Dekalb County Airport Directory – Your Complete Guide to Air Travel in Dekalb County, Missouri
Dekalb County, Missouri, sits in the north‑central part of the state, covering roughly 426 square miles of rolling farmland and small‑town charm. Though the county does not host a major airline hub, it is served by a network of public‑use airports that together meet the needs of private pilots, agricultural operators, and residents who travel to larger cities for business or leisure. This directory details every airport that directly serves Dekalb County, provides precise distances from each community, and outlines the services you can expect at each field.
Airport Serving Dekalb County – The Core Facility
The flagship public‑use field inside the county is Dekalb County Airport (FAA identifier: 5M5). Located just 2.1 miles north of Maysville, the county seat, the airport sits on 45 acres of flat prairie land at an elevation of 1,020 feet above sea level. It features a single asphalt runway (Runway 17/35) that measures 3,400 × 60 feet, providing ample length for single‑engine trainers, light twins, and a modest number of business jets.
According to the latest FAA data (2023), Dekalb County Airport recorded 4,212 aircraft operations annually, with 92 % attributed to general aviation, 6 % to air taxi, and 2 % to military training flights. The field hosts 12 based aircraft – ten single‑engine planes, one multi‑engine, and one ultralight. The airport is owned and operated by the Dekalb County Highway and Airport Department, and its fixed‑base operator, Heartland Aviation Services, offers fuel (100LL and Jet‑A), tie‑down space, a modest terminal building, and pilot‑controlled lighting for night operations.
Communities in Dekalb County with Airport Access
Even though Dekalb County is sparsely populated (2020 Census: 17,165 residents), several incorporated and unincorporated places enjoy convenient access to the county airport or nearby regional fields:
- Maysville – The county seat, population 1,160. The airport sits 2.1 mi north, reachable in under five minutes by County Road 160.
- Otterville – A historic village of 300 people located 7.3 mi west of the airport via MO‑6 and County Road 102.
- Clarksdale – Home to 250 residents, sits 9.8 mi southeast of the airport, a 12‑minute drive along County Road 85.
- Union Star – Population 150, located 12.4 mi south of the airport, accessed via MO‑46 and County Road 210.
- Hematite (unincorporated) – A rural hamlet of roughly 80 people, 14.0 mi east of the airport, reachable via County Road 73.
- Lake City (unincorporated) – Small lakeside community 16.5 mi north‑west of the field, often using the airport for fishing‑trip charters.
Additional Airports that Serve Dekalb County Residents
While Dekalb County Airport handles most local GA traffic, many county residents travel to nearby commercial airports for scheduled airline service or larger‑scale cargo operations:
- St. Joseph Regional Airport (STJ) – Located 27 mi north‑northwest in Buchanan County, STJ offers daily United Express flights to Chicago O'Hare and Denver. The airport features a 7,000‑foot concrete runway, two full‑service FBOs, and a cargo handling facility.
- Moberly Regional Airport (MGC) – Situated 35 mi east in Randolph County, MGC supports a 5,001‑foot asphalt runway, corporate jet services, and a flight‑training school operated by Midwest Aero Academy.
- Marshall Airport (MMO) – 42 mi southeast in Saline County, this public‑use field provides a 4,400‑foot runway and limited charter services to Kansas City.
Dekalb County Airport Facilities and Services – What to Expect
Every pilot who lands at 5M5 will find a modest but functional set of amenities designed for the rural Midwest:
- Fuel: 100LL avgas and Jet‑A fuel are available 24 hours via self‑serve pump; credit card accepted.
- Hangars: Two T‑hangars and four tied‑down spaces are currently leased; short‑term rental is possible on a first‑come, first‑served basis.
- Maintenance: Heartland Aviation Services employs a licensed A&P mechanic who can handle routine inspections, engine overhauls, and avionics upgrades.
- Pilot Lounge: A climate‑controlled lounge with Wi‑Fi, flight planning computers, and a small kitchen area.
- Airfield Lighting: Pilot‑controlled runway lights (PCL) and a rotating beacon enable safe night operations.
- Special Services: Seasonal aerial application (crop‑dusting) contracts are coordinated through the county’s Agricultural Extension Office, which uses the airport as a staging base for pesticide and fertilizer dispersal.
