St Marys Municipal Airport

St. Marys Municipal Airport (FAA LID: OYM) sits 2 miles north of St. Marys, Pennsylvania, in Elk County. It is a general aviation airport with a single asphalt runway and no commercial airline service. Despite its modest size, the airport has gained a reputation among pilots and local visitors for its well-maintained facilities, excellent restaurant, and the availability of 110LL aviation gasoline suitable for vintage cars. The airport operates on a self-serve fueling basis and offers on-site maintenance, making it a convenient stop for private aircraft traveling across the Allegheny Plateau.

The airport's surroundings are dominated by rolling hills and hardwood forests, typical of north-central Pennsylvania. The terminal building is compact but functional, with a parking area that often accommodates both aircraft and visitors attending community events. St. Marys Municipal Airport is not a hub – it is a community airport that serves its purpose reliably, with a friendly atmosphere that encourages repeat visits.

Getting There

St. Marys Municipal Airport is located at 313 Airport Road, St. Marys, PA 15857. The airport is accessible via Pennsylvania Route 255, which connects to Interstate 80 about 20 miles south. From the town of St. Marys, head north on South Saint Marys Street (PA-255) for approximately 2 miles, then turn right onto Airport Road. The drive from downtown St. Marys takes less than 5 minutes.

For those coming from larger cities: from Pittsburgh, the drive is about 2 hours and 45 minutes via I-80 east and PA-255 north. From Buffalo, New York, the airport is roughly 2 hours east along I-90 and then south on US-219 and PA-255. There is no public transit to the airport; a car or taxi is necessary. The airport's parking lot is free and spacious, with designated accessible spaces near the terminal entrance.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at St. Marys Municipal Airport is a single-story building that houses a waiting area, restrooms, the airport office, and the restaurant. The restrooms are clean and include wheelchair-accessible stalls. The waiting area has a few chairs and a counter, but most visitors proceed directly to the restaurant or the fueling area.

The restaurant is the centerpiece of the terminal. With a balcony overlooking the runway, it serves breakfast and lunch daily (hours vary). The menu is straightforward – burgers, sandwiches, salads, and daily specials – but the quality is consistently high. Many locals and pilots consider it one of the best airport restaurants in the country. The staff are attentive and the atmosphere relaxed.

Fueling operations are entirely self-serve. The airport provides 100LL avgas (Phillips 66 brand) and Jet-A. Instructions are posted clearly: users must follow the rules, including replacing the pump cover after filling. The fueling area is well organized and accessible. On-site maintenance is available during business hours for minor repairs.

St. Marys Municipal Airport (OYM) and St Marys

St. Marys is the largest city in Elk County, with a population of about 13,000. The town was founded in the early 1800s by German immigrants, and its historical roots are visible in the architecture of downtown and the local dialect still spoken by some older residents. The economy was built on logging, tanning, and later manufacturing – notably the production of paper, carbon, and metal products.

Today, St. Marys is a quiet community with a surprising number of attractions. The Elk Country Visitor Center, located about 15 miles north in Benezette, is the premier destination for viewing Pennsylvania's wild elk herd. The center features exhibits, viewing areas, and guided programs. Other nearby attractions include the Allegheny National Forest, the Kinzua Bridge State Park, and the quaint town of Ridgway.

The airport itself hosts community events that draw visitors. The annual car show and aviation show are highlights, where vintage automobiles park on the tarmac alongside aircraft. The airport's openness to non-aviation use makes it a hub for local gatherings. For travelers arriving by plane, St. Marys offers a taste of small-town Pennsylvania life – friendly people, straightforward service, and natural beauty.

Practical Information

St. Marys Municipal Airport does not have a control tower; pilots must use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) 122.7 MHz. The airport is open daily, but the terminal building and restaurant have limited hours. Typically, the restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch, closing by early afternoon. The self-serve fueling is available 24 hours using a credit card, but follow posted instructions carefully.

Contact: Airport Manager – (814) 834-4671. Website: stmaryspa.gov/about/municipal-airport/. For restaurant hours, call ahead.

One concrete piece of advice: If you are flying in for lunch, arrive before noon to secure a table on the balcony – it fills up quickly on nice days, and the view of arriving aircraft makes the meal memorable.