2009 FLORIDA GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT OF THE YEAR
Background
Albert Whitted Airport is owned and operated by the City of St. Petersburg, providing convenient access by air to the city's downtown waterfront, business district and urban communities. The Airport is located just blocks away from hotels, restaurants, museums, shopping and more. The 110-acre facility handles approximately 80,000 general aviation aircraft operations annually and is the home base to an estimated 185 aircraft. The airport provides various aviation services including aircraft fueling, aircraft storage and parking, flight training, aircraft charter and rentals, aircraft and helicopter maintenance, aircraft detailing, avionics, pilot supplies, banner towing, and sightseeing tours. For a full listing of business based on the airport, please click on the airport business page.
Besides commercial and private general aviation, many important organizations also utilize the Albert Whitted Airport for aviation support functions of their life-saving missions. These include the Civil Air Patrol, Bayflight Medavac and various organ transplant flying services such as Care Flight.
In October 2007 the City completed construction on a 10,600sq/ft terminal building. The terminal also has a 12,200 sq/yd aircraft parking ramp and a 64-space parking lot. The terminal houses the airport's Fixed Base Operator (FBO), a rental car operator and other various aviation and retail tenants. The Hangar Restaurant and Flight Lounge is expected to open on the 2nd floor of the terminal in the spring of 2010.
The City has completed the design process for some major capital improvements for the airport including a new Air Traffic Control Tower, a parallel taxiway on the north side of Runway 7/25, and expansion of the terminal ramp. Construction on these projects is expected to start in 2010. In the fall of 2009, the City also started the design process for an expanded aircraft parking ramp on the south side of the airport.
The Albert Whitted Airport was selected as the 2009 Florida General Aviation Airport of the Year by the Florida DOT.
Pilot Information
Albert Whitted Airport (KSPG) has two runways:
Runway 7/25 - 3,677' long x 75' wide with displaced thresholds on both ends.
Runway 18/36 - 2,865' long x 150' wide
All runways are equipped with Runway Edge Lighting (pilot controlled after tower clsd), Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs) and *Runway Ending Identification Lighting (REILs) . The control tower is open from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. 7 days per week. Runways 7, 18 and 36 all have RNAV approaches and Runway 18 also has a VOR approach. Pilots can get updated weather information on Albert Whitted's Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS) also located on the airfield (Freq.: 118.875 or 727-821-4334). Pilots should go to
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KSPG to see more detailed information on Albert Whitted including a link to the latest NOTAMs in effect for the airport.
*Note: REILs will be added to Runway 7 in the near future
Airport Activities
Albert Whitted Airport Preservation Society - Airport tours, education center, National Airlines museum, monthly pancake breakfasts and other special events. Please contact 727-822-1532 for information and/or to schedule a tour or go to www.AWAPS.org.
Albert Whitted Park - Part of the City's beautiful waterfront park system, the Albert Whitted Park is located on the north side of the airport. The park has observation areas overlooking the airport and an aviation themed playground. The Park is open for the general public's enjoyment, but can be pre-reserved for special functions. For more information and to apply for a park permit, please visit the City's Parks Department at
www.stpete.org/parks. The Park closes at sunset.
St. Petersburg Airfest - The annual event features a variety of aerial performances, static displays, food, live music and other surprises for the whole family. For more information on upcoming air shows please go to www.stpetersburgairfest.com. There will be no event in 2009, but planning has started for a 2010 event.
Young Eagles Program - The Young Eagles program is a nation-wide program developed by the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) as a means to introduce young people to the experience of flight. The Young Eagles program at Albert Whitted is jointly sponsored by the local EAA, Chapter 47 and the Albert Whitted Airport Preservation Society (AWAPS). At various times during the year EAA-Chap 47 & AWAPS host a day of free flights for children between the ages of 8 - 17, To get more information and to find out a schedule of upcoming events, please call 727-822-1532 or log on to www.eaa47.org or www.AWAPS.org. General information can also by found at www.youngeagles.org.
