By JANET McGREGOR
Contributing Writer

Peachtree City-Falcon Field Airport has a strong history in the Fayette County area. Founded in 1968 by developer Joel Cowan, it was acquired by the Peachtree City Airport Authority in 1987 with the express purpose of supporting the industrial, commercial and recreational aviation community in Fayette County and the surrounding areas. Those flying in and out for conferences at Aberdeen Woods or the Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center also take advantage of the conveniently located airport.

With the high airline-related population in the community, sports or general aviation is an important function for the airport. The Dixie Wing of the American Airpower Heritage Foundation houses a number of vintage World War II aircraft at Falcon Field.

According to airport manager Jim Savage, 135 airplanes are currently based at the airport, about 60 than when the Airport Authority purchased the facility. Growth is expected to continue.

Peachtree Flight School has also recently begun offering flight lessons. They offer a full range of flight training from beginner to commercial and instrument flying. They operate eight airplanes and have plans to add more.

Until June of last year, the Airport Authority contracted with various aviation groups to operate the fixed base operations (FBO) at the airport. Since making the decision to self-manage, business growth has doubled.

Airport traffic is measured by the number of operations — takeoffs and landings. Savage estimates close to 50,000 a year.

Hangar space is at a premium. There are thirty one privately build hangars, ten of which were constructed within the past two years and four owned by the Airport Authority. Additional sites for lease will be added soon, or land may be purchased adjacent to the airport from Pathway Communities for private hangars.

The airport can accommodate aircraft weighing up to 60,000 pounds and has a 5,220 foot runway. They offer a full range of operations which includes refueling, auto rental, catering, pilot supplies and more. There is a pilot lounge with shower, an exercise room, laptop modem terminals and other amenities important to pilots and passengers.

Bob Patterson, Chairman of the Airport Authority and a retired Air Force General, is heading a project to restore an F-16 to be displayed at the airport. Savage notes, “It is a natural tie-in for the airport as the airplane is known as the Fighting Falcon.” The airplane is being restored and displayed to honor the many military pilots in the community.

For more information regarding the Peachtree City-Falcon Field Airport, call 770-487-2225. For available properties, call the Peachtree City Brokerage Group at 770-487-8585.

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