Georgetown Executive Airport at Johnny Gantt Field

Frequently Asked Questions

The Georgetown Executive Airport at Johnny Gantt Field was established with a grant from the Civil Aeronautics Board, forerunner of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in 1941. Construction started in early 1945. Our Airport plays a vital role as a general aviation reliever airport for the region. Originally the U.S. Government wanted to establish a training site for military aviators for the upcoming war, but by the time the airport was built, the need for training military pilots was lessened. Today, Airport businesses account for about 200 jobs in the local economy including several critical aviation sectors such as flight instruction, airplane and engine repair, avionics repair and modification, airplane and helicopter sales, and vintage airplane restoration. Airport operations include search and rescue, medical flights, army aviator training, recreational flying, and corporate light business jet traffic. Civic contributions include Angel Flight, school class tours, high school aviation classes, Civil Air Patrol, Experimental Aircraft Association, and charity car shows.

This list of frequently asked questions is provided to share information related to airport topics with the Airport users and residents of Georgetown. The questions and responses cover topics ranging from planned Airport improvements, project environmental reviews, future plans for the Airport, Airport operational requirements, and the economic impact and financial health of the Airport.

FAQs for Airport Users

Can I purchase fuel after the terminal is closed?

The self-service Avgas pumps are available 24 hours-per-day, 7 days-a-week.  Full service Avgas is available through all the FBOs.

Jet Fuel and AvGas are available at Cutter Aviation – Georgetown: 512-869-0900

Are T-Hangar spaces available?

No, but requests can be placed on the waiting list.

Are tie-down spots available at the city terminal?

Yes, please call the Airport Business Coordinator at 512-930-2573.

How do I enter or leave the Airport when the gates close at night?

Slowly approach the gate in your vehicle and the gate will open automatically. If you are walking or riding a bike, the gate will not open. However, to enter or leave the Airport, press the button on the South side of the gate on Terminal Drive.

How can I report low-flying, dangerous, or suspicious flying aircraft?

Call the San Antonio Flight Standards District Office at 800-292-2023.

Are there non-standard traffic patterns at the Airport?

Yes. Runway 29 and Runway 36 are right-hand traffic pattern runways.

How do the approach lights (PAPI) to runways 18 and 36 operate?

RWY – 18: The PAPI operates continuously.

RWY – 36: The PAPI operates continuously.

Are there locations at the Terminal building for people to view the airplanes landing and taking off?

Yes, we have picnic tables on the north side of Terminal Drive.  Please make sure that no one, especially children, venture out onto the street.

FAQs for Georgetown Residents

Why were the underground fuel tanks being removed and replaced with above ground tanks?

The previous fuel storage facility included Avgas and Jet A underground storage tanks, which were about 25 to 30 years old. Underground tanks are systematically being removed at airports all over the country. Since the Georgetown Executive Airport is located over the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone, removing underground storage tanks is an additional environmental benefit. The new above-ground fuel tanks include a 15,000-gallon tank for Avgas and a 20,000-gallon tank for Jet A fuels and are in accordance with design guidelines for operations at the Airport. The new tank sizes allow the City to benefit from the purchase of bulk fuel without paying multiple delivery fees for smaller loads. Less drive time is also an environmental benefit. While the previous underground tanks met the rules and standards of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, they were near the end of their expected life cycle. As with all underground fuel tanks, tank leakage was constantly monitored for indications of potential ground water contamination. The Airport has never been fined for any fuel spills or tank leakage.

Are other repairs or improvements planned?

Mill and overlay on Runway 11/29 is expected to occur in the spring 2024. This rehabilitation will prolong its useful lifespan and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

Do all Airport Improvement Projects require completion of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)?

Not for all projects. Per guidelines from the Federal Aviation Administration, Environmental Impact Statements are only required for certain categories of airport improvement projects. Projects subject to an EIS include airport location, runway location, or major runway extension. Additional information may be located in FAA Order 1050.1F.

Has the Georgetown Executive Airport complied with EPA rules and regulations regarding environmental review and public notice?

In a Sept. 16, 2015, Hotline Response letter, the FAA confirmed all maintenance and development activities involving Federal and State supported grant funding have been completed according to regulatory requirements.

Can the Georgetown Executive Airport be closed or relocated?

Under agreements between the City of Georgetown and both state and federal agencies, the City of Georgetown agreed to operate an airport at the current site of the Georgetown Executive Airport. These agreements date from the founding of the Airport in 1945.

