Afobakka Airstrip (SMAF)

Local rules

Aviation access SMAF should be treated as a controlled aviation facility even if it has no permanent control tower. Obtain the current Suriname AIP entry, NOTAMs, weather, runway condition, operating hours, and permission requirements before departure. Confirm whether prior landing permission is required from Luchtvaartdienst/CADSUR, the aircraft operator, or another local authority. Verify runway length, grass condition, drainage, obstacles, wildlife activity, work in progress, and any temporary closure. Do not conduct night operations unless current official information confirms lighting, marking, authorization, and suitable procedures. Confirm aircraft performance for a grass runway at the actual temperature, aircraft weight, wind, and runway condition. Confirm whether fuel, parking, passenger facilities, baggage handling, security, and communications are available. Do not assume any of these services exist. Use a qualified local pilot or operator familiar with Suriname’s domestic strips and interior weather. Submit or maintain an appropriate flight plan and provide a reliable arrival/departure notification to the responsible authority and local receiving party. Community and land access Afobaka is not merely an aviation point; it is part of the Brokopondo interior and may involve nearby traditional communities, concession areas, mining operations, and private land. Before traveling overland or conducting fieldwork: Identify the local village authority, district authority, concession holder, or land manager. Introduce your team and state the purpose, dates, aircraft, passengers, equipment, and activities. Obtain permission before entering villages, photographing people, filming, interviewing, mapping, using drones, or visiting culturally sensitive areas. Respect local decisions, privacy, burial grounds, sacred places, ceremonies, hunting areas, and environmental restrictions. Obtain separate written authorization for mining, forestry, surveying, construction, research, tourism, commercial filming, or drone operations. Do not enter the Gross Rosebel mining area or use its airstrip without written authorization from the mine operator. Carry identification, passenger manifests, emergency contacts, first-aid supplies, communications equipment, drinking water, and a return/evacuation plan. Reconfirm access immediately before departure because permissions, runway conditions, security conditions, and local arrangements can change. These are prudent operating protocols, not a substitute for a current local permit or community decision. Recommended pre-flight checklist Before using SMAF, obtain written or recorded confirmation of: Current SMAF status from AIS/CADSUR. Valid NOTAMs and any runway works or closures. Permission from the responsible aviation authority/operator. Current runway length, surface condition, obstacles, and usable direction. Aircraft performance calculation for the grass runway. Weather and daylight limitations. Local ground transport and receiving contact. Medical and aircraft-evacuation plan. Police, fire, medical, and disaster contacts. Community, concession, or mining permissions relevant to the trip.