It’s an understatement to say the Orlando Apopka Airport (X04) has had a few changes in recent years. When I started flying at X04 the paved runway was 27’ wide with a big drop-off at the approach end of Runway 33.

Since that time, the official stats for the airport have changed several times. Pilots don’t check the data of their home field often because it’s too familiar. Here is a quiz to test how well you know X04. Answers follow at the bottom of the page. Have fun!

1. Airport Traffic Pattern Altitude:
2. Runway 15/33 Length:
3. Runway 15/33 Width:
4. Airport Elevation:
5. Runway 15 Displaced Threshold:
6. Runway 15 PAPI Glide Path (degrees):
7. Runway 15 Traffic Pattern Direction:
8. Runway 33 PAPI Glide Path (degrees):
9. Runway 33 Traffic Pattern Direction:

Stumped? Try these handy sources of airport information:

AirNav.com

GlobalAir.com

Flight Aware

FltPlan.com

The fuel price at the Orlando Apopka Airport (x04) is $5.29 as of January 30, 2012 – Full Service Avgas Only. Call 407-341-6901 to place an order. We will post an update if there is a price change.

For fuel after hours, visit North Orlando Airpark's (FA83) self serve pump - just five miles NW.

Music and dancing warmed the cool night air at the Orlando Apopka Airport last month thanks to a event put on by JH Audio. Held in Hangar 143, the Under the Sea Charity Christmas Party raised funds to benefit children afflicted with a rare disorder called pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency (PDCD).

I have always been amazed at how a hangar can be completely transformed into an elegant party venue and this event didn’t disappoint. A party tent extended the hangar making room for a dance-floor, dining tables, two bars, a buffet and an entire section devoted to displaying the silent auction items. The whole room had the feel of an ocean with cool green lighting, bubble-like balloon arrangements, and even a floating shark swimming the room. Valets handled the parking, allowing guests to pull right up to the hangar.

Several of the PDCD children attended the gala along with their families, a rare chance to bond, share stories and support each other. I imagine just being able to sit down with another person who is dealing with the same challenges had to be therapeutic. Kelly Strebelow-Vlcek, whose daughter recently lost her battle with PDCD, gave a heart-tugging speech explaining why the benefit would help all of the families. There weren’t many dry eyes left in the hangar when she was done.

After their eyes dried, partygoers placed bids on auction items ranging from fine art to autographed guitars while the DJ got the dancing started on the lighted floor. There were also raffle items, which is where I dropped my money for a chance to win one of the huge gift baskets or the glitzy jewelry. It was one of the largest collections of auction and raffle items I’ve seen−clearly a lot people care about the PDCD kids.

Everyone had fun thanks to the music, food, and drinks, especially because they knew it was all for a good cause. I can’t begin to know who all contributed time, money and goods to the event, but I do know that Brittany and Jerry Harvey, along with the whole gang at JH Audio, did an amazing job of organizing the night. I must add that Jerry and Brittany did all of this while caring for their own daughter, Katie, who lives with PDCD as well.