
TSTC Waco Airport, formerly known as James Connally Air Force Base, is a public airport located in Waco, Texas. It is the largest airport in the United States that is owned and operated by an educational institution, in this case, the Texas State Technical College. The airport features two parallel runways for simultaneous arrivals and departures, an Automated Weather Observation System, and a full-service fuel facility. While it does not appear that commercial flights are available from this airport, it is used for aviation programs and training.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | TSTC Waco Airport |
| Location | Waco, Texas, United States |
| Altitude | 470 feet above sea level |
| Control Tower | Open 7 days a week with FAA-certified controllers |
| Weather Data | Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS) |
| Runways | 2 parallel runways for simultaneous arrivals and departures |
| Services | Full fuel service, Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS), ARFF Index E Unit |
| Primary Runway | All-weather, asphalt runway capable of handling wide-bodied jets weighing up to 450,000 pounds |
| Parking Apron | Covers approximately 3 million square feet |
| Airport Lighting | VASI, MALSR, taxi lights, lighted signs, lighted wind sock, rotating beacon |
| Previous Name | James Connally Air Force Base |
| Owner | Texas State Technical College |
| Category | General aviation facility |
| Use | Industrial airpark and aviation programs |
| Year Opened | May 5, 1942 |
| Airlines | Allegiant Air |
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What You'll Learn
- TSTC Waco Airport is located eight miles north of downtown Waco, Texas
- The airport is owned by Texas State Technical College
- It is the largest airport operated by an educational institution in the US
- The airport has two runways for simultaneous arrivals and departures
- TSTC Waco Airport is used for aviation programs

TSTC Waco Airport is located eight miles north of downtown Waco, Texas
The airport has a variety of features that make it a desirable location for tenants, including proximity to major commercial hubs, strong regional access, land availability, established security clearances, and existing infrastructure. TSTC Waco Airport is also noted for its limited surrounding development, which helps to reduce traffic and airport activity.
The facility is currently used as an industrial airpark for the college's aviation programs. It has two parallel runways for simultaneous arrivals and departures and is served by FAA-certified controllers. The primary runway is an all-weather asphalt runway capable of handling wide-bodied jets weighing up to 450,000 pounds. The adjacent parking apron covers approximately 3 million square feet, and the airport offers full fuel service for Avgas and Jet Fuel, with a 50,000-gallon capacity.
The control tower is open seven days a week and provides current weather data through its Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS). TSTC Waco Airport also has a range of instrument and visual approach aids, including a full Instrument Landing System (ILS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) approaches. With its impressive infrastructure and centralized location, TSTC Waco Airport is a significant aviation hub in Texas.
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The airport is owned by Texas State Technical College
TSTC Waco Airport is a public airport located in Waco, Texas, United States. It is situated eight nautical miles (9 miles or 15 km) northeast of the central business district of Waco, in McLennan County. The airport is owned by Texas State Technical College, making it the largest airport in the United States operated by an educational institution. Texas State Technical College has ten campuses across the state of Texas, and its Waco campus is the flagship.
The TSTC Waco Airport covers 2,200 acres (890 hectares) of land and sits at an altitude of 470 feet (143 metres) above sea level. It was initially established as Waco Army Air Field and opened on May 5, 1942. During World War II, it served as the headquarters of the Army Air Force Central Instructors' School. The airport was deactivated after the war in 1945 but reactivated in 1948 as a pilot training base. It was originally named Connally Air Force Base, after Colonel James T. Connally, who had been killed in Japan in 1945. The name was later changed to James Connally Air Force Base before becoming a civilian airport in 1968.
Texas State Technical College uses the airport for its aviation programs, providing hands-on training for students pursuing careers in aviation and aerospace. The airport features two parallel runways, allowing for simultaneous arrivals and departures. It is equipped with a full Instrument Landing System (ILS) and other visual approach aids, such as Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) and Global Positioning System (GPS) approaches. The airport also boasts a state-of-the-art training facility, student housing, a cafeteria, an activities centre, and a gymnasium.
The TSTC Waco Airport is conveniently located in the heart of Texas, with easy access to major metropolitan areas such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. It has centralised access to these commercial hubs via the I-35 corridor. The airport is well-equipped to handle a range of aircraft, including wide-bodied jets, and offers full fuel service and established security clearances.
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It is the largest airport operated by an educational institution in the US
TSTC Waco Airport is indeed the largest airport operated by an educational institution in the United States. It is located in Waco, Texas, and is owned by Texas State Technical College, which is based less than a mile away. The airport covers an area of 2,200 acres and sits at an altitude of 470 feet above sea level. It has two parallel runways, allowing for simultaneous arrivals and departures, and is served by FAA-certified controllers.
