โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
60
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Drummond Island Airport (KDRM) serves Michigan's largest island community, located one mile southwest of the central business district in Chippewa County at the easternmost tip of the Upper Peninsula in Lake Huron. Owned by Drummond Township and operated by Bailey Services LLC, the facility features dual runway operations with a 4,000-foot paved runway and 2,900-foot turf runway at 668 feet elevation, designed to accommodate propeller aircraft and small jets serving this unique Great Lakes island destination.
The airport offers basic general aviation facilities including aircraft parking, fuel services, and essential pilot amenities, with the distinctive feature of the Drummond Township Golf Course crossing runway 8/26, creating a uniquely integrated community aviation facility. As part of the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (2017-2021), the airport provides critical access to Drummond Island's recreational paradise, supporting tourism, seasonal residents, and emergency services for this remote island community.
Strategically positioned on Townline Road just half a mile from the Four Corners, the airport serves as an essential transportation link to complement the island's ferry connection from the mainland, enabling visitors and residents to access Drummond Island's extensive boating, fishing, hunting, and outdoor recreation opportunities across wide open expanses of unspoiled Great Lakes waters. Winter operations require careful coordination with weather conditions and ferry schedules, as ground transportation options become limited during harsh Upper Peninsula winter months.
๐ Connection Tips
Drummond Island Airport (DRE) is a premier general aviation facility located in the heart of Michigan's largest island, serving as a critical transportation link for the local community and tourism. For travelers connecting through DRE, the most important tip is its proximity to the island's main services; the airport is centrally located just one mile from the 'Four Corners' business district. It is important to understand that DRE hosts no scheduled commercial airline services. For most visitors, the primary 'connection' to the island is made by road via the Drummond Island Ferry from DeTour Village on the mainland, which operates year-round with a short 10-15 minute crossing.
If you are flying privately into DRE, a unique and famous feature is the primary runway (8/26) that actually crosses part of the Drummond Island Golf Course; pilots and pedestrians should be particularly vigilant for golfers! Ground transportation requires advance coordination; there is no dedicated taxi rank at the terminal. You should pre-book a rental car through local marinas, such as the Drummond Island Yacht Haven, which can have a vehicle waiting for you at the airport.
Within the terminal, amenities include a comfortable pilot's lounge with Wi-Fi, restrooms, and flight planning resources. For those visiting the island for its renowned 'gem of the Huron' wilderness or the Drummond Island Resort, DRE offers an exceptionally efficient and scenic entry point. Lastly, pilots should check local weather conditions, as the island's location in Lake Huron can lead to sudden fog or high winds, particularly in the spring and autumn.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Apalachicola Regional Airport (AAF), also known as Cleve Randolph Field, is a public-use facility that primarily serves the general aviation needs of Franklin County, Florida. The terminal experience here is centered around a well-maintained general aviation building that houses the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation. Unlike commercial hubs, the atmosphere is quiet and professional, catering to private pilots, corporate travelers, and flight training operations. The terminal provides essential services such as a pilot lounge, a flight planning room, and basic administrative offices, all within a compact and easily navigable single-story structure.
The facility is designed for quick transitions from landside to airside, with a parking area located just steps away from the terminal entrance. Inside, visitors will find a clean and welcoming environment with comfortable seating and access to restrooms. While there are no sprawling retail concourses or food courts, the FBO staff are known for their hospitality, often providing complimentary coffee and assistance with ground logistics. The terminal also serves as a hub for local aviation events and military training exercises, reflecting the airport's diverse role in the regional aviation landscape of the Florida Panhandle.
For those arriving by private or charter aircraft, the terminal offers seamless access to the airfield's three concrete runways. There are no jet bridges; instead, passengers deplane directly onto the apron and walk a short distance to the FBO building. Security is managed through standard general aviation protocols rather than TSA checkpoints, allowing for a much faster arrival and departure process. Despite its simplicity, the terminal at AAF provides a high level of service for the general aviation community, offering a gateway to the historic city of Apalachicola and the pristine beaches of St. George Island.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Apalachicola Regional Airport is different from commercial transfers as the airport does not host scheduled airline services. All connections are between private, corporate, or charter flights. If you are planning a multi-leg journey through AAF, coordination with the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation, is essential. They assist with aircraft staging, refueling with 100LL or Jet-A, and ensuring ground support equipment is ready. The airport operates without a control tower, so pilots must use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) for local communication.
To transition from a private flight at AAF to a commercial airline, the nearest options are Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or Tallahassee International Airport (TLH). Both are about an 80 to 90-minute drive from Apalachicola. Since there are no on-site rental car agencies with permanent counters, you must pre-arrange vehicle delivery or shuttle services. Many travelers find it convenient to use local taxi services or pre-arranged private transfers to reach these commercial hubs or destinations along the Forgotten Coast.
Ground logistics should be planned with the airport's operating hours in mind, as services are typically available from 08:00 to 19:00. If you require an after-hours arrival or departure, coordinate in advance with the FBO for terminal access and fuel. The rural area means ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are not reliably available, so a confirmed transport plan is crucial. Whether you are connecting to a fishing charter, a meeting, or a commercial flight elsewhere, AAF offers a low-stress environment provided that your ground and air logistics are meticulously pre-arranged.
โ Back to Drummond Island Airport