Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport

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Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport Auburn-Opelika Airport


IATA: AUO – ICAO: KAUO – FAA: AUO
Summary
Airport type		Public
Owner		Auburn University
Serves		Auburn & Opelika
Location		Auburn, Alabama
Elevation AMSL		777 ft / 237 m
Coordinates		32°36′54″N 085°26′02″W / 32.615, -85.43389
Website		www.AUOairport.com
Runways
Direction	Length		Surface
Direction	ft	m	Surface
11/29	4,000	1,219	Asphalt
18/36	5,264	1,604	Asphalt
Statistics (2000)
Aircraft operations			65,445
Based aircraft			55
Source: Federal Aviation Administration^[1]

Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport (IATA: AUO, ICAO: KAUO, FAA LID: AUO) is a public airport located two miles (3 km) east of downtown Auburn^[1] and four miles (6 km) west of downtown Opelika, both cities in Lee County, Alabama, United States.

The airport covers an area of 423 acres (171 ha) which contains two asphalt paved runways.^[1] It is mostly used for general aviation and it offers no commercial service in or out of Auburn. With 55 aircraft based at AUO, including 46 single engine and 9 multi-engine airplanes, the Robert G. Pitts Airport averages 179 operations per day.^[1] The Auburn University aviation program likely makes up for most of these operations, training students throughout the year.

The closest airport outside of Auburn is the Columbus Metropolitan Airport in Columbus, Georgia which is roughly a 1 hr. drive to and from Auburn. The closest commercial airports are the Montgomery Regional Airport in Montgomery, Alabama, the Birmingham International Airport in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport in Atlanta, Georgia. These airports are within 2 hour driving distance to/from Auburn and offer air service to most of the world's major airports.

1 History
2 Facilities
3 Pilot information
4 References
5 External links

[edit] History

In its earliest days, the Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport was nothing more than a grass field. The home to one airplane, the airport was very different from its current status. Today, the airport is home to some 55 aircraft and Auburn University’s Department of Aviation and Supply Chain Management.

When first constructed in 1930, the Auburn-Opelika Airport was a private airfield built to serve the sister cities of Auburn and Opelika located in Lee County, Alabama. It was also intended to serve the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API), later renamed Auburn University. Over the next decade, the airport would go from a private airfield, to a stop along the mail route for the Civil Aeronautics Administration, and eventually become a training ground for the U.S. Military. It was during its time as a Navy/CAA War Training School that the Auburn School of Aviation would be developed.

One of eleven Cessna 172 Skyhawks operated by Auburn University's Department of Aviation Management

Over the next several decades, many improvements would be made to the airport, making it a standard of excellence in the general aviation field. A new terminal and administration building was constructed in 1950 consisting of both enclosed and open flight decks, a restaurant, flight ready rooms, classrooms, and operations offices with local, state, and federal funds. Also in the 1950s, Medium Intensity Runway Lights were installed, runways were resealed, and an access road to Glenn Avenue was constructed.

The 1960s continued to see major improvements to the airport; pavement for aircraft parking was completed along with the reconstruction of the 18/36 and 11/29 runways and taxiways. During the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s a concentrated effort was made to acquire the land and funding for the 18/36 runway extension. In addition, renovations and several improvements were made to the airport facilities, updating them to modern standards.

In January 2002, the ribbon cutting ceremony was held to open the 1,332-foot (406 m) runway extension. The runway was extended from 3,933 feet (1,199 m) to 5,265 feet (1,605 m) and was widened from 75 feet (23 m) to 100 feet (30 m).

As of August 2006, the Federal Aviation Administration gave clearance for the installation of a glideslope antenna and approach lighting system (MALSF) for runway 36. These improvements were completed in late 2007. Plans are being made for extensive crack repair, pavement rehab, and painting of runway 11/29, along with minor crack repair and repainting of runway 18/36.

Site prep work for four hangers, a new ramp area, and a new terminal was started in January 2008^[2]. These improvements will help the airport provide better service the large crowds of people who fly in to attend college football games at Auburn University.

[edit] Facilities

The FBO at the Robert G. Pitts Airport is staffed from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time (-5, -6z). Fuel services are available during this time, as are use of the FBO and airport facilities. Terminal Procedures, IFR Charts, Log Books, and similar pilot supplies can all be purchased inside the terminal building. There are additional charges or "call fees" for after hours assistance for fuel or supplies.

Maintenance is available during normal working hours, from 7AM to 4 PM local time. AUO's four mechanics, three of whom have their Inspection Authorization License (IA), can service most all single engine, twin engine, and turbo-prop aircraft, but provide only minor powerplant and airframe service. After hours and weekend service is available on demand at a rate of time and a half.

Passenger Service:

DayJet (nonstop service to Jacksonville, Lakeland, Tallahassee, Pensacola, Gainesville, Boca Raton, Opa-Locka/Miami Dade County, Naples, Sarasota/Bradenton, Savannah, Macon, and Montgomery with more nonstop cities being added)

[edit] Pilot information

Runways:

Runway 18/36: 5,265 x 100 ft. (1,605 x 30 m), Surface: Asphalt
Runway 11/29: 4,002 x 75 ft. (1,220 x 23 m with 300' Displaced Threshold), Surface: Asphalt