Apalachicola, United States
Complete guide to St George Island Airport-F47 in Eastpoint, Florida. Learn about access rules, fees, runway details, and why this airport is primarily for plantation property renters.
1 feature verified at St George Island Airport
Typical foot-traffic by hour, sourced from Google. Live conditions may differ.
Busiest on Mondays around 9 am — usually busy.
Public airport privatised just like the last 2 reviews said. Shown as a public airport by FAA, yet landing is $20and tie down is $15/night - ONLY upon you get "permission" from the local HOA you can use the tie downs and leave the airport at all. That "permission" comes with a condition of renting one of their holiday homes/ house/ hotel. Whoever put the money and effort into fencing the airport up might want to put some effort to tell FAA what they did to the airport too.
Would be a great place to visit only they have erected fences and will not allow access to anything off of the airport. Which means you can't go to the beach, or leave without knowing someone in the gated community to give security permission to let you in. This is misrepresented as the airport on the charts say public airport As we all know Public access facilities must have accessible roads for the public. This one does not. Should be listed as a private airport. It's a shame they have blocked the use of the airport for anything other than touch and goes unless your part of the gated community
What an absolute travesty for General Aviation!!!! My Wife and I were hoping to be able to fly our plane into F47 to do some exploring and hanging out on St. George Island, as it's such a pretty destination. Well, thank God we drove to the island first to check it out beforehand. We were DENIED access to the airport and the ENTIRE Western half of the island by the "new" St. George Island Plantation HOA. From my understanding, this airport used to be completely open to the public and is still designated as a public use airport by the FAA. Upon further investigation, it appears that the only "public use" allowed on this airport is basically touch and goes, as landing and tying down your airplane would require permission from the HOA through someone you know there. On top of that, you can't even use "their" airport if you have a vacation or beach rental on the EASTERN half of the island. You MUST stay at one of THEIR rentals, or know one of the owners. What a terribly wasted opportunity for the general aviation community! This place could be a GREAT destination for GA pilots, but it has now been completely squandered by this "association". And given the fact that this airport used to be completely open to the public with access to the beaches and the rest of the island, what has now been done to it is the epitome of arrogance and disrespect to the rest of the GA community. SHAME!
I stayed at island in the 60s when they first built the Conway when there were only 12 buildings then came back around 2000 and I've always loved it
St George Island Airport (F47) is a small, privately managed airstrip located on the eastern end of St George Island, a barrier island off the Florida Panhandle. While officially designated as a public-use airport, its practical access is tightly controlled by the St George Plantation homeowners association. The airport primarily serves pilots flying into the plantation community to stay as guests, but it also attracts transient general aviation pilots drawn by the area's renowned beaches and relaxed coastal atmosphere. However, anyone planning to land here should be aware of significant restrictions and fees that can make a simple fly-in more complicated than expected.
St George Island Airport sits at the southeastern edge of St George Island, a narrow, 28-mile-long barrier island stretching along the Gulf of Mexico south of Tallahassee. The island is a popular vacation destination known for its quiet, uncrowded beaches, state parks, and wildlife refuges. The airport itself is located within the St George Plantation, a gated residential community that includes vacation rental homes and permanent residences. Because the airstrip lies on private property, access to the airport by non-residents is subject to the rules of the plantation's homeowners association.
The airport is used almost exclusively by private and recreational aircraft – single-engine pistons, light twins, and occasionally small business jets. It is not a hub for commercial flights, air taxis, or cargo operations. Its role is strictly that of a general aviation facility serving the local community and their guests. The airport does not have a control tower, fuel services, or any typical terminal building. Instead, it offers basic infrastructure: a single asphalt runway, tie-down spots, and a small bench under a shelter.
