Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport (GVL): Gainesville's Aviation Link to Northeast Georgia
Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport (FAA: GVL) is the primary public-use aviation facility for Gainesville, Georgia—Hall County's county seat and internationally recognized as the 'poultry capital of the world' for its dominant role in broiler chicken production and distribution. Named for Lee Gilmer, a Hall County aviation pioneer, GVL serves the business aviation needs of Gainesville's diverse economy: the poultry industry, Kubota Manufacturing's major plant, Northeast Georgia Medical Center, and a growing healthcare and education sector. The airport provides corporate jet capability for Hall County's significant employer base while also supporting general aviation and flight training activities.
Located approximately 60 miles northeast of Atlanta in Georgia's Piedmont foothills, Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport offers pilots approaching from the south distinctive terrain awareness opportunities, with Lake Lanier—one of the most visited Army Corps of Engineers lakes in the nation—visible to the southwest. The FAA Southern Region oversees GVL's operations, and the Georgia DOT Aeronautics Program supports the airport as a regional hub in northeast Georgia's aviation network, which also includes airports in Toccoa (RG LeTourneau Field), Cumming (Stoney Point), and Lavonia (Broad River Airport). Mountain terrain begins north of Gainesville, requiring weather awareness from pilots transiting to the Blue Ridge region.
What is the FAA identifier for Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport?
The FAA identifier is GVL. The airport is in Gainesville, Hall County, approximately 60 miles northeast of Atlanta.
Why is Gainesville called the poultry capital of the world?
Hall County's dominance in broiler chicken processing and distribution, anchored by facilities from major poultry companies, has earned Gainesville this distinctive title.
What weather considerations affect GVL pilots?
Northeast Georgia's proximity to the Blue Ridge Mountains can produce orographic weather effects, low ceilings, and mountain obscuration, particularly in winter. Pilots should brief carefully before flying north of Gainesville.
Is there FBO service at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport?
Yes, GVL has FBO services. Contact the airport directly for current fuel pricing, tie-down arrangements, and available amenities.
What instrument approaches does GVL have?
Review current FAA Airport/Facility Directory and NOTAMs for instrument approach procedures at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport.
Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Gainesville, Georgia.
| Name | Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport |
| Address | 1137 Aviation Boulevard, Gainesville GA 30501 Map |
| Phone | (770) 532-4136 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport
Flying into Gainesville, Georgia: Industry, Healthcare, and Natural Beauty
Pilots arriving at Lee Gilmer Memorial Airport find Gainesville's city center a short drive away, with access to Northeast Georgia Medical Center, the downtown square, and Hall County's growing restaurant and retail scene. Lake Lanier, just southwest of the airport, offers boating, fishing, camping, and resort experiences that make Gainesville area a destination for weekend recreational pilots.
The broader northeast Georgia aviation network—including GVL and smaller airports in the region—serves a rapidly growing population corridor between Atlanta and the North Georgia mountains. The Georgia DOT Aeronautics Program has invested in infrastructure improvements at Lee Gilmer Memorial to ensure the airport remains a viable and competitive general aviation facility. For current operational information, contact GVL's airport management directly.