Sachin Walls
Small airports, also known as non-primary commercial service airports, play a crucial role in the national aviation system. These airports typically handle between 2,500 and 10,000 passenger boardings annually and are often located in smaller cities or rural regions. They cater to a variety of users, from hobbyists and flight schools to private individuals and small communities of flyers. Small airports primarily serve propeller-driven planes and experience lower overall traffic compared to larger airports. They are managed by Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), who provide essential services such as maintenance and fuel to aircraft. Executive or general aviation airports, often leased from counties or cities, are also included in this category. These airports offer amenities like lounges, workrooms, and basic facilities for pilots and passengers. Small airports provide essential flight availability to people in remote areas, contributing significantly to the diversity and accessibility of air travel.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of runways | 1 |
| Runway surface | Dirt, grass, or paved |
| Ownership | Privately owned by individuals, families, or communities |
| Usage | Personal use, flight schools, aircraft maintenance, hobbyists |
| Amenities | Basic facilities such as lounges, restrooms, and weather rooms |
| Traffic | Lower traffic volume, primarily propeller-driven planes |
| Management | Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) or private management |
| Insurance | May not be insured for accommodating guests |
| Landing restrictions | Prior permission often required for safety and liability reasons |
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What You'll Learn
Private airports are often called 'executive airports'
Private airports are often referred to as executive airports. While the term "executive" may evoke images of CEOs and luxury, it is important to note that executive airports serve a diverse range of travellers, including mid-level employees and leisure travellers seeking efficiency, privacy, and comfort. Executive airports are smaller in scale compared to commercial airports and are specifically designed to accommodate private jets, turboprops, and other non-commercial aircraft. They offer a complete alternative to commercial airports, with their own runways, terminals, and streamlined security procedures.
Executive airports provide a range of amenities catering to pilots and passengers alike. For pilots, these airports offer facilities such as a Fixed Base Operator (FBO), which includes a rec room, a workroom with refreshments and flight planning resources, and hangar space. Passengers can expect bathrooms, showers, and a separate waiting area with refreshments. Additionally, executive airports often have rental car services and nearby executive hotels that cater specifically to business travellers.
The fees at executive airports are generally lower than those at commercial airports, and dynamic pricing may apply during busy periods. These airports offer quick turnarounds, minimal security lines, and efficient processing, making them ideal for travellers seeking a smoother and faster travel experience. They are also valued for their privacy, providing a respite from the crowds and lengthy waits typically associated with commercial airports.
Executive airports are diverse in their offerings and cater to various aviation activities. In addition to accommodating private jets, they provide services such as aircraft repair, cleaning, maintenance, and charter services. They serve as reliever airports for commercial airports during periods of congestion. Historically, executive airports were often mom-and-pop operations owned and operated by private individuals, including pilots. Today, many executive airports are managed by companies that operate multiple locations, catering to pilots and offering additional services to passengers.
In summary, private or executive airports offer a range of benefits, including quicker travel, privacy, and a more relaxed experience. With their focus on catering to pilots and providing efficient services, executive airports have become popular among business travellers, private jet owners, and leisure travellers alike. While the term "executive" may conjure images of luxury and exclusivity, these airports are accessible to a diverse range of travellers seeking a seamless and efficient travel experience.
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They are leased from the county or city for a set period
While the term "small airport" is not clearly defined, small airports generally support more propeller-driven planes and much less overall traffic than large airports. Small airports are also referred to as private airports, executive airports, or general aviation airports. Executive airports, in particular, are leased from the county or city for a set period, often by a single operator. These airports were traditionally mom-and-pop-style places owned and operated by a private individual, very often a pilot.
Executive airports are often compared to corporate way stations, run by management companies with multiple locations. These airports focus on the pilots, providing them with facilities such as a work room, soft drinks, coffee, and computers for checking the weather and printing flight plans.
Private airports are varied and scattered across the United States. They are often owned by pilots who want to have their aircraft near their homes, or by communities of flyers. There are more than 13,000 of these private facilities in the U.S., and each has its own unique story.
Private airports are not regulated by a single agency. While the FAA does oversee the operation of these fields to some extent, private airports are not typically insured to accommodate drop-in guests. Therefore, pilots must obtain prior permission before landing at a private field, as landing without permission may be illegal.
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Private airports are used for flight schools, hobbies, and aircraft maintenance
There are approximately 14,400 private-use and 5,000 public-use airports, heliports, and seaplane bases in the United States. Private airports are not as glamorous as one might think. They are mostly used for flight schools, hobbies, and aircraft maintenance.
