Bar E Airport (MT86)

Current Conditions at KMT86

Bar E Airport, Helena, MT

Airport Overview

The Helena, MT region is served by Bar E Airport (MT86), a public-use airport at 3,875 feet elevation. The field maintains 1 runway(s), with the longest measuring 4,975 feet on N/A surface. Operators and private travelers use Bar E Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav MT86.

Private Aviation Briefing

Private aviation at Bar E Airport (MT86) connects Helena to destinations across the country and internationally. The airport sits at 3,875 ft MSL with 4975-foot primary runway. This briefing covers what matters for your mission.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Bar E Airport is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a MT facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Helena to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near MT86 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

At 4975 feet, Bar E Airport serves light jets and turboprops. The Citation CJ series, Phenom 100, HondaJet, and King Air family operate within this runway capability. Midsize jets require careful performance analysis based on temperature and aircraft weight. Pilots should reference aircraft-specific takeoff and landing distance charts for MT86's runway length and 3,875 ft MSL elevation.

Charter Considerations

When chartering from Bar E Airport, consider the round-trip economics. One-way charters incur a repositioning fee (the empty leg back to base). Round-trips from MT86 eliminate this cost. For one-way flights, The Jet Finder checks for aircraft that need to reposition through Helena anyway, reducing or eliminating the empty-leg premium.

What to Know Before You Fly

Arrive at the FBO 15 to 20 minutes before departure. That is the entire pre-flight process for private charter from Bar E Airport. No security lines, no boarding groups, no gate announcements. Your vehicle pulls up to the aircraft, luggage is loaded directly, and you board at your convenience.

Safety & Planning

The Jet Finder sources charter aircraft exclusively from FAA Part 135 certified operators. Every crew flying from Bar E Airport meets federal duty time, rest, and recurrency requirements. We verify operator certifications, audit history, and insurance coverage before presenting any aircraft option from MT86 to our clients.

Airport Selection Strategy

Bar E Airport serves the Helena market for private aviation. Airport selection affects charter cost through positioning fees, landing charges, and fuel prices. An airport 20 miles farther from your destination but with lower fees and better aircraft availability can save thousands on a charter. The Jet Finder runs this analysis for every booking from the Helena area.

Seasonal Factors

Summer density altitude affects aircraft performance at Bar E Airport, particularly on hot afternoons when field elevation of 3,875 ft MSL increases effective altitude. Early morning departures maximize payload and performance from MT86. The Jet Finder schedules departures to optimize aircraft performance when density altitude is a factor.

Location & Address

Positioned at 47.1644° N, -112.1132° W in MT, Bar E Airport serves the broader Helena region. Compared to routing through a large hub, MT86 cuts total door-to-door travel time to Helena significantly. Ground options include car service and rideshare.

Runways & Facilities

With 4,975 feet of runway, Bar E Airport 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

Bar E Airport offers ground handling through its on-airport service provider. Fuel availability, hangar space, and passenger amenities should be confirmed prior to arrival. The Helena area may have limited FBO options compared to larger metropolitan airports.

Charter a Jet from Bar E Airport

Charter operations from Bar E Airport (MT86) connect Helena to destinations across the country. The Jet Finder connects you with charter aircraft suited to MT86's runway capabilities and your mission requirements. No markup. Direct operator access.

Fly Private from MT86

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Bar E Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to MT86's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Bar E Airport
ICAO Code	MT86
IATA Code	MT86
FAA Identifier	MT86
Address	Helena, MT
Elevation	3,875 ft MSL
Coordinates	47.1644° N, 112.1132° W
FAA Data	AirNav MT86

Operations & Facilities
Runways	04/22: 4,975 ft (ASPH)
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

Montana's vast distances and sparse population make aviation practical transportation, not a luxury. Mountain flying conditions, high-density altitude, and unpredictable weather are standard.

Operational Considerations

At 3,875 feet MSL, Bar E Airport operates at moderate elevation. Standard-day density altitude matches field elevation, but summer temperatures can push it above 5,675 feet. The 4,975-foot runway delivers approximately 4,397 feet of sea-level equivalent performance after altitude correction. Pilots transitioning from sea-level airports should plan for longer ground rolls and reduced initial climb performance at Bar E Airport.

Four distinct seasons define operations at Bar E Airport. Winter brings icing potential, snow-covered surfaces, and reduced daylight hours. De-icing capability is valuable from November through March. Spring and fall transitions produce the most variable weather — warm fronts, cold fronts, and rapid ceiling changes. Summer typically delivers the best VFR conditions but introduces convective risk during afternoon heating. Preflight weather assessment should include both surface observations and area forecasts at this latitude.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of Bar E Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Lincoln Airport

KS69 · 25 NM from MT86

Fairfield Airport

K5U5 · 28 NM from MT86

Helena Regional Airport

KHLN · 34 NM from MT86

Benchmark Airport

K3U7 · 36 NM from MT86

Frequently Asked Questions

The ICAO identifier for Bar E Airport is MT86. The FAA designator is also MT86. Use this code when filing flight plans and referencing the airport in official communications.

Located in Helena, MT, Bar E Airport has coordinates of 47.1644° N, 112.1132° W. Airport elevation: 3,875 feet MSL. The field is accessible from the local road network.

The airport features 1 runway(s). Runway 04/22 is the primary strip at 4,975 feet (ASPH surface).

Private jets can land at Bar E Airport provided the 4,975-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.

For FBO information at Bar E Airport, visit airnav.com/airport/MT86 or contact the airport office. Service levels vary; pre-arrival coordination is recommended for special requirements.

Field elevation at MT86: 3,875 feet above mean sea level. This figure appears in the Airport/Facility Directory and should be used for all performance computations at Bar E Airport.

Instrument approach availability at Bar E Airport depends on the facility's current FAA designation. Check the Terminal Procedures Publication or ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot for published approaches at MT86.

Charter a private flight from Bar E Airport through The Jet Finder. We have access to over 15,000 aircraft and can match the right one to MT86's 4,975-foot runway. No middleman. Direct operator connection.

The 4,975-foot runway at MT86 supports turboprops, very light jets, and most light jet categories. Midsize jet capability depends on aircraft performance and field conditions. Heavy jets typically require longer fields.

Check the Airport/Facility Directory for MT86's tower status. Bar E Airport may be towered, non-towered, or part-time tower. Appropriate communication procedures depend on tower operating hours.

Fuel availability at Bar E Airport (MT86) should be confirmed before arrival. Most GA airports offer 100LL (avgas). Jet-A availability varies by facility. Check AirNav for current fuel types and pricing.

International operations from Bar E Airport require U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance. Some airports arrange CBP on-call or by appointment. Contact MT86 and The Jet Finder for international flight planning.

Current conditions at MT86: check METAR/TAF on aviationweather.gov or your EFB. Bar E Airport is subject to MT's regional weather, which may include convective activity, low ceilings, or seasonal wind patterns.

Bar E Airport is located in Helena, MT. Distance to the city center depends on the airport's specific location relative to downtown. Ground transportation — car service, rideshare, or rental — is the standard connection from MT86.

For aircraft parking at Bar E Airport, contact the FBO at MT86. Most GA airports offer both transient and overnight tiedowns. Hangar space, if available, should be reserved in advance.

Request a charter quote from MT86 through The Jet Finder. Provide departure date, destination, passenger count, and luggage requirements. We source availability from multiple Part 135 operators for competitive pricing.

Ready to Fly from MT86?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Bar E Airport.