There are a couple of great airport options for those flying into the Asheville, North Carolina, area.
Asheville Regional Airport (KAVL)
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville Regional Airport is located 9 miles south of the city. The airport elevation is 2,164 feet and it sits in hilly terrain. The runway is orientated 17/35 and measures 8,001 feet by 150 feet. Right traffic is used for Runway 35.
When approaching from the south, be mindful of a series of smoke stacks, the highest of which is noted on the VFR sectional at 2,562 feet msl, and located approximately 8,688 feet from the approach end of the runway. The airport is located within Class C airspace, so be ready to contact Asheville Approach within 20 nm of the facility.
For IFR pilots using the ILS and RNAV approaches, refer to the notes for special takeoff minimums on the departure procedures. The airport offers 100LL and jet-A fuel, and it serves commercial airline traffic as well as flocks of migratory birds, so don’t be surprised if you are sharing the pattern.
Hendersonville Airport (0A7)
Hendersonville, North Carolina
Hendersonville Airport (0A7) is located 2 miles to the east of Hendersonville, North Carolina. The airport elevation is 2,084 feet and the runway, 15/33, measures 3,075 feet by 40 feet. Users should note: The airport is limited to daylight operations only, as the runway markings are faded. There are no instrument procedures for this airport.
Pilots are urged to use caution when landing when the winds are greater than 10 knots. There are numerous obstacles on the north side of the runway including fences, a road, and 60-foot trees that are some 80 feet off the extended centerline. There is also a hangar located 90 feet to the left of Runway 33. Beware of the aircraft parked just 40 feet from Runway 33.
The airport is privately owned but has public-use privileges. It was established in 1932 and still has that vintage vibe to it, which dovetails nicely into the air museum located next door. Hendersonville has hosted a few famous visitors, including President George H.W. Bush, who landed there on board Marine One en route to a campaign stop.
This article was first published in the 2022 Southeast Adventure Guide of FLYING Magazine.
