Hillenbrand Industries Airport (HLB)

Hillenbrand Industries Airport (HLB), also known as Batesville Airport, is a significant general aviation facility located approximately 5 kilometers northwest of Batesville in Ripley County, Indiana. Privately owned by the Hillenbrand Corporation but open for public use, the airport serves as a critical transportation link for the region's diverse industrial sector, including the global headquarters of Hillenbrand, Inc. Its long 5,933-foot runway and specialized services make it a premier choice for corporate travel, medical ambulance flights, and private pilots visiting the Southeastern Indiana business corridor. The airport features a functional terminal building that serves as the professional gateway for all ground operations and aviator services. Managed by Batesville Aviation Services, the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), the terminal provides a welcoming environment for visiting pilots, featuring a comfortable passenger waiting area, a dedicated pilot's lounge, and administrative offices. The layout is designed for maximum efficiency, allowing aircraft to transition quickly from the primary asphalt runway to the fueling stations and aircraft parking ramps. The facility's high-intensity runway lighting (HIRL) system can be activated directly by pilots via the CTAF frequency for after-hours operations. Facilities at Hillenbrand Industries Airport are comprehensive and tailored to the needs of the general aviation community. The airport offers a full range of fueling services, including Jet A, 100LL, and MoGas, with self-service options available when the field is unattended. On-site services provided by the FBO include flight training, aircraft rental, and maintenance coordination. While the terminal does not host commercial retail or dining, its proximity to downtown Batesville ensures that visitors have easy access to local Indiana restaurants, shops, and lodging. The airport remains a vital economic driver for the community, blending its corporate industrial legacy with modern general aviation support.