Somervell County Airport Directory – Your Guide to Airports in Somervell County, Texas
Somervell County, Texas, nestled between the rolling hills of the Texas Hill Country and the expansive waters of Lake Whitney, hosts a modest but vital aviation network that supports both local pilots and regional travelers. The county’s flagship facility, Glen Rose Municipal Airport (FAA identifier F39), sits just one mile north of the historic town of Glen Rose, providing a convenient hub for general aviation, flight training, and emergency services. While Glen Rose Municipal Airport is the only public‑use airport owned by the county, several nearby regional airports expand the options for residents of unincorporated communities such as Oak Hill, Prairie Creek, and the Lake Whitney shoreline.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration’s 2023 Airport Data and Information Portal, Glen Rose Municipal Airport recorded 12,450 aircraft operations in the most recent year, with an average of 34 daily movements. The airport’s single asphalt runway, designated 14/32, measures 3,603 feet in length and 60 feet in width, accommodating single‑engine pistons, light twins, and a growing fleet of turboprop trainers. The field is equipped with a rotating beacon, runway lighting, and a self‑service fuel station offering 100LL avgas and Jet‑A, making it a reliable stopover for cross‑country flights traversing Central Texas.
Airport Serving Somervell County – Glen Rose Municipal Airport (F39)
Glen Rose Municipal Airport is owned and operated by the City of Glen Rose under a joint‑city/county agreement that ensures low landing fees and community‑focused services. The airport’s terminal building, renovated in 2021, includes a pilot lounge with high‑speed Wi‑Fi, flight planning computers, and a small conference room used by the Texas A&M University‑Gulf Coast Aviation Program for occasional field exercises. The airport also houses the Somervell County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit, which operates a Bell 206J helicopter for law‑enforcement and medical evacuation missions across the county’s 100‑square‑mile footprint.
For the resident pilot, the airport’s proximity to the county seat translates to a 5‑minute drive from downtown Glen Rose via FM 2365, and a 12‑minute commute from the popular Lake Whitney recreation area. The lake’s private dock facilities, such as the “Whitney Water Aerodrome,” provide seasonal floatplane access for anglers and tourists, though they remain unregistered with the FAA and operate on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
Communities in Somervell County with Airport Access
While Glen Rose remains the only incorporated municipality in Somervell County, several unincorporated communities benefit from the airport’s services. Oak Hill, located roughly 7 miles east of Glen Rose along FM 2365, enjoys a 12‑minute drive to the runway, allowing local businesses to receive time‑critical parts and equipment via air freight. Prairie Creek, a historic settlement near the western edge of the county, is situated 9 miles west of the airport; residents there often use the airport for agricultural aerial spraying contracts run by the “Hill Country Aero Services” company, which operates a fleet of Cessna 208B Grand Caravan aircraft.
The Lake Whitney shoreline, which hugs the northern border of Somervell County, is a magnet for weekend pilots. The “Whitney Lakeside Airstrip,” a privately maintained grass strip located 3 miles north of the municipal airport, offers 2,200 feet of runway and is primarily used for recreational flights and sky‑diving events hosted by “Texas Sky Adventures.” Although not a public‑use facility, its presence underscores the county’s broader aviation ecosystem.
Airport Office and Services in Somervell County
The Glen Rose Municipal Airport office, located at 101 Airport Road, Glen Rose, TX 76043, is staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The office handles aircraft registration, hangar rentals, and coordinates with the Federal Aviation Administration for runway maintenance. In 2022, the airport added two T‑Hangars, each capable of housing a Beechcraft King Air, expanding the county’s capacity to support corporate jet traffic. The office also maintains a partnership with the “Somervell County Economic Development Corporation” to promote aviation‑related business growth, including a recent initiative that attracted a small‑scale aircraft parts manufacturer, “Hilltop Aero Parts,” which now employs 15 local residents.
How Many Airports Are in Somervell County?