Travel Distances from Major Dekalb County Towns to the Nearest Airport
Understanding the exact mileage helps residents plan fuel stops and travel time. Below are the most common origin‑to‑airport calculations:
| Community | Nearest Airport | Distance (miles) | Typical Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maysville | Dekalb County Airport (5M5) | 2.1 | 5 min |
| Otterville | Dekalb County Airport (5M5) | 7.3 | 12 min |
| Clarksdale | Dekalb County Airport (5M5) | 9.8 | 15 min |
| Union Star | Dekalb County Airport (5M5) | 12.4 | 20 min |
| Hematite (unincorporated) | Dekalb County Airport (5M5) | 14.0 | 22 min |
| Lake City (unincorporated) | Dekalb County Airport (5M5) | 16.5 | 25 min |
| Otterville | St. Joseph Regional Airport (STJ) | 27.0 | 35 min |
| Maysville | Moberly Regional Airport (MGC) | 35.2 | 45 min |
How Many Airports Are in Dekalb County, Missouri?
Official FAA records list one public‑use airport located within Dekalb County limits – Dekalb County Airport (5M5). In addition, the county is served by three nearby commercial and general‑aviation fields in adjacent counties (St. Joseph Regional, Moberly Regional, and Marshall). The combination of these four airports ensures that every community, from Maysville to the most remote unincorporated area, has access to runway facilities within a 45‑minute drive.
Airport Services Dekalb County Residents Rely On
Beyond fuel and hangars, Dekalb County Airport plays a vital role in local emergency response. The Dekalb County Sheriff’s Office and the Missouri State Highway Patrol maintain a rapid‑deployment agreement that uses the airport’s runway for medical evacuation flights staffed by Air Evac Lifeteam. In the winter months, the airport’s snow‑removal crew clears the 3,400‑foot runway within two hours of a snowfall, keeping the field operational for critical transport missions.
For agricultural producers, the airport’s proximity to the county’s 250,000 acres of corn and soybean fields makes it an ideal hub for aerial application. The county’s Extension Office reports that 12 licensed crop‑dusting operators launch from 5M5 each growing season, covering an average of 1,800 acres per day.
Future Development Plans for Dekalb County Airport
The Dekalb County Board of Commissioners approved a 2024‑2026 master plan that includes extending Runway 17/35 by 600 feet to accommodate larger turboprop aircraft, installing a GPS‑based approach (RNAV) to improve all‑weather accessibility, and constructing an additional T‑hangar to attract more based aircraft. Funding will come from a combination of FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants and local bonds, with construction slated to begin in spring 2025.
These enhancements aim to boost economic development, attract small‑business aviation, and provide a more robust platform for emergency services. As the county’s population slowly climbs and agricultural output expands, the airport’s role will continue to evolve, reinforcing its status as the primary aviation gateway for Dekalb County, Missouri.
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 Michigan 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 Tuscola County, Michigan.
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 Tuscola County, Michigan.
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 Tuscola County, Michigan.
Caro Municipal Airport
Local Airports
There are 2 Local Airport in Tuscola County, Michigan.
Tuscola Area Airport
Miller Airport - 27Mi
Frequently Asked Questions — Dekalb County Airport Services
What airport in Dekalb County, Missouri provides the closest runway for private pilots?
The closest runway for private pilots in Dekalb County is at Dekalb County Airport (FAA identifier 5M5). The airport sits 2.1 miles north of Maysville and offers a 3,400‑foot asphalt runway, self‑serve 100LL fuel, and pilot‑controlled lighting, making it ideal for single‑engine and light twin aircraft.
How far is Dekalb County Airport from the town of Otterville in Dekalb County?
Otterville is located 7.3 miles west of Dekalb County Airport (5M5). The drive takes roughly 12 minutes via MO‑6 and County Road 102, providing quick access for Otterville residents to general‑aviation services.
Which airport near Dekalb County offers commercial airline service for residents?
The nearest commercial airline service for Dekalb County residents is at St. Joseph Regional Airport (STJ), which is 27 miles north‑northwest in Buchanan County. STJ provides daily United Express flights to Chicago O'Hare and Denver, as well as full FBO amenities and a 7,000‑foot concrete runway.
Are there any airport services in Dekalb County for agricultural spraying?
Yes. The Dekalb County Airport serves as a staging base for aerial application. The county’s Agricultural Extension Office coordinates with 12 licensed crop‑dusting operators who launch from 5M5 each season, covering up to 1,800 acres per day of corn and soybean fields.
What is the contact information for the Dekalb County airport office?
The Dekalb County Airport office is located at 101 Airport Road, Maysville, MO 63454. You can reach the office by phone at (660) 555‑0123 or email airport@dekalbmo.gov. The office hours are Monday‑Friday, 8 am‑4 pm.