runway Lights (MIRL) for runways 05/23 and 14/32, and Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL) for Runway 32, are pilot-activated via CTAF. Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) for Runway 23 and Visual Approach Slope Indicator (VASI) for Runway 32 are operational continuously. A white-green beacon identifies the airport as a lighted land airport, operating from sunset to sunrise. Cut Bank Airport also holds the designation of an international airport of entry, facilitating international flights.
Navigating to Cut Bank
Effective communication and navigation are paramount when flying into CTB.
Communications
Pilots should use CTAF/UNICOM frequency 123.0 for airport advisory services. Weather information is available via WX ASOS on 119.025 (phone: 406-873-2939). Approach and Departure Control services are provided by Salt Lake City ARTCC through Great Falls Radio Communication Air/Ground (RCAG) on frequencies 133.4 and 285.4.
Navigation Aids
The primary navigation aid near Cut Bank Airport is the CUT BANK VOR/DME (identifier CTB), located on radial 316 at a distance of 2.9 nautical miles from the airport. This VOR/DME operates on a frequency of 113.35 MHz with a magnetic variation of 17E.
Instrument Procedures
Cut Bank Airport is equipped with several instrument approach procedures (IAPs), crucial for pilots flying in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC). Available RNAV (GPS) approaches serve Runways 05, 14, 23, and 32, providing precise GPS-guided paths to each runway. Additionally, a VOR RWY 32 approach is available for navigation using VOR. Pilots should note that special alternate minimums apply at CTB. Departure procedures include the MRIAS THREE (RNAV) departure. It’s important to consult the FAA instrument procedures for the most current and detailed information, especially regarding special take-off minimums and departure procedures. These procedures are published and regularly updated by the FAA.
Airport Services and Facilities
Cut Bank Airport offers essential services for visiting aircraft.
Fuel
Fuel services at CTB are comprehensive, with 100LL, JET-A, and JET-A+ fuel types available. For fuel service outside of operating hours, pilots can call 406-873-8683 or 406-229-0376 (cell).
Parking
Ample parking is available, including hangars and tiedowns for aircraft.
Services (Limited)
It is important to note that airframe and powerplant services, as well as bottled and bulk oxygen, are not available at Cut Bank Airport. Pilots should ensure their aircraft are self-sufficient or plan for maintenance and oxygen services at alternate locations if needed.
Customs
As an international airport of entry, 24-hour customs services are available on a call-out basis. Pilots requiring customs clearance should call 406-335-9610 extension 314.
Runway Information
Cut Bank Airport features two runways, both asphalt and in excellent condition, each measuring 5300 x 75 feet (1615 x 23 meters).
Runway 5/23
Runway 5/23 is equipped with medium intensity runway edge lights and nonprecision markings in good condition. Runway 5 is located at Latitude 48-36.389367N, Longitude 112-23.113432W, with an elevation of 3853.8 feet. The traffic pattern for Runway 5 is a left-hand pattern, with a runway heading of 051 magnetic (064 true). Runway 5 is equipped with a 2-light PAPI on the left side, providing a 3.00-degree glide path. Runway 5 has a touchdown point but no touchdown zone lights.
Runway 23 is situated at Latitude 48-36.772483N, Longitude 112-21.933098W, with an elevation of 3840.1 feet. The traffic pattern is also left-hand, with a runway heading of 231 magnetic (244 true). Runway 23 also features nonprecision markings in good condition and a touchdown point without lights.
Runway 14/32
Runway 14/32 also features medium intensity runway edge lights and nonprecision markings in good condition. Runway 14 is located at Latitude 48-36.807007N, Longitude 112-22.921487W, at an elevation of 3857.8 feet. The traffic pattern for Runway 14 is left-hand, with a runway heading of 139 magnetic (152 true). Runway 14 includes Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL) and a touchdown point without lights.
Runway 32 is located at Latitude 48-36.036280N, Longitude 112-22.308172W, with an elevation of 3841.6 feet. The traffic pattern is left-hand, with a runway heading of 319 magnetic (332 true). Runway 32 is equipped with a 4-box VASI on the left side, offering a 3.00-degree glide path, and a touchdown point without lights. Runway 32 also has Runway End Identifier Lights (REIL).
Both runways 5/23 and 14/32 have a PCN (Pavement Classification Number) of 10/F/D/Y/U and weight-bearing capacities of 27,500 lbs for single wheel and 37,500 lbs for double wheel aircraft.
Important Considerations
Pilots should be aware of specific operational considerations at Cut Bank Airport.
Cold Temperature Operations
Cut Bank Airport is designated as a cold temperature airport. Altitude correction is required at or below -29 degrees Celsius. Pilots must consult appropriate cold temperature correction procedures when operating in cold weather conditions.
Additional Remarks
For clearance delivery (CD) when unable to contact FSS on frequency, pilots can contact Salt Lake ARTCC at 801-320-2568. For any inquiries or further information, the airport can be contacted via email at [email protected].
Conclusion
Flying to Cut Bank Airport, Montana, requires careful planning and attention to detail. By understanding the airport’s operational information, navigation aids, services, and runway specifics, pilots can ensure a safe and efficient flight. Always consult official FAA charts and publications for the most up-to-date information before any flight. Safe travels to Cut Bank!
