Imagine you're piloting an aircraft preparing to land at Athens-Ben Epps Airport in Georgia. What critical information do you need to ensure a safe and efficient flight? This article provides an encyclopedic overview of the airport's essential data, facilities, and operational procedures to guide your arrival.
Airport Overview
Athens-Ben Epps Airport (IATA: AHN, ICAO: KAHN) is a public airport serving the Athens, Georgia region. Named after local aviation pioneer Ben Epps, it serves as an important hub for general aviation and small commercial operations. The airport sits at an elevation of 812 feet (247.5 meters) above sea level.
Runway Information
The airport features two primary runways:
- Runway 09-27: 3,995 feet (1,218 m) long and 100 feet (30 m) wide with a Pavement Classification Rating (PCR) of 511. Acceptable aircraft types: F/B/X/T. Equipped with Medium Intensity Runway Lights (MIRL).
- Runway 02-20: 6,122 feet (1,866 m) long and 100 feet (30 m) wide with a PCR of 111. Acceptable aircraft types: F/B/Y/T. Features a 0.7% upslope on the 02 end and 0.9% upslope on the 20 end. Equipped with High Intensity Runway Lights (HIRL).
The magnetic variation at runway thresholds is 6.2°W, with an annual change of 0.1°W expected through January 2025.
Weight Restrictions
- S-65: Single-wheel aircraft max weight: 65,000 lbs (29,484 kg)
- D-125: Dual-wheel aircraft max weight: 125,000 lbs (56,699 kg)
- S-40: Single-wheel aircraft max weight: 40,000 lbs (18,144 kg) (Runway 02-20 only)
- D-45: Dual-wheel aircraft max weight: 45,000 lbs (20,412 kg) (Runway 02-20 only)
Facilities and Services
The airport offers the following infrastructure and services:
- Hangars: Includes maintenance hangar, change hangar (CHANGAR), A-hangar (AHANGAR), and fire station
- Terminal: Provides passenger waiting areas and security screening
- Carrier Air Services: Ground handling for airlines
- Highway Patrol: Georgia State Patrol maintains an area isolation hazard zone
- VASIS: Visual Approach Slope Indicator System available
Communication Frequencies
- Tower/Beacon: 121.8 MHz
- Clearance Delivery: 121.8 MHz
- Ground Control: 126.3 MHz
- Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF): 126.3 MHz
- Athens Tower: 132.875 MHz
- Automated Surface Observation System (ASOS): 338.275 MHz
Geographic Location
Approximate coordinates:
- 33°57.0'N 83°20.0'W
- 33°56.5'N 83°19.5'W
- 33°56.5'N 83°19.0'W
Operational Notes
- Runway Holding Instructions: All runway holding instructions must be read back
- Runway Crossing: Exercise caution regarding runway crossing clearances
- Usage Restrictions: Not approved for Part 121/Part 380 operators
Additional Information
- Airport Diagram: FAA chart AL-983
- Magnetic Variation: 6.2°W (2020 data)
- Effective Dates: SE-4, December 25, 2025 to January 22, 2026
Pilots are advised to review current Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs) and comply with all applicable regulations to ensure flight safety.