Aviation
Local Air Service
Regional Airport
The Regional Airport caters to commercial travelers via American Eagle and connecting flights at DFW Airport in Dallas. It is located on the south side of Sheppard Air Force Base, approximately five miles north of downtown Wichita Falls. It is readily accessible to the City by way of Airport Drive (FM 890) and Central Freeway (1-44). Average vehicular travel time between downtown and the airport is 15 minutes. Administration and terminal buildings, fuel, air navigation aids, fire and crash equipment, rotating beacon, charter service, power plant and airframe repair shops, and vending machines are included in the available services and facilities.
Kickapoo Airport
Kickapoo Airport provides service to private aircraft in the local area and non-scheduled commercial flights. It recently improved its facility, services with major improvements to the runway and taxiways, and is scheduled for additional improvements to the hangers and parking lot. A state-of-the-art Automated Weather Observation System that provides immediate, real time weather data to pilots and the public, through a specified radio frequency, is also being installed.
Ownership and Use
Sheppard Air Force Base owns the 54 acres of Municipal Airport land. The airport is operated through a lease agreement with the Department of Defense. With the exception of runways, taxiways, aprons, etc., the City of Wichita Falls operates, and maintains the Municipal Airport. The existing terminal has gone through several expansions since 1967. Under terms of the agreement with the U.S. Air Force, the City is responsible for all improvements of the buildings, aircraft parking ramps, grounds, and has joint use rights of the Sheppard Air Force Base landing area. There are two runways presently used by the Municipal Airport: the 7,000 foot N-S runway, and the 13,100 foot NWSE runway. During times of national emergencies, civil use of Sheppard Air Force Base may be suspended.
The air terminal is presently served by commercial airline: American Eagle. The fixed base-operator, Landmark Aviation, provides hanger space for privately owned aircraft.
