AIRPORT HELPS LAND BUSINESS, RESIDENTS

A Cessna 305 Bird Dog plane prepares to land on a runway at the Gillespie County Airport after a flyover in January 2020. A variety of aerial events are held throughout the year at the airport. — Standard-Radio Post file photo

Corporate jets, single engine aircraft and pilots of a variety of other types of aircraft are all accommodated at the Gillespie County Airport, located at 191 Airport Road, just south of downtown Fredericksburg on Texas Highway 16.

The facility sits between the Gillespie County Fair Grounds and Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park.

Classed as a general aviation airport, it features a 5,000-foot runway and full-length parallel taxiway and has runway lights and a beacon that operate from sunset to sunrise, giving the airport a 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week, operational capability. During daylight hours of limited visibility, the lights can be turned on by the approaching pilot.

GPS instrument approaches are available to both ends of the runway, and precision approach path indicators provide pilots with visual assistance during night landing operations.

A fully-automated weather system (AWOS) informs pilots about local conditions.

Operated under Gillespie County government, the facility has seen constant upgrades and expansions as it services more and more pilots.

The airport’s terminal building provides a comfortable environment for pilots, crews and passengers waiting on aircraft.

An additional convenience is available with the credit card-operated refueling system that provides aviation gasoline (100LL) and jet fuel 24 hours a day.

Airport manager Tony Lombardi can provide information on all airport operations. The airport has 62 tie-down positions for public use. Even though all the long-term T-hangar spaces are currently full, the airport has eight T-hangar facilities that can accommodate 70 small GA aircraft.

The adjacent Hangar Hotel and Conference Center boasts 50 upscale guest rooms, an officer’s club, meeting facilities for large groups and a classic 1940s-style diner, unique facilities for a non-metropolitan airport.

Businesses at the airport include the Pippen-York Flying Machine Company, which provides avionics installation and repair; TacAero, which provides major and minor airframe and engine repair.

The Gillespie County Airport also features the Fredericksburg FBO, a full-service fixed-based operator that provides fuel service, information and service to pilots and crews. It also has three 12,000 sq. ft. and two 10,000 sq. ft. corporate aircraft storage hangars.

Ground transportation options include rental cars from The Motor Pool at Fredericksburg FBO.

GILLESPIE COUNTY AIRPORT

(830) 990-5764

191 Airport Road Fredericksburg, TX 78624 FAA Identifier: T82

Gillespie County Airport has long been a tourist staple in the Fredericksburg area. It features a 5,000foot runway and a full-length parallel taxiway, as well as runway lights and a beacon that operate from sunset

to sunrise. — Standard-Radio Post file photo

• RUNWAY 14/32, LENGTH: 5001’ X 75’ • FULL-LENGTH PARALLEL TAXIWAY 35’ WIDE,

MIRL BY PCL • PAPI RUNWAY 14/32 • WEIGHT BEARING 30,000 POUNDS SINGLE

WHEEL • CTAF: 122.7, AWOS: 120.0 • ELEVATION: 1,695 FT. / 516.6 M (SURVEYED)