Firefly Resort Cottages is aviation friendly. After all, we have “fly” in our name.
Pickup and Drop
We are more than happy to meet reserved guests arriving at George T. Lewis Airport (FAA Identifier: CDK) with advance notice and return them to their vessel at the end of their stay. Firefly Cottages operates a 2017 Ford F-350 Crew Cab with seating for 4 and plenty of room for gear inside and out.
The service is complimentary for guests staying two or more nights, and $10 for guests staying only one night. Mention this in the “Notes” field of your reservation request, and we will make further arrangements by email or phone. If you fail to make advance arrangements, don’t be shy about calling anyway. We might not be able to be there immediately, but we can be there in island time.
Combine our service with a local bicycle or golf cart rental and you are then able to explore the island on your own with total freedom.
Airfield Information
We provide the following information for pilots and visitors from the Friends of the Cedar Key Airport website:
Please Note: All information provided on this website is unofficial and should not be relied upon without confirmation from official aviation planning information. Firefly Resort Cottages, Can Du Bois, LLC, nor the source, The Friends of the Cedar Key Airport and any of its members do not take responsibility of its content. The information being offered is to informally let pilots flying into the Cedar Key airport know about some of its peculiarities. Cedar Key is one of the most beautiful and unique airports in the country. It is always a worthwhile visit!
General Aviation Airfield Information
- Use 122.9 and announce all intentions.
- Left-hand traffic for both Runway 05 and Runway 23.
- There is a displaced threshold for both Runway 05 and Runway 23.
- Follow the FAA Aeronautical Information Manual procedures for uncontrolled airports.
- Taxi on the runway and allow more time for landing aircraft to taxi-back / completely clear the active before turning for final, especially when landing Runway 05. (What was previously a taxiway is now a road outside of the perimeter fence.)
- No fuel and no mechanic on the field. The closest airports with services are Williston Municipal Airport (X60), Crystal River Airport (KCGC), and Cross City Airport(KCTY).
- Mobile phone signal is weak and there is no airport phone. (Verizon works best, T-Mobile works fairly well, AT&T sometimes works.)
- Runway lighting for night operations is pilot controlled on 122.9 and has been recently improved (thanks to your help!) along with the rotating beacon.
- The airport perimeter has now been fenced (thanks to your help!) with a 4-foot tall, black chain link fence. Walk-thru gate is available from the ramp. The fence does not cross along the ends of the runway, these areas are landscaped with small shrubbery.
- Vehicle gates are locked and controlled by the Levy County administrator’s office. Please plan on using the walk-thru gate, but the Cedar Key Police may be called to arrange access at (352) 543-5180.
- The port-a-potty is back! Woohoo! Paid for by Levy County. Located in the cul-de-sac outside the fencing of the ramp.
- Find additional KCDK aviation and Cedar Key city information via this links page.
- Dates around our local Fine Arts Festival, and our local Seafood Festival are when we experience the most traffic.
Pilot Operational Tips
SAFETY FOR OUR UNIQUE AIRFIELD
- The runway is short – the shortest paved public runway in Florida – and both runways with a displaced threshold. Still plenty of runway for most light aircraft to take off and land, but please be mindful. It is very common to come in too high and too fast on approach! If you do not touch down in the first third of the runway do not be embarrassed about going around. Consequences of landing long or hot may be blown tires or a swim in the marsh. WE CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH.
- We would highly discourage student pilots from flying into KCDK, especially solo.
- There is no weather reporting service on the field (ATIS or AWOS) though you can reference the NOAA Station CDRF1 that is located approximately 1 mile to the east of the airport. There are 2 windsocks located on the north side at both ends of the runway.
- While runway lighting has been improved recently visibility at night on the field is still minimal. If you have never been to KCDK before it is highly recommended not to perform night or dusk operations. Even for KCDK experienced pilots, night-time departures taking-off Runway 23 (to the southwest) are highly discouraged. (See memorial plaque by the ramp.) Especially on overcast or moonless nights out over the Gulf you are taking off into a black hole. Do not attempt to climb out visually, use your instruments. If you are not IFR rated/current taking-off on Runway 5 over the town with city lights is a risk mitigation.
- While the installation of the fence has greatly improved deterring non-aviation traffic on the airport, pedestrians and bicycles still find their way onto the runway – please be cautious. Also being 4-foot tall, black chain link fence it is sometimes difficult to see with no ramp lighting – mind your props and wingtips!
- The Cedar Key area is surrounded and a part of a large protected bird sanctuary, i.e. there are lots of large birds in the area including osprey, eagles, herons, egrets, buzzards, pelicans, and seagulls. There are even several osprey nests within the immediate area of the runway. Watch out and advise other traffic of bird activity when appropriate. It is encouraged to report birdstrikes to the FAA.
- Theft is rare, but can happen anywhere. Do not leave aircraft unlocked or items in the open.
- If you’re in a pickle, some local pilots monitor 122.9 at home and will come out to help or when in need call Walter with the Friends of the Cedar Key Airport at (352) 222-6800.
- Aircraft parking is always at your own risk.
- It’s suggested to bring your own chalks or tie downs in the event of off-pavement parking.
- When parking off-pavement, watch out for soft sand and cactus. If you don’t see grass, its probably soft sand… and even still. Your plane can get stuck and cannot get out even with full power – though this is interesting to watch. Prickly plants are tough enough to pop tires.
- Be aware of concrete pads along the runway edges which house runway lights. These can snag your nose wheel and cause your prop to get close enough to contact the concrete.
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