Grayling Army Air Field

Overview

Grayling VOR Airport is a small, general aviation facility located in the heart of northern Michigan's outdoor recreation region. While the airport's name derives from the nearby Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range (VOR) navigational beacon that helps pilots align their routes, the airfield itself serves as a convenient entry point for visitors exploring the Au Sable River valley and the Huron National Forest. The VOR station, operating on frequency 109.8 MHz, is known among pilots for its strong transmission signal and reliable alignment, making it a useful reference for both local fliers and those transiting through the state's lower peninsula.

The airport is primarily used by private aircraft, charter flights, and occasionally air ambulance services. There is no commercial airline service, so passengers arriving here typically do so on small planes. The facility is minimally staffed and operates on a self-service basis, so travellers should come prepared with their own transportation and supplies.

Facilities and Services

Grayling VOR Airport is a very basic airfield. There is no passenger terminal, no restaurant, and no car rental desk. The runway is paved and well-maintained, but pilots should note that the VOR beacon, while strong in signal, has a known quirk: it is "unwilling to return" – meaning that the station does not provide distance measuring equipment (DME) or other feedback beyond the directional bearing. Pilots must rely on their own navigation equipment or GPS for distance calculations.

For those landing at Grayling, the nearest amenities are about three miles away in the town of Grayling itself. There, you will find hotels, diners, gas stations, and outfitters for fishing and canoeing. The airport has a small parking lot for aircraft tie-downs, but no hangar space for long-term storage. Fuel is not available on site, so pilots should plan to refuel before arrival or at other nearby airports such as the larger Roscommon County Airport (about 20 miles south).

The lack of facilities means that this airport is best suited for self-sufficient travellers who are comfortable with basic operations. The runway is adequate for most single-engine and light twin-engine aircraft, but pilots should check current conditions before landing.

Peak Hours and Operations

According to operational patterns, the busiest times at Grayling VOR Airport are around noon and 1 p.m. local time. During these hours, you might encounter a few other aircraft arriving or departing, especially on weekends during the summer months when outdoor enthusiasts fly in for hiking, fishing, or hunting trips. The airport is uncontrolled (no tower), so pilots communicate on the common traffic advisory frequency and make position reports.

Outside of these peak hours, the airport is typically very quiet. It sees few operations in the early morning or late evening due to the lack of lighting – there is no runway lighting, so flights are limited to daylight hours. The VOR beacon is operational 24/7 and provides reliable guidance, but pilots must have alternative means of navigation if flying after dark.

Getting to Grayling

The airport is located on the eastern edge of the town of Grayling, Michigan, just off Interstate 75. From the runway, it is a short taxi to a small parking area for vehicles. There is no public transport directly serving the airport, so passengers should arrange for a rental car from one of the agencies in town or ask their pilot to coordinate a pickup. The town is about 3 miles west, reachable by taxi or ride-share if available.

Grayling itself is a small community with a population of around 1,800, but it swells with tourists during summer and fall. The Au Sable River, famous for trout fishing and canoeing, runs through the area. The airport's location makes it an ideal gateway for those looking to explore the Huron National Forest, the Hartwick Pines State Park, or the nearby snowmobile trails in winter.

About Grayling

Grayling is a city in Crawford County, Michigan, situated along the Au Sable River in the northern Lower Peninsula. The area was originally inhabited by Ojibwe people before European settlement began in the 1870s, driven by the lumber industry. The town was named after the grayling fish, once abundant in the river but now extirpated from the state. Today, the economy relies heavily on tourism, with visitors drawn to the river's clear waters for fly fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. The surrounding forests offer hiking, mountain biking, and in winter, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

The region is sparsely populated, with the nearest larger cities being Gaylord (30 miles north) and Traverse City (60 miles west). The airport serves as a vital link for residents and visitors who prefer to fly rather than drive the long distances across Michigan's rural landscape. While Grayling VOR Airport is modest, its presence – and the dependable VOR beacon that guides pilots in – supports the local community and the many adventurers who find their way to this corner of the North Woods.

For those who appreciate the simplicity of flying into a quiet, unstaffed airfield, Grayling offers a true back-to-basics experience. Just remember to bring a map, a full fuel tank, and your own sense of adventure.