Flight schools are a common use for private airports, providing a space for students to learn the basics of flying and obtain their pilot's license. These schools often cater to those seeking a career in aviation, as well as those pursuing flying as a hobby.
Hobbies are another important aspect of private airports. Aviation enthusiasts may use these facilities to store and maintain their personal aircraft, connect with other hobbyists, and pursue their passion for flight.
Aircraft maintenance is a crucial function of private airports. These airports provide the necessary infrastructure and services for aircraft owners and operators to perform routine maintenance, repairs, and inspections. This ensures the airworthiness and safety of the aircraft, which is of paramount importance in aviation.
Additionally, private airports often serve as reliever airports, helping to reduce congestion at larger commercial airports. They may also be utilised for specific purposes, such as cargo service, with dedicated cargo service airports serving the exclusive transportation of cargo with a total annual landed weight of more than 100 million pounds.
While private airports may not offer the luxurious experience often associated with private flights, they play a vital role in aviation by supporting flight schools, hobbyists, and aircraft maintenance activities.
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Fixed Base Operators (FBOs) manage many small airports
Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs) are commercial enterprises that have been granted the right by airport authorities to operate on airports and provide aviation services. FBOs are often independent operations that supply essential services and amenities to major airports, private airfields, and hangars. They are convenient, professional, and highly beneficial operations that help airports grow their clientele and streamline their operations.
FBOs offer a wide range of services, including aircraft maintenance, fuel, and passenger amenities. They are becoming the air travel destination of choice for private flight crews and passengers. FBOs can also provide novel services, such as new and convenient ways to transport people and goods quickly and cost-effectively. At smaller airports, the FBO is often the airport operator, and it is common for the town or airport authority to provide basic FBO services such as fuel and parking.
FBOs have been a staple of aeronautic servicing since the end of World War I, when civilian pilots bought up military aircraft surplus and needed air terminal services, particularly fuel and mechanic servicing. As these unregulated services grew in popularity, the need to regulate private flying emerged. Today, FBOs are regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States, which oversees activities such as the authorization of repair stations, flight training, and air taxi services.
The services offered by FBOs are varied and wide-ranging, and some are subject to the approval and oversight of aviation authorities. FBOs can serve as a base for commercial air transport services, including charter and private flights. Air charters often prefer FBOs over commercial public airports for their private flight needs. FBOs are becoming mainstays at most major and mid-sized airports worldwide due to the increasing demand for private charter flights.
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Private airports are ideal emergency landing sites
Private airports are often considered ideal emergency landing sites. There are over 13,000 private airports in the US, and they are as varied as the people who own them. Many are owned by pilots who want to keep their plane near their home, while others are flight schools, aircraft undergoing maintenance, or executive airports leased from the county or city.
Private airports are often used as emergency landing sites in remote and inhospitable terrain. They are usually depicted on aeronautical charts, providing pilots with alternative landing sites in the event of an emergency. However, it is important to note that pilots must usually get prior permission to land at a private airport due to safety concerns and issues of personal liability. Private airports are not typically insured to accommodate drop-in guests, and the owners may not be familiar with the terrain, which could pose a risk to incoming aircraft.
Despite this, private airports can provide a valuable service to pilots in need of an emergency landing site. They offer a safe and convenient place to land, especially in remote areas where there may be few other options. In addition, private airports often have facilities that can be useful to pilots, such as bathrooms, workrooms, and computers for checking weather conditions and printing flight plans.
While private airports may not offer the same level of glamour or amenities as larger commercial airports, they serve a crucial purpose in aviation. Their presence on aeronautical charts can provide peace of mind to pilots, knowing that there are alternative landing options available in case of an emergency.
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Frequently asked questions
Small personal airports, also known as private airports, are scattered across the U.S. and are as varied as the people who own them. They are places for the landing and takeoff of aircraft, and there are over 14,000 of them.
Small personal airports are used for flight schools, hobbies, aircraft maintenance, and by pilots who want to keep their planes near their homes.
Small personal airports vary widely. They can be a ribbon of dirt used by a crop duster or a well-maintained airfield owned by a community of flyers.
Some small personal airports allow visitors, but you must get permission in advance. Private-use airports are not insured for drop-in guests, and it can be unsafe to land without knowing the conditions.
Small personal airports are often managed by Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), which are businesses that contract with the airport to provide services like maintenance and fuel.
