Payson Airport (PJB)

Payson Airport (PJB) operates as a general aviation facility with practical terminal services designed to support the diverse needs of private aircraft operations in Arizona's Mogollon Rim region. Located just one mile west of Payson's central business district at an elevation of 5,160 feet above sea level, the airport features a main terminal building that houses essential passenger and crew amenities alongside administrative offices and operational control centers. The facility covers 80 acres and serves as a crucial aviation gateway for visitors accessing the scenic mountain communities and recreational areas of central Arizona, particularly during the summer months when the area provides relief from the desert heat.

The terminal building provides fundamental amenities including passenger waiting areas, restroom facilities, and pilot services, with Payson Aviation serving as the primary fixed base operator (FBO) offering aircraft services, fuel coordination, and customer support. The facility operates without an air traffic control tower, utilizing pilot-controlled lighting and standard unicom procedures for aircraft coordination on the single runway. Crosswinds Restaurant operates within the airport complex, providing American diner fare accessible from the Delta Ramp tie-down areas, making it a popular stop for both transient pilots and local visitors. The airport maintains 24-hour self-service fuel capabilities through MPG East, Inc., providing both 100LL and Jet A fuels to accommodate various aircraft types.

Unique among general aviation airports, Payson features a designated fly-in campground situated between Alpha and Bravo Ramps, offering pilots and passengers an opportunity to combine aviation with outdoor recreation in Arizona's high country. The airport houses specialized services including Against the Wind aircraft inspection, maintenance, and repair services, while also serving as a seasonal base for firefighting aircraft during Arizona's fire season. An information center within the terminal complex provides guests with weather updates, tourist destination information, and local area guidance, reflecting the airport's role as both a transportation hub and gateway to central Arizona's recreational opportunities.