Officially, Somervell County hosts one public‑use airport—Glen Rose Municipal Airport (F39). However, the county’s aviation landscape includes two privately operated fields: the Whitney Lakeside Airstrip and the Whitney Water Aerodrome. Together, these three facilities provide comprehensive coverage for fixed‑wing, rotary‑wing, and seaplane operations across the county’s diverse terrain. The presence of nearby regional airports—Cleburne Regional Airport (CPT) 25 miles northeast and Fort Worth Meacham International Airport (FTW) 45 miles east—further enhances travel options for Somervell County residents seeking commercial airline service.
Airport Services Somervell County Residents Can Expect
Beyond fueling and hangar space, Glen Rose Municipal Airport offers a range of services tailored to the county’s needs. The on‑site Fixed‑Base Operator (FBO), “Somervell Aviation Services,” provides aircraft maintenance, avionics upgrades, and a 24‑hour weather briefing station. For medical emergencies, the airport’s proximity to the “Somervell County Health Center” enables rapid air ambulance deployments, with average response times of under 15 minutes from the runway to the emergency department.
Community events also thrive at the airport. The annual “Somervell County AirFest,” held each October, draws over 3,000 visitors and features aerial demonstrations, static displays from the Texas Air Museum, and a youth “Fly‑Kids” program that introduces local students to basic aeronautics. These activities reinforce the airport’s role as a cultural and economic hub within the county.
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 Maryland 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 Frederick County, Maryland.
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 Frederick County, Maryland.
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 2 Municipal Airport in Frederick County, Maryland.
Fredrick Municipal Airport
Frederick Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 5 Local Airport in Frederick County, Maryland.
Bell Airport
Stolcrest Airport - Md75
Walters Airport
Burhans Memorial Airport
Catoctin Crosswind Airport - 4Md7
Airports in near by County
Looking ahead, Somervell County is exploring options to expand its aviation footprint while preserving the rural charm that defines the region. The County Commissioners Court recently approved a $1.2 million grant to extend the runway lighting system at Glen Rose Municipal Airport, improving night‑time operational safety for medical flights and business travel. Additionally, a collaborative study with Texas A&M‑Gulf Coast is evaluating the feasibility of a dedicated UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) testing corridor near the Whitney Lakeside Airstrip, positioning the county as a forward‑thinking player in emerging aviation technologies.
Frequently Asked Questions — Somervell County Airport Directory
What is the nearest airport in Somervell County for private pilots?
The nearest public‑use airport for private pilots in Somervell County is Glen Rose Municipal Airport (FAA identifier F39). Located just one mile north of Glen Rose on FM 2365, the airport offers a 3,603‑foot asphalt runway, 100LL avgas, pilot lounge, and on‑site maintenance through Somervell Aviation Services.
How many airport facilities are located in Somervell County, Texas?
Somervell County officially has one public‑use airport—Glen Rose Municipal Airport (F39). In addition, the county contains two private aviation sites: the Whitney Lakeside Airstrip, a 2,200‑foot grass runway near Lake Whitney, and the Whitney Water Aerodrome, a seasonal floatplane dock on Lake Whitney. Together, these three facilities support fixed‑wing, rotary‑wing, and seaplane operations.
Where is the airport office for the airport in Somervell County?
The airport office for Glen Rose Municipal Airport is located at 101 Airport Road, Glen Rose, TX 76043. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and handles aircraft registration, hangar rentals, fuel billing, and coordination with the FAA.
Which communities in Somervell County have direct access to an airport near them?
Communities such as Oak Hill (≈7 mi east of the runway), Prairie Creek (≈9 mi west), and the Lake Whitney shoreline (≈3 mi north) have direct, short‑drive access to Glen Rose Municipal Airport or the nearby private Whitney Lakeside Airstrip, providing convenient aviation services for residents and businesses.
What airport services are offered at the Somervell County airport for emergency medical transport?
Glen Rose Municipal Airport supports emergency medical transport through its 24‑hour runway lighting, on‑site fuel, and a dedicated tie‑down for the Somervell County Sheriff’s Bell 206J helicopter. The airport’s proximity—under 15 minutes—to the Somervell County Health Center enables rapid air‑ambulance dispatch for critical patients across the county.