Lois Larson
Ocala International Airport, also known as Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field, is a general aviation airport located in Marion County, Florida. Despite its name, the airport does not provide commercial airline passenger services. Instead, it serves the general aviation, corporate aviation, and air cargo industries. The airport has a long history, dating back to the early 1960s, and has undergone various expansions and upgrades over the years. With two asphalt runways, a variety of services, and a commitment to accommodating large aviation activities, Ocala International Airport is an important aviation hub for the region.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Ocala International Airport does not provide commercial airline passenger service
- The airport serves general aviation, corporate aviation, and air cargo
- It is owned and operated by the City of Ocala
- The airport has two runways, both asphalt and in good condition
- The last airline flight left Ocala in 1987
Ocala International Airport does not provide commercial airline passenger service
Ocala International Airport, also known as Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field, is located five miles west of Ocala, in Marion County, Florida. Despite its name, Ocala International Airport does not provide commercial airline passenger service. The last airline flight departed from Ocala in 1987 when USAir Express pulled out, and scheduled passenger airline service is unlikely to return.
The airport, which covers 1,532 acres at an elevation of 90 feet, has two asphalt runways: runway 18/36, which is 7,467 feet long and 150 feet wide, and runway 8/26, which is 3,009 feet long and 50 feet wide. Both runways are served by full-length parallel taxiways and are in good condition. The airport has a 4,000-square-foot general aviation terminal and a 1,900-square-foot administrative building, with 150 paved parking spaces for patrons.
Ocala International Airport serves the commercial, industrial, and corporate needs of the City of Ocala and Marion County. The airport accommodates general aviation, corporate aviation, and the air cargo industry. It also caters to flight training activities and has several flight schools. Other services include aircraft maintenance, aircraft charter, and rental car pick-up and return. The airport is committed to operating with fiscal responsibility and responsiveness to the needs of its users and tenants.
The City of Ocala recognises the importance of community involvement and has appointed an Ocala Airport Advisory Board to provide input and positive communication regarding airport progress. The airport has undergone various upgrades over the years, including the addition of a crosswind runway, an extension of the main runway, and the construction of an air traffic control tower. While Ocala International Airport does not offer commercial airline passenger service, it plays a significant role in serving the aviation needs of the region.
AirPort Extreme and AirPlay: A Seamless Streaming Experience?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport serves general aviation, corporate aviation, and air cargo
Ocala International Airport, also known as Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field, is located five miles west of Ocala, in Marion County, Florida, United States. Despite its name, the airport does not provide commercial airline passenger services. Instead, it primarily serves general aviation, corporate aviation, and the air cargo industry.
As a general aviation airport, Ocala International Airport caters to the commercial, industrial, and corporate needs of Ocala and Marion County. The airport has a 4,000-square-foot general aviation terminal, with a 1,900-square-foot administrative building and 150 paved parking spaces for patrons. There are over 50 tie-downs for general aviation aircraft, and a mix of T-hangars and conventional hangars provide additional storage space. The airport also accommodates flight training activities and aims to expand its role in this capacity.
For corporate aviation, Ocala International Airport offers services such as Avis and Enterprise rental car pick-up and return, flight schools, aircraft maintenance, and aircraft charter. The airport has expanded its infrastructure over the years to accommodate larger aviation activities while maintaining high service levels for its tiedown and T-hangar clients. The City of Ocala encourages private and public sector investment for the development of corporate hangars and other compatible uses.
In terms of air cargo, Ocala International Airport has the capabilities and infrastructure to support cargo operations. The airport covers 1,532 acres of land, with two asphalt runways in good condition: Runway 8/26 and Runway 18/36. Runway 18/36, the longer of the two, is 7,467 feet long and 150 feet wide, capable of accommodating large cargo aircraft. The airport also has an air traffic control tower, certified and staffed as an FAA Level I contract control tower, ensuring efficient air traffic management for cargo operations.
Fort Lauderdale Airport: A Sprawling Transport Hub
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It is owned and operated by the City of Ocala
Ocala International Airport is owned and operated by the City of Ocala. The history of aviation in the area dates back to 1927 when Rupert Caviness persuaded Jim Taylor to donate land to the city for the development of an airport. The airport opened in the early 1960s, replacing the previous Taylor Field just southwest of Ocala. It was originally served by Eastern Airlines, which operated a Convair 440 flight with a routing of Jacksonville (JAX) - Gainesville (GNV) - Ocala (OCF) - Vero Beach (VRB) - Miami (MIA) and return.
Over the years, the airport has undergone several expansions and upgrades to accommodate larger aircraft and increasing aviation demand. In 1973, a 3,010-foot crosswind runway was added, and in 1988, the runway was extended by 1,900 feet. The airport facilities were significantly expanded in the 2000s, with a new air traffic control tower, terminal building, and upgraded security systems.