Reaching St George Island Airport is straightforward if you are already on the island, but getting to the airport from the mainland requires crossing the St George Island Bridge. Eastpoint, the nearest town on the mainland, is about 10 miles away. There is no public transport serving the airport directly. Rental cars are available in Eastpoint or at Tallahassee International Airport (TLH), about 80 miles away. For pilots flying in, ground transport options are limited; you will likely need a lift from someone in the plantation or a taxi from Apalachicola (about 15 miles west).
The most important thing to know about access: the airport is fenced and gated. The gate is operated by the St George Plantation HOA, and only authorized vehicles with a remote or code can enter. Pedestrians cannot simply walk onto the airfield. If you are not staying in a plantation rental home, you must have prior permission from the HOA to step beyond the aircraft parking area. This restriction extends even to picking up or dropping off passengers. Pilots should call the HOA well ahead of their arrival to arrange gate access and clarify whether they are permitted to leave the airport property at all.
There is no traditional security checkpoint or passenger screening at St George Island Airport. However, the airport is monitored by video surveillance cameras, and the plantation gate adds a layer of physical security. The HOA enforces access rules strictly – unauthorised vehicles or persons may be turned away or reported. Because the airport is essentially a private airfield, there is no check-in counter or staffed building. The only amenity noted is a wheelchair-accessible car park, though its practicality depends on the availability of a gate code.
For all practical purposes, your “check-in” process consists of confirming your arrival time with the HOA and ensuring your rental property (if applicable) has provided you with the necessary gate information. Pilots should treat the landing itself as the entry point: after parking and securing the aircraft, you may be limited to staying near the tie-down area unless you have explicit permission to explore the plantation community or walk to the beach.
The airport has a single asphalt runway, designated as Runway 5/23. It is roughly 3,000 feet long, adequate for most light general aviation aircraft but tight for jets or high-performance turboprops. The runway is in good condition, though pilots should check current Notices to Air Missions (NOTAMs) for any recent surface issues or wildlife activity – deer are common on barrier islands. There is no runway lighting, so operations are limited to daytime hours unless pilots have their own portable lights (which is rare).
Aircraft parking is limited to a handful of tie-down spots on a grass apron adjacent to the runway. There are no hangars for transient aircraft. The airport does not provide fuel – no Avgas or Jet-A is available. Pilots must arrive with sufficient fuel for their onward flight or arrange a fuel truck from a nearby airport (e.g., Apalachicola or Panama City).
Landing and parking fees apply. As of this writing, there is a $20 landing fee per arrival and a $15 per night tie-down fee. These fees are collected by the HOA, and payment methods may be limited (cash or check typically; credit cards are not always accepted). Pilots should bring exact change or a checkbook. The fees are non-negotiable, and failure to pay could result in being locked in or fined.
If you plan to fly into St George Island Airport, preparation is key. Here are actionable tips:
Despite the restrictions, St George Island Airport has its loyal fans. The island's beaches are among the most beautiful in the Florida Panhandle – soft white sand, clear emerald waters, and few crowds. For pilots who secure proper permission and stay in a plantation rental home, the airport offers a uniquely quiet and scenic gateway. The fly-in experience is part of the charm: you can park your plane steps from your vacation home (if you book the right property) and spend days cycling, fishing, or lounging on the beach.
Transient pilots not staying in the plantation will find the airport useful only as a quick stop for beach access (if permitted) or as a fuel-less diversion. The fees and gate bureaucracy often outweigh the convenience for a short visit. Most pilots passing through the area prefer nearby airports like Apalachicola (AAF) or Panama City (ECP), which offer fuel, services, and unrestricted access.
St George Island Airport-F47 is a beautiful but restricted airfield best suited for pilots with a specific destination: a vacation rental within the St George Plantation. For everyone else, the access hurdles and fees make it a less attractive choice. If you do decide to fly in, plan ahead, respect the HOA's rules, and bring cash. And always remember – the airport may be public by designation, but the land beneath it is private. Treat it as such, and you'll enjoy one of the most scenic general aviation strips on the Gulf Coast.
St George Island Airport
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