The airport was opened on May 5, 1942, as Waco Army Air Field and served as the headquarters of the Army Air Force Central Instructors' School during World War II. After the war, it was deactivated in 1945 but was reactivated in 1948 as a pilot training base under the Air Training Command. It was initially called Connally Air Force Base, named for Colonel James T. Connally, who had been killed in Japan in 1945. In 1968, as part of a nationwide reduction in air force bases, the base was closed, and all navigator training was consolidated at Mather Air Force Base in California.
Texas State Technical College has owned the airport since it was known as James Connally Air Force Base before 1968. The airport is now used as an industrial airpark and for the college's aviation programs. It offers a range of instrument and visual approach aids, including a full Instrument Landing System (ILS) to runway 17L, Non-Directional Beacon (NDB) approaches, and Global Positioning System (GPS) approaches. The airport lighting system is also comprehensive, including VASI, MALSR, taxi lights, lighted signs, a lighted wind sock, and a rotating beacon.
The TSTC Waco Airport provides convenient access to major metropolitan areas such as Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio. Its facilities include an all-weather asphalt runway capable of handling wide-bodied jets weighing up to 450,000 pounds and a 3-million-square-foot parking apron. On-site support services include full fuel service and a state-of-the-art ARFF Index E Unit for safety.
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The airport has two runways for simultaneous arrivals and departures
TSTC Waco Airport is a public-use airport located in Texas, United States. It is situated eight nautical miles (9 miles or 15 km) northeast of the central business district of Waco, a city in McLennan County. The airport is owned by Texas State Technical College and is part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2021-2025, categorised as a general aviation facility.
The TSTC Waco Airport boasts two parallel runways that enable simultaneous arrivals and departures. The primary runway is an all-weather, asphalt surface capable of accommodating wide-bodied jets weighing up to 450,000 pounds. This runway is complemented by an adjacent parking apron spanning approximately 3 million square feet. The airport's lighting system includes VASI, MALSR, taxi lights, lighted signs, a lighted wind sock, and a rotating beacon.
The two runways at TSTC Waco Airport significantly enhance operational efficiency by allowing for simultaneous aircraft movements. This capability not only improves punctuality but also helps to minimise delays, ensuring a smoother flow of arrivals and departures. With this configuration, the airport can accommodate a higher volume of air traffic, catering to both arrivals and departures without the need for alternating runway operations, which can often lead to congestion and delays at busier airports.
The presence of two runways also provides added flexibility and safety margins for aircraft operations. In the event of maintenance or unforeseen issues on one runway, the second runway serves as a vital backup, ensuring uninterrupted airport operations. Furthermore, during peak hours or periods of increased air traffic, the availability of two runways can facilitate a more seamless flow of aircraft, reducing potential congestion in the air and on the ground.
The TSTC Waco Airport's runway configuration contributes to its overall functionality and ability to serve a diverse range of aircraft. With its impressive capabilities, the airport efficiently supports the aviation programs and educational presence associated with the Texas State Technical College. The two runways play a crucial role in ensuring the airport's smooth operations and contribute to its standing as a notable aviation facility in the region.
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TSTC Waco Airport is used for aviation programs
TSTC Waco Airport is the largest airport operated by an educational institution in the United States. The airport is owned by Texas State Technical College and is used for its aviation programs.
The airport is located in the heart of Texas, eight miles north of downtown Waco, and is central to the state's four largest cities: Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, and Austin. The airport sits at an altitude of 470 feet above sea level and has two parallel runways for simultaneous arrivals and departures. It is served by FAA-certified controllers from 7 am to 11 pm, seven days a week.
TSTC Waco Airport offers a range of support services, including a full-service fuel facility with a capacity of 50,000 gallons, an Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS), and a state-of-the-art ARFF Index E Unit. The primary runway is an all-weather asphalt runway capable of handling wide-bodied jets weighing up to 450,000 pounds. The adjacent parking apron covers approximately 3 million square feet.
The aviation programs offered by Texas State Technical College at the TSTC Waco Airport focus on aircraft maintenance, avionics, and aerospace manufacturing. Students learn to inspect, troubleshoot, and repair aircraft systems, with a curriculum aligned with FAA regulations. The college provides training on high-tech equipment, helping students launch careers in the aviation industry.
The airport has a rich history, initially serving as Waco Army Air Field during World War II and later as a pilot training base and a support facility for the Twelfth Air Force. The facility was conveyed to the State of Texas in 1968 and has since been utilized by Texas State Technical College for its aviation programs and as an industrial airpark.
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