Helena, Montana: Airport Accessibility And Convenience

Helena, Montana, is served by the Helena Regional Airport, a public airport located two miles northeast of the city in Lewis and Clark County. The airport is categorized as a primary commercial service airport, with a significant number of passenger boardings and aircraft operations each year. It is owned by the Helena Regional Airport Authority and offers services such as the Retreat Kitchen & Bar, a public-side restaurant, and strict check-in procedures to maintain schedule integrity.

Helena Regional Airport is 2 miles northeast of Helena, Montana

Helena, Montana, is served by the Helena Regional Airport, a public airport located just 2 miles northeast of the city in Lewis and Clark County. The airport is owned by the Helena Regional Airport Authority and is categorized as a primary commercial service airport, with more than 10,000 enplanements per year. With an elevation of 3,877 feet, the airport covers a vast area of 1,224 acres. It features three asphalt runways, the longest of which is 9,000 feet in length.

Helena Regional Airport is easily accessible from the city. Passengers can take Custer Avenue (exit 194) and continue east to reach the airport. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes before their scheduled flight time to allow for check-in, TSA screening, and boarding. The airport has a strict check-in timeframe policy, and passengers must be at the boarding gate at least 40 minutes before departure to avoid missing their flight.

The airport has a variety of services and facilities to cater to the needs of passengers. It houses The Retreat Kitchen & Bar, a public-side restaurant open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily. Additionally, the Rocky Mountain Emergency Services Training Center is located at the airport, providing world-class first responder training.

Helena Regional Airport serves as a vital transportation hub for the region. In 2022, the airport recorded 82,673 passenger boardings, according to Federal Aviation Administration records. On average, the airport handles a significant number of aircraft operations daily, including general aviation, military flights, air taxis, and airlines. With its convenient location and range of services, Helena Regional Airport plays a crucial role in connecting Helena to the rest of the United States.

It is a primary commercial service airport

Helena, Montana, is served by the Helena Regional Airport, a public airport located two miles northeast of the city in Lewis and Clark County. The airport is categorized as a primary commercial service airport, defined as having more than 10,000 enplanements per year. In 2022, the airport recorded 82,673 passenger boardings, comfortably exceeding this threshold.

Helena Regional Airport is a relatively busy facility, with 38,877 aircraft operations in 2013, averaging 106 flights per day. The airport accommodates a mix of general aviation (68%), military (14%), air taxi (14%), and airline flights (4%). The airport covers a substantial area of 1,224 acres (495 hectares) and sits at an elevation of 3,877 feet (1,182 meters).

The airport features three asphalt runways of varying lengths and widths. Runway 9/27 is the longest at 9,000 feet by 150 feet (2,743 meters by 46 meters), followed by runway 5/23 at 4,644 feet by 75 feet (1,415 meters by 23 meters). The shortest runway, 16/34, measures 2,989 feet by 75 feet (911 meters by 23 meters).

Passengers travelling through Helena Regional Airport should be mindful of the strict check-in procedures. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes before their scheduled flight time. This allows for check-in, TSA screening, and boarding, which must be completed at least 40 minutes before departure to avoid missing the flight.

The airport covers 1,224 acres at an elevation of 3,877 feet

Helena Regional Airport (IATA: HLN, ICAO: KHLN, FAA LID: HLN) is a substantial aviation hub, covering a large area of land. The airport covers 1,224 acres, which equates to 495 hectares or 1.224 square miles. To put that into context, that is a sizeable area, roughly equivalent to just under 600 American football fields. In terms of elevation, the airport is situated at 3,877 feet or 1,182 metres above sea level. This elevation is an important factor for aviation, as it impacts aircraft performance, with higher altitudes generally requiring longer runways and affecting engine performance.

