Heard the one about the airport named after a politician? That’s Fulton County Airport-Brown Field for you.
Fulton County Airport-Brown Field is more than just a landing strip. It’s a vital piece of Atlanta’s aviation landscape. This county-owned, public-use airport plays a significant role in the region. You might also hear it called Charlie Brown Field or simply Brown Field. But on the radio it’s known as County Tower or County Ground.
Charles M. Brown, a former Atlanta politician, lent his nickname to the airport. He served on the city council and county commission in the 1960s. Fulton County Airport-Brown Field handles a lot of general aviation traffic. This traffic would otherwise go to the busier Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. It acts as a reliever airport.
Located west of Atlanta, Fulton County Airport-Brown Field sits near major roadways like Interstate 20 and 285. It’s also close to the Chattahoochee River. The airport provides continuous weather reports as West Atlanta. It even served as a backup weather station for Dobbins Air Reserve Base.
Covering 985 acres, Fulton County Airport-Brown Field boasts two asphalt runways. Runway 8/26 measures 5,797 by 100 feet. Runway 14/32 is 4,158 by 100 feet. The Fulton County Public Works Department manages the airport. David E. Clark serves as the Public Works Director. Jonathan Gauthier is the Airport Manager.
In 2021, Fulton County Airport-Brown Field saw 79,449 aircraft operations. That averages to about 218 per day. The airport also houses a Georgia Army National Guard armory.
Fulton County Executive Airport is the third-busiest airport in metro Atlanta. It is one of only two in the area with a 24/7 control tower. Fulton County Airport-Brown Field supports the region significantly. It provides 1,230 jobs with an annual payroll of $75.2 million. The airport contributes $198.6 million in economic output for the local and regional economies.
Fulton County Airport-Brown Field stands as a testament to Atlanta’s aviation history. It is a bustling hub, serving the city’s corporate clients and general aviation needs. Next time you hear a plane overhead, remember the story of Charlie Brown Field. It is a place where aviation and local history meet.