Alert Field (18TE)

Current Conditions at K18TE

Alert Field, Big Sandy, TX

Airport Overview

Alert Field (18TE) sits at 390 feet above sea level near Big Sandy, TX. Runway infrastructure includes 1 strip(s); the primary surface extends 5,093 feet (N/A). Alert Field offers the speed and privacy that private aviation clients expect: board, depart, arrive. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav 18TE.

Private Aviation Briefing

Private aviation at Alert Field (18TE) connects Big Sandy to destinations across the country and internationally. The airport sits at 390 ft MSL with 5093-foot primary runway. This briefing covers what matters for your mission.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Alert Field is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a TX facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Big Sandy to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near 18TE for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

5093 feet of runway at Alert Field supports light jets through most super-midsize jets. Aircraft like the Phenom 300, Citation XLS, Challenger 350, and Gulfstream G280 operate comfortably from 18TE. Heavy jets (Gulfstream G550/G650, Global Express) require performance calculations accounting for temperature, weight, and field elevation before committing to this runway length.

Charter Considerations

Charter availability from Alert Field depends on aircraft positioning. Airports with higher business aviation traffic generally have more aircraft based locally, reducing repositioning costs. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from the nearest available operators, comparing positioning fees, hourly rates, and aircraft quality to find the best option for your specific mission from 18TE.

What to Know Before You Fly

Pets fly in-cabin on private charter from Alert Field. No cargo hold, no carrier requirements, no breed restrictions. Dogs, cats, and other animals sit with you in the cabin. Inform The Jet Finder of pet travel when booking so we can confirm the operator's pet policy and cabin configuration for your flight from 18TE.

Safety & Planning

Aircraft operating from Alert Field file IFR flight plans regardless of weather. Instrument flight rules provide ATC separation, radar monitoring, and structured routing. Even in clear weather, IFR operations from 18TE provide an additional layer of safety. Charter operators flying under Part 135 are required to operate under IFR for most passenger flights.

Airport Selection Strategy

For travelers based near Big Sandy, Alert Field may not be the only private aviation option. Comparing nearby airports on runway length, FBO services, fuel pricing, and drive time from your origin can reveal better options. The Jet Finder evaluates all airports within a reasonable radius of your departure point to find the best combination of cost and convenience.

Seasonal Factors

Winter operations at Alert Field may involve de-icing procedures that add 15 to 30 minutes to departure times. De-icing fluid costs $500 to $3,000 depending on aircraft size and icing conditions. These costs pass through to the charter client. Morning departures during winter often avoid the worst icing conditions at 18TE.

Location & Address

Geographically, Alert Field (18TE) is located at 32.5852° N, -95.0639° W near Big Sandy, TX. Private aviation clients arriving at 18TE save the 2-3 hours commercial passengers spend on check-in, security, and baggage claim.

Runways & Facilities

With 5,093 feet of runway, Alert Field supports all light jets and most midsize jets (Citation XLS, Learjet 45/60, Hawker 800). Super-midsize jets may operate under favorable weight and weather conditions. Heavy jets typically require longer fields.

FBOs & Ground Services

FBO services at 18TE cover the standard general aviation needs: fuel, parking, and ground handling. Service levels vary by facility size and staffing. Pilots and passengers should coordinate arrival requirements in advance, particularly for after-hours operations at Alert Field.

Charter a Jet from Alert Field

The Jet Finder arranges private flights from Alert Field (18TE) in Big Sandy, TX. Pricing from 18TE depends on aircraft type, distance, and availability. Contact us for a quote tailored to your routing and schedule.