The elevation of 3,877 feet is a notable feature of the airport's location, and it is interesting to consider how this might affect operations. For example, the air density at this altitude is lower than at sea level, which could influence aircraft take-off performance. The thinner air may also impact the efficiency of aircraft engines, as they depend on oxygen to produce thrust. Therefore, this elevation is a critical consideration for pilots and aviation professionals operating at Helena Regional Airport.

The airport's vast acreage also has operational implications. With 1,224 acres of land, the airport has the capacity for multiple runways and a range of aviation facilities. Indeed, the airport features three asphalt runways of varying lengths and widths. The longest runway, 9/27, stretches 9,000 feet (2,743 metres), while the other two runways are 4,644 feet (1,415 metres) and 2,989 feet (911 metres) in length, respectively. These dimensions are critical for aircraft operations, as they dictate the types of aircraft that can safely utilise the airport.

The acreage also allows for various support facilities, such as maintenance hangars, cargo facilities, and passenger terminals, all of which contribute to the airport's functionality and capacity. This land area provides ample space for aircraft parking, taxiways, and other ground operations, ensuring efficient and safe movements on the ground. Furthermore, the significant acreage provides opportunities for future expansion, allowing for potential growth in passenger numbers, cargo operations, or even the addition of new airlines serving the airport.

In summary, the elevation of 3,877 feet and the 1,224-acre land area of Helena Regional Airport are critical factors in defining the airport's operational characteristics. These attributes influence aircraft performance, engine efficiency, and the overall functionality of the airport. By understanding these geographical features, pilots, air traffic controllers, and airport managers can ensure safe and efficient operations at Helena Regional Airport.

It has three asphalt runways

Helena Regional Airport (IATA: HLN, ICAO: KHLN, FAA LID: HLN) is located two miles northeast of Helena, in Lewis and Clark County, Montana, United States. The airport covers 1,224 acres of land at an elevation of 3,877 feet. It is owned by the Helena Regional Airport Authority and is categorised as a primary commercial service airport, with more than 10,000 enplanements per year.

The airport boasts three asphalt runways. The first, 9/27, measures 9,000 feet by 150 feet (2,743 metres by 46 metres). The second, 5/23, is 4,644 feet by 75 feet (1,415 metres by 23 metres). And the third, 16/34, is 2,989 feet by 75 feet (911 metres by 23 metres).

In addition to its three asphalt runways, the airport had 38,877 aircraft operations in 2013, averaging 106 per day. These operations consisted of 68% general aviation, 14% military, 14% air taxi, and 4% airline. Federal Aviation Administration records show that Helena Regional Airport served 82,673 passengers in 2022.

Check-in is between 1 and 24 hours before departure

Helena, Montana, is served by the Helena Regional Airport, a public airport located two miles northeast of the city in Lewis and Clark County. The airport is categorized as a primary commercial service airport, with more than 10,000 enplanements annually. To ensure a smooth travel experience, it is important to plan your arrival and check-in within the specified time frames.

When travelling through Helena Regional Airport, it is recommended that passengers arrive at least 90 minutes ahead of their scheduled flight time. This allows for a comfortable check-in process and ensures compliance with strict check-in time frames maintained by the airlines. These time frames are implemented to maintain schedule integrity within the nationwide air traffic system.

Check-in for your flight is available between 1 and 24 hours before departure. This window provides flexibility for passengers, allowing them to choose a convenient time to complete the necessary check-in procedures. However, it is important to note that being at the airport well in advance is always advisable.

After checking in, passengers must go through TSA screening and have their checked bags inspected. This process can take varying amounts of time, depending on factors such as the number of passengers and the complexity of the screening. It is recommended that passengers be at the boarding gate for their flight at least 40 minutes before the scheduled departure time. Arriving later may result in missing the flight, as airline systems will not permit local staff to accommodate last-minute check-ins beyond this point.

In summary, when travelling through Helena Regional Airport, it is crucial to allow ample time for check-in and boarding. By arriving early and completing the necessary procedures within the specified time frames, passengers can ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

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