Columbia Metropolitan Airport

Lexington County Airport (FAA LID: 49J) sits on a rural stretch of land in Pelion, South Carolina, about 30 miles west of Columbia. It serves general aviation exclusively, handling private aircraft, flight training, and occasional corporate traffic. The airport has a single asphalt runway (18/36) that was repaved a few years ago and is known among pilots for its smooth surface. Fuel prices here are consistently lower than at nearby airports, which makes it a popular stop for pilots flying through the region. The facility is uncontrolled, meaning pilots communicate on a common traffic advisory frequency rather than with a control tower. That gives it a relaxed, self-managed atmosphere.

Getting There

Lexington County Airport is located at 1202 Airport Road, Pelion, SC 29123. From Columbia, take Interstate 26 west to exit 108 (US-178) toward Pelion. Head south on US-178 for about 10 miles, then turn right onto Airport Road. The drive takes roughly 35 minutes from downtown Columbia, and a little longer from the Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE). If you are coming from the south, use US-21 to reach the junction with US-178 near Pelion proper. There is no public transport direct to the airport; a rental car or taxi is the only practical option. Rideshare services operate in the area but are less reliable than in a city – it is best to arrange transport in advance. Parking is free and available on site, with a designated wheelchair-accessible car park close to the building.

Inside the Terminal

The airport’s main building houses the FBO (Fixed Base Operator) and a passenger waiting area. The FBO is staffed during hours of operation and offers services including fueling (both 100LL and Jet-A), tie-downs, and hangar storage. The waiting room is clean and simple – chairs, a small table, and a television. Adjacent is a wheelchair-accessible toilet and a separate standard toilet. The interior is kept tidy, with no pretension; this is a working airport for people who fly for business or pleasure. There is no vending machine, so bring your own snacks or drinks. The runway is visible from the building’s window, and pilots can check weather and file flight plans using a computer terminal in the FBO. Security is not a concern – the airport is open and low-key, with no checkpoints or screening. Passengers arriving on a private flight walk directly from the apron to the building.

Lexington County Airport and Pelion

Pelion is a small town of fewer than 500 people, incorporated in 1903 and named after the Greek mountain. It sits in the Sandhills region of South Carolina, an area of rolling hills and longleaf pine forests. The town itself has no major attractions, but its location provides access to several natural and historical sites within a short drive. Lake Murray, a 50,000-acre reservoir, is 15 minutes east and offers boating, fishing, and lakeside restaurants. Congaree National Park, a 30-minute drive from the airport, preserves the largest intact expanse of old-growth floodplain forest in North America. Hiking trails, canoeing, and boardwalks make it a worthwhile day trip. The town of Lexington, 12 miles east, has a historic downtown with shops and eateries, plus the Lexington County Museum, which features a collection of 18th- and 19th-century buildings. The airport itself draws a steady stream of visiting pilots because of its fuel prices and the helpfulness of the people who run it. A common comment among pilots is that the staff will go out of their way to assist – arranging a loaner car, helping with tie-downs, or offering local advice. For anyone flying to this part of South Carolina, Lexington County Airport is a low-stress entry point that rewards pilots with genuine hospitality and a trouble-free experience.

Practical Information

The airport is not open 24 hours. Operating hours vary, but it is typically staffed from early morning until late evening. The busiest times for traffic are Monday at 7 pm, Tuesday at 3 pm, Wednesday at 2 pm, and Thursday at 9 pm, though these are relative to general aviation activity. Phone: +1 803-785-8100. No website is available; call for current hours and fuel availability. The runway is well-maintained and free of debris. Pilots should note that there are no instrument approaches – this is purely a visual flight rules (VFR) airport. Tie-downs are first-come, first-served. If you plan to stay overnight, it is wise to call ahead to confirm space. One concrete tip: arrive during daylight because the airport has no runway lighting – night operations are not possible without prior arrangement. For fuel, tell staff upon arrival if you need a 100LL top-off, as they may need to turn on the pump from inside the building. The fuel truck is available on request.