Auburn Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport (AUO) — Auburn, Alabama

Auburn Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport (FAA identifier: AUO) is a public general aviation airport located in Auburn, Alabama, serving the greater Auburn-Opelika metropolitan area in Lee County. Named in honor of Robert G. Pitts, a prominent local figure, the airport sits at an elevation of approximately 777 feet above mean sea level and covers over 800 acres of dedicated aviation land in east-central Alabama.

AUO operates with two asphalt runways: Runway 18/36 at 6,002 feet in length and Runway 9/27 at 4,002 feet, both capable of accommodating a wide range of general aviation and regional turboprop aircraft. The airport's airspace is managed under FAA Class E designation, with instrument approaches available including an ILS/LOC approach for Runway 18, making it accessible in a variety of weather conditions for equipped aircraft.

The airport is owned and operated by the City of Auburn and serves as a critical transportation asset for the Auburn University community, regional businesses, and private aircraft owners throughout Lee and surrounding counties. Auburn University, home to approximately 31,000 students and a major research institution, generates significant aviation demand from faculty, alumni, athletic staff, and visiting dignitaries who regularly utilize AUO for charter and private flights.

Auburn Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport features a modern Fixed Base Operator (FBO) offering full-service fueling with both 100LL avgas and Jet-A fuel, aircraft tie-down and hangar rental, pilot lounges, crew transportation, and flight planning resources. The facility also supports corporate aviation with ramp space capable of accommodating mid-size jets, making it a preferred stop for business travelers heading to the Auburn-Opelika area without the congestion of larger commercial airports.

The airport's strategic location places it approximately 55 miles southwest of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), 110 miles east of Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport (BHM), and 60 miles northeast of Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM). This positioning makes AUO a valuable diversion and general aviation hub for flights transiting across Alabama and the southeastern United States.

Flight training is a core activity at Auburn Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport, supported by Auburn University's aviation programs and local flight schools that use AUO's runways and controlled environment to train student pilots. The airport's dual-runway configuration allows simultaneous training operations and real-world instrument approach practice, giving student aviators a well-rounded educational experience at a facility that mirrors the complexity of larger regional airports.

The surrounding Auburn-Opelika region has experienced consistent economic growth driven by Auburn University, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama (located in nearby Montgomery), and a growing technology and manufacturing sector in Lee County. This growth has translated into increased business aviation traffic at AUO, with corporate aircraft arrivals rising alongside the area's economic development. The airport authority has invested in infrastructure improvements including updated lighting systems, pavement rehabilitation, and terminal building upgrades to meet this demand.

Pilots flying into AUO will find the airport well-equipped with AWOS-3 automated weather observation, VASI/PAPI glide slope indicators on both runways, and pilot-controlled lighting for night operations. The airport's Unicom frequency of 122.8 MHz provides air-to-ground communication, and the facility coordinates closely with Atlanta ARTCC for IFR clearances and flight following services across the region.

Auburn Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport also plays a role in emergency operations for Lee County, supporting medical evacuation flights, law enforcement aviation, and disaster response coordination. The airport's proximity to the I-85 corridor and easy access to Auburn and Opelika city centers makes it a logical staging ground for regional emergency management activities.

Auburn Opelika Robert G Pitts Airport - AUO Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Auburn, Alabama.

Name Auburn Opelika Robert G Pitts Airport - AUO
Address 700 Airport Road, Auburn AL 36830 Map
Phone (334) 844-4597
Website
Hours

Map of Auburn Opelika Robert G Pitts Airport - AUO

Airports in near by County


Airports near Auburn

Frequently Asked Questions — Auburn Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport (AUO)

Auburn Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport (AUO) has two paved asphalt runways. Runway 18/36 is the primary runway at 6,002 feet in length, capable of supporting general aviation turboprops and light jets. Runway 9/27 measures 4,002 feet, used primarily for training and smaller single-engine aircraft. Both runways are equipped with pilot-controlled lighting for night operations, and an ILS/LOC instrument approach is available on Runway 18 for low-visibility conditions.

Yes. The Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at AUO provides both 100LL avgas and Jet-A fuel, along with aircraft tie-down and hangar rentals, pilot lounges, crew car transportation, and flight planning assistance. The FBO is designed to accommodate both training aircraft and corporate jets, making AUO a full-service stop for general aviation pilots traveling through east-central Alabama.

Auburn Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport is located approximately 4 miles northeast of the Auburn University main campus, accessible via US-29. This proximity makes it a preferred arrival point for university officials, visiting faculty, recruiting staff, and athletics personnel. Ground transportation including rental cars and taxis is available at the airport, providing direct access to Auburn University, Jordan-Hare Stadium, and downtown Auburn within a short drive.

Several general aviation airports operate within the broader region surrounding AUO. Prattville Airport and Autauga County Airport serve the Prattville area northwest of Montgomery, while Greenville Municipal Airport (PRN) and Mac Crenshaw Memorial Airport serve south-central Alabama. Sells Airport (71AL) is a private field in the area. For commercial airline service, Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) is approximately 60 miles west, and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) is about 55 miles east via I-85, offering the full range of domestic and international connections.

Yes. Flight training is an active and integral part of operations at AUO. Auburn University's aviation-related programs and local certified flight instructors use the airport's dual-runway environment for primary, instrument, and advanced flight training. The availability of an ILS approach on Runway 18, AWOS-3 automated weather reporting, and a Class E controlled airspace environment gives student pilots valuable real-world instrument training opportunities not available at smaller uncontrolled fields in the region.

External Links: