โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
110
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
General aviation facility covering 600 acres at 1,265 feet elevation with two asphalt runways and basic terminal amenities.
๐ Connection Tips
Wilbarger County Airport operates as a general aviation facility with no scheduled commercial airline service, averaging 25 aircraft operations daily. The airport covers 600 acres at 1,265 feet elevation, featuring two asphalt runways: 5,099x100 feet and 4,304x80 feet. Originally activated in 1942 as Vernon Airport for basic AAF flying training, it now serves private aircraft, charter operations, and extensive agricultural aviation activities. Weather patterns in North Texas significantly impact flight operations, with seasonal agricultural spraying operations creating peak activity periods. Ground transportation requires advance planning, as rental cars and taxi services need prior arrangement. The facility provides essential services for emergency medical evacuation and serves multiple surrounding communities. Pilots should coordinate with Fort Worth ARTCC when Altus Approach is closed. Basic aviation services include aircraft maintenance, fuel, and tie-down facilities. The airport maintains flexible scheduling to accommodate weather delays common in the region, with hangar space available for aircraft protection during severe weather events. The facility experiences extreme seasonal temperature variations, with summer highs reaching 105ยฐF and winter lows dropping below freezing, requiring appropriate aircraft preparation year-round. Strong spring winds from the southwest frequently create crosswind landing challenges on both runways. The airport serves as a critical hub for crop dusting and aerial application services throughout Wilbarger County's extensive cotton, wheat, and cattle operations. Vernon Regional Hospital utilizes this airport for emergency medical helicopter transport to trauma centers in Dallas and Fort Worth. The facility maintains a 24-hour automated weather observation system (AWOS) broadcasting on 119.625 MHz. Oil and gas industry executives frequently use charter services to access the region's active drilling operations in the Permian Basin extensions. Local FBO services include aircraft washing, minor maintenance, and secure hangar storage during the region's notorious hailstorms and tornadoes.
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.\n\nTo 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.\n\nGround 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 Wilbarger County Airport