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Where To Land in and Around ‘Music City’

There are several options for the GA pilot flying to Nashville. Some are farther out, but it's pretty country, and the drive can help you unwind.

An aerial view of downtown Nashville's cityscape.
Heading to Nashville? There are several airport options for you to choose from. [Credit: Adobe Stock]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • GA pilots flying to Nashville have multiple airport options, ranging from the busy Nashville International (KBNA) to more GA-focused executive fields.
  • Nashville International (KBNA) is the closest and busiest, while John C. Tune (KJWN) is a recommended GA alternative closer to the city, though with considerations like wildlife and frequency interference.
  • Outlying airports like Music City Executive (KXNX) and Smyrna (KMQY) offer a more relaxed experience, providing amenities such as courtesy cars, historical appeal, and family-friendly facilities.
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Heading to Nashville? There are several options for the GA pilot who seeks to fly to the destination—you can choose from a towered or nontowered facility. Some are a little farther out than others, but it is pretty country, and the drive into the city can be a good way to unwind.

Nashville International (KBNA)

Nashville, Tennessee

Nashville International Airport (KBNA) is located 5 miles southeast of the city. It’s one of the busiest airports in the state, so expect a lot of company when on approach. The airport has both 100LL and jet-A fuel, and multiple runways, so be sure to read all instructions—and when on approach to runways 2/20, positively identify the L, C, and R on the pavement during your approach. Runway 2L/20R measures 7,704 feet by 150 feet; Runway 2C/20C measures 8,001 feet by 150 feet; and Runway 2R/20L measures 8,001 feet by 150 feet. The airport has a long crosswind runway, 13/31 measuring 11,030 by 150 feet.

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

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