On-Premise, Private Airport in Banner Elk: Elk River Club
The official declaration made on March 11, 2020 by the World Health Organization signaled significant changes to life—and business—were on the way. The air transportation sector came to what many experts describe as a “standstill” right away. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) describes the impact on air travel as “profound.” GAO reports: “Passenger traffic in April 2020 was 96% lower than April 2019, and stayed 60% below 2019 levels in 2020. Effects cascaded across airports, repair shops, and the supply chain.”
Flying Private
The appeal of private air travel has always been strong, with more and more individuals and families choosing to fly private in recent years. Once a preference for convenience and peace of mind, flying private has become a lifeblood for business travelers who must reach their destination on time. Kerry Lynch for Aviation International News (AIN) reports, “Business jet operations for the first week-and-a-half of 2022 have risen by 38 percent over 2021.” Dale Buss for Chief Executive explains: “Business travelers are ready to re-ascent, but airlines have yet to restore the many shorter routes they junked at the beginning of the pandemic.” Families and those who travel for leisure have also turned to private air travel as of late. Buss continues, “High-net-worth individuals, private-company owners—and, initially, leisure rather than business travel—have driven the late-Covid boom in private aviation.”
On-Premise Airport, Signature Jack Nicklaus Golf Course and More
If you’re searching for a High Country retreat with everything you need to carve out an active lifestyle as you build camaraderie with new friends and neighbors, Elk River Club is one such community. Membership is by invitation only, and you won’t find another Club quite like ours, thanks to the beauty found here in the Western North Carolina mountains. At an elevation of 5,000 feet, the temperature in July averages at 77 degrees in the day and hovers around 57 degrees at night. Our on-premise, private airport in Banner Elk is often cited as one of our biggest advantages, along with our signature Jack Nicklaus golf course, world-class Equestrian Center, Har-Tru tennis courts, Pool Complex, spa services, Clubhouse dining and more.
Private Airport in Banner Elk
The Elk River Airport is a private facility for the exclusive use of the Elk River Property Owners Association members and members’ approved Elk River Club guests. This 4,600-foot, on-premise airport features a well-maintained runway and available private hangars to accommodate both private and corporate aircraft with ease. A manned security gate controls access to the hangars and private airstrip. Please be advised any and all commercial activity is strictly prohibited.
Instructional Video and Pilot’s Manual
Before your trip, please review the instructional video and Pilot’s Manual on the Elk River Airport website. Photos of the airport, a Beech Mountain Cam and a Runway Cam are also available. You’ll find general weather and local conditions posted, although flight plans and schedules should not be made based solely on this information.
Elk River Club is a private mountain golf community in Western North Carolina with the first signature Jack Nicklaus golf course in the state. Residents and guests enjoy surrounding views of Beech Mountain, Sugar Mountain and Grandfather Mountain. Amenities include an Equestrian Center, a private, on-premise airport, Har-Tru tennis courts, a pool complex, spa services, Clubhouse, fishing, casual and fine dining, events and more.
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