Fly Private from 18TE

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Alert Field. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 18TE's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Alert Field
ICAO Code	18TE
IATA Code	18TE
FAA Identifier	18TE
Address	Big Sandy, TX
Elevation	390 ft MSL
Coordinates	32.5852° N, 95.0639° W
FAA Data	AirNav 18TE

Operations & Facilities
Runways	08/26: 5,093 ft (ASPH-G)
FBOs	Airport Services
Customs	Not available
Fuel	Contact airport for availability
Hours	Contact airport for hours
Approaches	Contact airport for approach information
Tower / Freq	See Airport/Facility Directory

Regional Aviation Context

Texas has more airports than any other state. The state's vast distances make GA practical transportation. Regional conditions vary from Gulf Coast humidity to West Texas desert to Panhandle weather.

Operational Considerations

Alert Field's 390-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 2,190 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 5,093-foot runway provides approximately 5,033 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Subtropical conditions at Alert Field mean warm temperatures dominate year-round. The primary weather challenge is convective: afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly during the warm season, often reaching maturity between 14:00 and 18:00 local time. Morning departures (before 10:00 local) consistently provide the smoothest, clearest conditions. Haze and humidity can reduce visibility below VFR minimums without obvious cloud formation. The cooler months offer the most reliable flying weather.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of Alert Field. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Gladewater Municipal Airport

K07F · 6 NM from 18TE

Kay Ranch Airport

TA61 · 8 NM from 18TE

Fox Stephens Field Gilmer Municipal Airport

KJXI · 9 NM from 18TE

Holly Lake Ranch Airport

16TE · 10 NM from 18TE

Frequently Asked Questions

The airport code for Alert Field is 18TE. This identifier appears on sectional charts, in the Airport/Facility Directory, and in electronic flight planning tools.

Alert Field is situated in Big Sandy, TX, at coordinates 32.5852° N, 95.0639° W. Field elevation is 390 feet above mean sea level.

Alert Field has 1 runway(s). The longest is 08/26 at 5,093 feet, surfaced in ASPH-G.

Private jets can land at Alert Field provided the 5,093-foot runway meets their performance requirements. Light and very light jets typically operate without restriction. Midsize jets may require careful performance analysis depending on conditions.

Ground services at 18TE are provided by the on-field operator. Available services may include aircraft parking, tiedowns, fuel, and basic passenger amenities. Confirm availability before arrival.

390 feet MSL. Alert Field's elevation is a consideration for performance planning. Standard atmospheric deviations can push density altitude higher than field elevation on warm days.

Published instrument approaches at 18TE should be verified through current FAA sources. Alert Field's approach options may include RNAV (GPS), VOR, or NDB depending on available NAVAIDs.

Private charter from 18TE is available through The Jet Finder. We connect clients with FAA-certificated Part 135 operators. Pricing depends on aircraft type, destination, and scheduling.

General aviation aircraft including piston singles, turboprops, and light jets routinely use Alert Field. The 5,093-foot runway is the determining factor for larger categories. Consult aircraft performance data for specifics.

Tower status at 18TE: check the current A/FD entry. If non-towered, Alert Field uses CTAF for traffic coordination. Pilots should announce intentions on the appropriate frequency.

Confirm fuel availability at 18TE before arrival. Alert Field may offer 100LL, Jet-A, or both. Pricing is set by the FBO. AirNav provides crowd-sourced fuel price reports from visiting pilots.

Customs and Border Protection services are required for international operations at Alert Field. Contact the airport for CBP availability at 18TE. The Jet Finder assists with eAPIS filing and customs coordination.

Real-time weather for Alert Field (18TE) is available through METAR reports on aviationweather.gov. TX experiences varied conditions throughout the year — plan accordingly for seasonal weather events.

Alert Field serves the Big Sandy, TX area. Actual driving distance to city center depends on your specific destination. FBOs at 18TE can typically arrange ground transportation or provide directions.

Parking options at 18TE include ramp tiedowns and potentially hangar space. Availability and pricing are set by the on-field operator at Alert Field. Pre-arrival coordination is recommended for overnight stays.

For a flight quote from Alert Field (18TE), contact The Jet Finder at thejetfinder.com/contact.html. Include your destination, dates, passenger count, and any special requirements. We respond with operator options and pricing.

Ready to Fly from 18TE?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Alert Field.