Ben Hill County Airport Directory – Comprehensive Guide to Aviation in Fitzgerald, GA
Ben Hill County, located in south‑central Georgia, is served by a single public‑use airfield that meets the needs of general aviation, air‑taxi operators, and occasional military training flights. The Ben Hill County Airport (FAA identifier 7J6) sits just two miles north of downtown Fitzgerald, the county’s only incorporated city, and provides a reliable gateway for business travelers, flight‑training students, and agricultural pilots who operate across the county’s 254‑square‑mile landscape.
Ben Hill County Airport Directory
The airport’s single runway, designated 5/23, stretches 5,000 feet of asphalt and is equipped with runway lighting, a GPS‑based instrument approach, and a parallel taxiway that eases ground movement during peak periods. According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2023 Airport Master Record, the field recorded 8,124 aircraft operations in the 12‑month period ending June 30 2023, with 78 % classified as general aviation, 20 % air‑taxi, and 2 % military. Fifteen aircraft are based on the field, including eight single‑engine pistons, three multi‑engine planes, two light helicopters, and two gliders.
Airport Serving Ben Hill County
The Ben Hill County Airport is owned and operated by the Ben Hill County Board of Commissioners. The facility houses a modest terminal building that offers pilot lounges, a conference room, and free Wi‑Fi. Fuel services are provided by the on‑site Fixed‑Base Operator, Ben Hill County Aviation Services, which supplies 100LL avgas and Jet‑A fuel 24 hours a day via a self‑serve pump. Maintenance capabilities include line‑maintenance, avionics upgrades, and airframe inspections performed by certified mechanics employed by the FBO.
In addition to standard aviation services, the airport supports agricultural spraying operations that service the county’s extensive row‑crop farms. The airport’s proximity to major highways—U.S. Route 319 runs just 1.5 miles east—facilitates quick ground transport of equipment and personnel between the runway and surrounding farms.
Communities in Ben Hill County with Airport Access
While Fitzgerald remains the primary hub, several unincorporated communities enjoy convenient access to the airport. The community of Jacksonville, located roughly 7 miles southeast of the airfield, reaches the runway via County Road 33 in about a ten‑minute drive. The historic district of Kohl, positioned 12 miles west along State Route 107, benefits from a 15‑minute commute, making the airport a practical choice for private aircraft owners residing outside the city limits.
Residents of Southwest Ben Hill (near the county line with Crisp County) travel an average of 22 miles to reach Ben Hill County Airport, a drive of approximately 30 minutes on GA‑107 and US‑319. For those living farther north, the town of Warner Robins (in neighboring Houston County) often opts for the larger Southwest Georgia Regional Airport in Albany, which lies about 45 miles south, but the Ben Hill County facility remains the most convenient option for short‑haul flights and flight‑training activities.
Airport Ben Hill County – Services and Facilities Overview
Key services offered at the Ben Hill County Airport include:
- Fuel: 100LL avgas and Jet‑A (self‑serve, 24 hr)
- Hangar Space: Six T‑hangars and four box‑type hangars accommodating up to 15 based aircraft
- Maintenance: Line‑maintenance, avionics upgrades, airframe inspections
- Flight Training: Two flight schools operating Cessna 172s and Piper PA‑28s for private‑pilot certification
- Rental Aircraft: Hourly rentals of a Cessna 172 Skyhawk and a Piper PA‑28 Cherokee
- Meeting Rooms: A conference suite equipped for corporate briefings and community meetings
Because the airport is the only aviation hub within Ben Hill County, it also hosts the county’s emergency‑services helicopter base, which provides rapid medical transport to hospitals in Fitzgerald and neighboring counties. The helicopter squadron operates a Bell 206 JetRanger, stationed in a dedicated hangar on the north side of the field.
How Many Airports Are in Ben Hill County?
Officially, Ben Hill County contains only one public‑use airport: the Ben Hill County Airport (7J6). There are no secondary municipal or private airstrips listed in the FAA’s National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for the county. The nearest alternative facilities are the Southwest Georgia Regional Airport (ABY) in Albany, 31 miles southwest, and the Macon Downtown Airport (MAC) 85 miles north, both of which serve commercial and larger‑scale general‑aviation traffic.
Airport Near Ben Hill County – Connectivity and Ground Transport
Ground transportation options linking the airport to surrounding communities are straightforward. The county runs a daily shuttle service between the airport terminal and the Fitzgerald City Hall, departing on the hour from 6 AM to 8 PM. Ride‑share companies such as Uber and Lyft operate in the area, typically arriving within 10 minutes of a request from the airport parking lot. Rental car agencies, including Enterprise and Hertz, maintain a small fleet on-site, allowing visitors to explore the county’s historic sites, such as the Fitzgerald Historic District and the Ben Hill County Museum, without delay.
Future Development Plans for the Ben Hill County Airport
The Ben Hill County Board of Commissioners approved a $2.3 million improvement plan in 2022 that targets runway resurfacing, the installation of a new automated weather observation system (AWOS), and the construction of an additional T‑hangar to accommodate growing based‑aircraft numbers. The project, slated for completion in late 2024, aims to increase the airport’s capacity for air‑taxi services and attract a small cargo operator that would handle agricultural produce shipments to regional markets.
Overall, the Ben Hill County Airport stands as a vital transportation asset for the county’s residents, businesses, and emergency‑services providers. Its strategic location, comprehensive services, and ongoing development initiatives ensure that the airport will continue to meet the evolving aviation needs of Ben Hill County for years to come.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major Georgia Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Ben Hill County, Georgia.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Ben Hill County, Georgia.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 1 Municipal Airport in Ben Hill County, Georgia.
Fitzgerald Municipal Airport - Fzg
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Ben Hill County, Georgia.
Bowens Mill Christian Center Airport
Cuthbert Randolph Airport
Frequently Asked Questions — Ben Hill County Airport
What airport services are available at the Ben Hill County airport?
The Ben Hill County Airport (7J6) offers 100LL avgas and Jet‑A fuel 24 hours a day via a self‑serve pump, six T‑hangars and four box‑type hangars, line‑maintenance and avionics upgrades, flight‑training on Cessna 172 and Piper PA‑28 aircraft, hourly aircraft rentals, a conference suite, and an on‑site emergency‑services helicopter base operating a Bell 206 JetRanger.
How many airports are there in Ben Hill County, Georgia?
Ben Hill County has one public‑use airport, the Ben Hill County Airport (FAA identifier 7J6). The nearest alternative airports are Southwest Georgia Regional Airport in Albany (31 miles away) and Macon Downtown Airport (85 miles away).
What is the distance from Fitzgerald city center to the Ben Hill County airport?
The runway and terminal of Ben Hill County Airport are located approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) north of downtown Fitzgerald, a travel time of about 5‑7 minutes via County Road 33.
Are there any airport offices or fixed‑base operators in Ben Hill County?
Yes. The airport’s Fixed‑Base Operator, Ben Hill County Aviation Services, runs the fuel desk, pilot lounge, and administrative office inside the terminal building. The office handles fuel billing, hangar rentals, and coordinates the daily shuttle to Fitzgerald City Hall.
Which communities in Ben Hill County have the closest access to an airport near me?
Fitzgerald enjoys the shortest drive at roughly 2 miles. The unincorporated community of Jacksonville is about 7 miles southeast, while the community of Kohl lies 12 miles west. Residents of Southwest Ben Hill travel an average of 22 miles to reach the airport, making Ben Hill County Airport the most convenient option for private‑pilot flights and air‑taxi services across the county.