The City of Ocala intends to continue operating the airport as a premier general aviation facility, serving the commercial, industrial, and corporate needs of the city and Marion County. The city encourages cooperation between the private and public sectors to promote the development of compatible infrastructure at the airport, such as corporate hangars.
The airport covers 1,532 acres at an elevation of 90 feet and has two asphalt runways: runway 18/36, which is 7,467 feet long, and runway 8/26, which is 3,009 feet long. It also features a 4,000-square-foot general aviation terminal and a 1,900-square-foot administrative building.
Cairo Airport: Luggage Storage Options and Availability
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport has two runways, both asphalt and in good condition
Ocala International Airport, also known as Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field, is located in Marion County, Florida, about five miles west of Ocala. Despite its name, it does not offer commercial airline passenger services. Instead, it primarily serves general aviation, corporate aviation, and the air cargo industry. The airport also accommodates flight training activities and has plans to expand its role in that capacity.
The airport has a rich history, dating back to the early 1960s when it replaced the previous Taylor Field just southwest of Ocala. Initially, the airport had a 5,000-foot runway, which was later expanded to accommodate larger aircraft. In 1973, a 3,010-foot east/west crosswind runway was added, and in 1988, the main runway was extended to its current length.
Today, Ocala International Airport boasts two asphalt runways in good condition: Runway 8/26 and Runway 18/36. Runway 8/26, which was asphalted in 1995, spans 3,009 feet in length and 50 feet in width. Runway 18/36, on the other hand, measures 7,467 feet in length and 150 feet in width. Both runways are served by full-length parallel taxiways, ensuring smooth and efficient aircraft movements.
The airport's infrastructure has been continually upgraded over the years to meet the growing demands of aviation. In 2009, construction began on an air traffic control tower, which was certified and staffed in 2010. A new terminal building was completed in 2020, enhancing the airport's capabilities and improving the overall experience for pilots and passengers alike.
In addition to its well-maintained runways and modern facilities, Ocala International Airport offers a range of services, including rental car services, flight schools, aircraft maintenance, and aircraft charter. The airport is committed to serving the commercial, industrial, and corporate needs of the City of Ocala and Marion County. With its ongoing development and expansion, Ocala International Airport is poised to play an even more significant role in the region's aviation landscape.
UC Davis Travellers: Which Airport is Nearest?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The last airline flight left Ocala in 1987
Ocala International Airport, also known as Ocala International Airport-Jim Taylor Field, is located five miles west of Ocala in Marion County, Florida. Despite its name, no commercial airlines fly to Ocala International Airport. The last airline flight departed from Ocala in 1987, marking the end of over four decades of scheduled air service to the city.
The history of airline service at Ocala dates back to the early 1950s when Eastern Air Lines was granted permission to operate flights to the city. In the early 1960s, Ocala's new airport, named after the late James J. Taylor, began operations. The airport featured a 5,000-foot runway and was served by Eastern Airlines, offering daily flights with a routing of Jacksonville-Gainesville-Ocala-Vero Beach-Miami.
Over the years, various airlines served Ocala, including South Central Airlines, Air Florida, and Allegheny Commuter. However, by the mid-1980s, traffic to the airport steadily declined. In 1986, Allegheny Commuter, Ocala's sole airline at the time, was operating just two round trips to Orlando each weekday, with an average of two passengers per flight.
In May 1987, Allegheny Commuter announced its discontinuation of service to Ocala, and on June 30, the last airline flight, operated by USAir Express, departed from the airport. Despite the loss of scheduled airline service, the city of Ocala remained committed to developing and improving the airport's infrastructure. Expansion projects were undertaken, including the extension of the main runway to accommodate larger aircraft.
Today, Ocala International Airport covers 1,532 acres and features two asphalt runways. While scheduled passenger airline service is unlikely to return, the airport continues to serve the commercial, industrial, and corporate aviation needs of the city and county. The city promotes the airport as a premier general aviation facility, focusing on accommodating large aviation activities while maintaining high service standards for its clients.
Exploring Sioux Falls Airport: Size and Significance
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Ocala International Airport is a premier general aviation airport serving commercial, industrial, and corporate needs. It is not a major airport as it does not provide commercial airline passenger service.
Ocala Airport serves general aviation, corporate aviation, and the air cargo industry. It also accommodates flight training activity. Services include rental car pick-up and return, several flight schools, aircraft maintenance, and aircraft charter.
In the past, Eastern Airlines, Air Florida, and USAir Express have served Ocala Airport. The last airline flight left the airport in 1987. Since 1971, five different commuter carriers have served Ocala, with the last being Allegheny Commuter.