Like I-35, the Airport is part of the national transportation infrastructure funded with federal money for the purpose of general public use. Relocating the Airport from its current location would require approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and the State of Texas. Stipulations for relocating could involve reimbursements of more than $20 million in grant funds provided for Airport improvements, buying out existing tenant leases, and bearing the total cost of a new airport. Such costs would include infrastructure for water, sewer, electrical service, and public roadways at a new location. Most recent relocation cost estimate is $320 million.

Are there any plans to add commercial passenger service or large airplane cargo operators such as FedEx or UPS to the airport?

No, Georgetown Executive Airport is a general aviation reliever airport. Adding passenger service or large cargo operators to the airport is not planned at either the City or State level.

Does the city have any plans to extend the runway length at Georgetown Executive Airport?

There are no plans at either the City or State level for any runway extension projects. A 1996 City Council Resolution 960123-JJ reaffirmed this. While there is no plan for a runway extension, the Airport Master Plan recommends adding 500 feet of safety buffer zone (or a displaced threshold) to each end of the runway for takeoff calculations only. This would allow the requisite 5,500 feet of runway length for takeoff calculations, but the available length for landing would remain unchanged at 5,004 feet.

Why was the land purchased at the ends of Runway 11/29?

At the end of each runway is a runway protection zone otherwise referred to as a “RPZ,” which is an area that must be free of obstructions. The RPZ is established to improve safety and protect people and property on the ground. The land purchases were mandated by guidelines published in FAA Advisory Circular 150/5300-13 – Airport Design requiring airport sponsors (City of Georgetown) must own the land in the RPZ.

Are there any plans to purchase, through fee or easement, any homes within the vicinity of the Airport?

There are no plans at either the City or State level to purchase homes or other residential property near the Airport.

When was the Georgetown Airport Master Plan last updated?

The Masterplan was last updated in 2018, and most airport master plans typically cover a 20-year span. Public participation in the update process was key to adopt an effective Master Plan. The Airport Master Plan helps provide guidance and direction for future planning of Airport improvements to meet the desired goals of the community.

Are public use airports allowed to limit airport hours of operations, the number of takeoffs or landings, or the number of based airplanes at their airports?

No. These types of restrictions would violate the FAA grant assurance provisions on the use of and access to public airports that are part of the National Airport System. FAA grant assurances are obligations to which an airport owner must agree in order to accept federal grant funds. Each airplane operator is responsible to ensure they can safely operate at an airport.

How has the opening of the Control Tower affected flight patterns and traffic at Georgetown Executive Airport?

Since opening the Control Tower in 2007, air traffic controllers manage the flow of airplane traffic both in and out of the Georgetown Executive Airport. This has resulted in safety improvements of flight operations over the previous uncontrolled operations at the airport. Air traffic control follows strict safety criteria and guidelines. Controllers in the tower manage air traffic in a five-mile radius of the Airport. The Control Tower is open seven days per week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Due to sporadic nighttime airport use, from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. the airport reverts to an uncontrolled air space.

What programs are in place related to Airport noise issues?

A 2002 Airport Noise Compatibility Study provided recommendations related to Airport flight patterns and ground maintenance operations. The study examined the voluntary Fly Friendly program with recommendations for pilots utilizing the Airport. With the 2007 activation of the Control Tower, traffic patterns now follow airport traffic control guidelines. Airport management has identified two locations for ground maintenance high-power engine testing. These locations were selected to minimize noise issues from engine run operations. The Georgetown Executive Airport recommends National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) for noise abatement procedures.

What economic benefit does the Airport provide to the City of Georgetown?

The Georgetown Executive Airport generates economic activity through capital and operations expenditures, business activities of Airport tenants, and spending by visitors using Airport facilities. The Airport provides an economic benefit to the local economy through employment of over 546 personnel at various businesses on the Airport property. A 2018 Texas Department of Transportation Economic Impact Report concluded the airport has an annual economic impact to the City of Georgetown local economy of more than $52 million.

What is the financial health of the Airport?

The financial health of the Airport is in great shape. The Airport currently covers 100 percent of all expenses including matching shares for TxDOT grants, airport staffing, operations, and maintenance. Fees paid by Airport users through such items as leases and fuel sales pay 100 percent of all airport expenses. The Airport is completely self-sufficient.

 

 

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