Private Airport in Banner Elk, NC: Elk River Airport
Private air travel has long been a convenience since it is tailored to the passenger’s schedule and reduces overall travel time by eliminating the delays encountered at commercial airports. Beyond these benefits, the freedom to conduct business meetings, converse with family and friends or unwind uninterrupted makes flying private attractive. Still others pursue their pilot license to realize a long-held dream of flying. When making the decision to purchase property at Elk River, the private, on-premise airport located within our community is often a deciding factor. This exceptional amenity “is a convenience that puts Elk River in a class of its own,” according to members Dr. Jim and Deb Plettner. At an elevation of 3,468 feet, this private airport in Banner Elk, NC features a well-looked-after runway that runs 75 feet wide and 4,600 feet long. In today’s post, we’re highlighting private air travel benefits and what members can expect at the Elk River Airport.
Private Air Travel Trends
David Gitman for International Airport Review reports that private air travel has grown 177 percent year over year, and experts are predicting a continued increase in the coming months. Gitman highlights the pull of private air travel: “With less touchpoints, a controlled cabin and private boarding, the process of flying in a private jet has attracted thousands of customers thanks to a lower risk of infection.” He goes on to say, “more people started to realize that investing in the safety of family and loved ones is the most important thing.”
A Private Airport in Banner Elk, NC
The Elk River Airport is a private airport used exclusively by Elk River Property Owners Association members (and members’ approved Elk River Club guests). Available private hangars at both ends work beautifully for both private and corporate aircraft. The hangars can safely accommodate single and twin-engine airplanes and many small private jets. A staffed security gate manages access to the airstrip and hangars; commercial activity is not permitted under any circumstances.
Resources for Pilots
The Elk River Airport is daylight only; pilots should carefully review the instructional video and Pilot’s Manual posted on the Elk River Airport website. General weather and local conditions are available on their website; flight plans and schedules should not be made exclusively based on the information presented. Pilots may be interested in viewing airport photos, the Beech Mountain Cam and Runway Cam.
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, casual and fine dining, fishing, events and more.
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