Auburn University Regional Airport: A Comprehensive Overview

The Auburn University Regional Airport, also known as Robert G. Pitts Field (IATA: AUO, ICAO: KAUO, FAA LID: AUO), is a public-use airport situated two nautical miles (4 km) east of Auburn's central business district, in Lee County, Alabama. Owned by Auburn University, this airport has evolved significantly since its inception in 1930.

Historical Development

Early Beginnings (1930s-1940s)

The Auburn University Regional Airport was first constructed in 1930 and originally served as a private airfield for the cities of Auburn and Opelika in addition to the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API). In its earliest days, the airport was nothing more than a grass field. With one airplane, the airport was very different from its current status. When first constructed in 1930, the Auburn-Opelika Airport was a private airfield built to serve the sister cities of Auburn and Opelika located in Lee County, Alabama. It was also intended to serve the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API), later renamed Auburn University.

Mid-20th Century Expansion (1950s-1990s)

Over the next several decades, many improvements were made to the airport in the general aviation field. A new terminal and administration building was constructed in 1950, consisting of both enclosed and open flight decks, a restaurant, flight ready rooms, classrooms, and operations offices with local, state, and federal funds. The 1960s continued to see major improvements to the airport; pavement for aircraft parking was completed along with the reconstruction of the 18/36 and 11/29 runways and taxiways. During the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s a concentrated effort was made to acquire the land and funding for the 18/36 runway extension.

21st Century Enhancements (2000s-Present)

In January 2002, a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held to open the 1,332-foot (406 m) runway extension. As of August 2006, the Federal Aviation Administration gave clearance for the installation of a glideslope antenna and approach lighting system (MALSF) for runway 36. These improvements were completed in late 2007. In November 2009, the Auburn University Board of Trustees voted to rename the Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport as the Auburn University Regional Airport with the Robert G. Pitts Field. In July 2018, the old FBO (serving as the flight education building) was demolished shortly before the newly constructed Delta Air Lines Aviation Education Building was dedicated and opened.

Operational Aspects

Location and Physical Attributes

Auburn University Regional Airport covers an area of 423 acres (171 ha) at an elevation of 777 feet (237 m) above mean sea level.

Facilities and Services

The FBO at the Auburn University Regional Airport is staffed from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Central Time (-5, -6z) weekdays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM weekends. Fuel services are available during this time, as are use of the FBO and airport facilities. There are additional charges or "call fees" for after hours assistance for fuel or supplies. Maintenance is available during normal working hours, from 7 AM to 4 PM local time. AUO's four mechanics, three of whom have their Inspection Authorization License (IA), can service most all single engine, twin engine, and turbo-prop aircraft, but provide only minor powerplant and airframe service.

Air Transportation Department

The Auburn University Air Transportation Department is a professionally operated service that was designed to provide safe and efficient transportation for Auburn University personnel on official business. Our pilots are full-time professionals and have more than 100 years of experience in the aviation industry. In keeping with the highest industry standards, our pilots attend recurrent ground and simulator training from one of the nation's leading flight training facilities. Air Transportation is available to Auburn University faculty, staff, and official guests 365 days a year. Ron Pilz has served as the Director of Air Transportation since 200X and consistently ensures the Auburn University Regional Airport provides everyone a secured, skilled, and enjoyable environment.

Runways

Runway 18/36: 5264 x 100 ft. Obstructions include a 41 ft. tree, 1213 ft. from runway, 415 ft. right of centerline, 24:1 slope to clear, and a 9 ft. tree, 524 ft. from runway, 335 ft.
Runway 11/29: 4000 x 75 ft. Obstructions include 22 ft. trees, 379 ft. from runway, 193 ft. left of centerline, 8:1 slope to clear, and a 62 ft. tree, 1014 ft. from runway, 373 ft.

Academic Integration

One of the newest additions to the School of Aviation is the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Flight School which propelled Auburn University to become one of the nation’s first FAA-authorized institutions of higher education in April 2016.

Leadership

Bill Hutto has served as the Airport Director for the Auburn University Regional Airport and taught at Auburn University since 2001.

Read also: Auburn Student Statistics

tags: #Auburn #University #Regional #Airport #information