Pine Hill Airport — Capron Area Private Aviation in McHenry/Boone County
Pine Hill Airport is a private landing strip serving the Capron area of northern Illinois, situated near the border of Boone and McHenry counties. Capron is a small village with a strong agricultural tradition, and like many rural communities in the Chicago exurban region, it is home to pilots who prefer the simplicity of a private grass strip over the busier, fee-intensive environment of nearby public airports. Pine Hill Airport's name evokes the wooded glacial terrain that breaks up the otherwise level Illinois landscape in this part of the state.
The Capron area falls within a particularly active zone for small aircraft operations, given the presence of multiple private strips and public-use general aviation airports throughout McHenry and Boone counties. Pilots flying in this region must be vigilant about the dense traffic patterns created by flight schools, glider operations, skydiving activities, and personal aircraft. IDOT's Division of Aeronautics provides coordination and safety oversight for the private and public aviation network throughout Illinois, ensuring that even small private facilities like Pine Hill Airport remain registered and compliant with state aeronautical statutes.
What county is Pine Hill Airport located in?
Pine Hill Airport is in the Capron area, which sits at the junction of Boone and McHenry counties in northern Illinois, close to the Wisconsin state line.
Is Pine Hill Airport suitable for instrument approaches?
As a private grass strip, Pine Hill Airport does not have instrument approach procedures. Operations are conducted under Visual Flight Rules only.
What are the nearest public airports to Capron?
Poplar Grove Airport (C77) to the southwest and Chicago Rockford International (RFD) to the west are the most accessible public-use airports for pilots or travelers near Capron.
Are there any skydiving or glider operations near Pine Hill Airport?
The Capron/Poplar Grove area is known for skydiving operations; pilots should monitor local advisory frequencies and check NOTAMs before flying in the area to avoid conflicts with parachute activities.
Pine Hill Airport Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Capron, Massachusetts.
| Name | Pine Hill Airport |
| Address | 21543 Capron Road, Capron IL 61012 Map |
| Phone | (815) 737-8703 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Pine Hill Airport
Northern Illinois Exurban Aviation and the Capron Flying Community
The stretch of northern Illinois running from the Fox River Valley through Boone County and toward the Wisconsin border has developed a vibrant community of private pilots and aviation enthusiasts. The relatively affordable land, clear sight lines, and manageable distances to Chicago-area airports make this region attractive for building or maintaining private airstrips. Pine Hill Airport is one of several such facilities in the Capron area that reflect this culture—places where pilots can keep their aircraft, fly on weekends, and enjoy the freedom of flight without the overhead costs of a hangar at a large municipal airport.
For those needing commercial travel from the Capron area, Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is approximately 60 miles southeast and serves over 200 domestic destinations and dozens of international routes, making it the preferred gateway for long-haul travel. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) in Wisconsin is a comparable drive to the north and offers strong low-cost carrier service through Southwest, Frontier, and Spirit airlines. Chicago Executive Airport (PWK) in Wheeling provides the closest full-service fixed-base operator (FBO) for general aviation fuel, maintenance, and charter services.