Big River Airpark (5AL5)

Current Conditions at K5AL5

Big River Airpark, Tuscumbia, AL

Airport Overview

Located in AL, Big River Airpark (5AL5) serves as a general aviation point of entry for the Tuscumbia area. The airfield offers 1 runway(s) — 3,000 feet on the primary strip — for private and corporate traffic. Private and corporate operators value Big River Airpark for efficient departures without commercial terminal congestion. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav 5AL5.

Private Aviation Briefing

5AL5 is the identifier for Big River Airpark, serving Tuscumbia at 505 ft MSL elevation. Operators, passengers, and dispatchers should note the following details for flight planning and charter operations.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Big River Airpark is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a AL facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Tuscumbia to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near 5AL5 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

Big River Airpark's 3000-foot runway limits operations to piston aircraft, light turboprops, and select short-field-capable jets. The Pilatus PC-12 (2,600 ft required), Cessna Caravan, and King Air C90 are among the turbine aircraft that can use fields of this length. Charter passengers should coordinate with The Jet Finder to identify aircraft types suited to 5AL5's runway.

Charter Considerations

Charter availability from Big River Airpark 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 5AL5.

What to Know Before You Fly

Pets fly in-cabin on private charter from Big River Airpark. 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 5AL5.

Safety & Planning

Aircraft operating from Big River Airpark 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 5AL5 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 Tuscumbia, Big River Airpark 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 Big River Airpark 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 5AL5.

Location & Address

Big River Airpark is positioned at coordinates 34.6919° N, -87.6514° W, at 505 feet above mean sea level. Ground transportation from 5AL5 to Tuscumbia proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

The 3,000-foot runway at Big River Airpark supports piston aircraft, turboprops, and very light jets (VLJs) under favorable conditions. Light jet operators should verify takeoff and landing performance against current density altitude and weight. Midsize jets typically require a longer field.

FBOs & Ground Services

Aircraft services at 5AL5 are handled by the airport's fixed base operation. Standard general aviation services — fuel, parking, aircraft positioning — are typically available during operating hours. Contact Big River Airpark directly for current service hours, fuel pricing, and hangar availability.

Charter a Jet from Big River Airpark

The Jet Finder arranges private flights from Big River Airpark (5AL5) in Tuscumbia, AL. Pricing from 5AL5 depends on aircraft type, distance, and availability. Contact us for a quote tailored to your routing and schedule.

Fly Private from 5AL5

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Big River Airpark. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 5AL5's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Big River Airpark
ICAO Code	5AL5
IATA Code	5AL5
FAA Identifier	5AL5
Address	Tuscumbia, AL
Elevation	505 ft MSL
Coordinates	34.6919° N, 87.6514° W
FAA Data	AirNav 5AL5

Operations & Facilities
Runways	18/36: 3,000 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

Alabama ranks among the Southeast's growing private aviation markets, with Huntsville and Birmingham driving corporate flight demand. The state's mild winters allow year-round VFR operations at most facilities.

Operational Considerations

Big River Airpark's 505-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 2,305 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 3,000-foot runway provides approximately 2,955 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Subtropical conditions at Big River Airpark 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 Big River Airpark. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Northwest Alabama Regional Airport

KMSL · 4 NM from 5AL5

Bill Pugh Field

KM22 · 15 NM from 5AL5

Courtland Airport

K9A4 · 15 NM from 5AL5

Posey Field

K1M4 · 25 NM from 5AL5

Frequently Asked Questions

The ICAO identifier for Big River Airpark is 5AL5. The FAA designator is also 5AL5. Use this code when filing flight plans and referencing the airport in official communications.

Big River Airpark is situated in Tuscumbia, AL, at coordinates 34.6919° N, 87.6514° W. Field elevation is 505 feet above mean sea level.

The airport features 1 runway(s). Runway 18/36 is the primary strip at 3,000 feet (ASPH surface).

5AL5 supports private jet operations. The 3,000-foot runway accommodates light jets and turboprops in most conditions. Pilots of larger aircraft should calculate required distances based on weight, temperature, and elevation before committing.

The FBO at Big River Airpark handles fuel, parking, and ground coordination for arriving aircraft. Visit AirNav for current operator contact information at 5AL5. Pre-arrival calls are advisable.

Big River Airpark sits at 505 feet MSL. Performance-conscious pilots should compute density altitude before each operation, particularly when temperatures exceed standard.

For approach data at Big River Airpark, reference the AirNav entry for 5AL5 or the FAA's digital Terminal Procedures. Approach type and minimums vary by facility.

To arrange a charter from 5AL5, reach The Jet Finder at thejetfinder.com/contact.html. Share your routing, dates, and party size. We coordinate everything from aircraft selection to ground transportation.

Aircraft suitability at 5AL5 depends on the 3,000-foot runway. Standard GA traffic — pistons, turboprops, light jets — operates without special considerations. Larger aircraft should confirm runway adequacy before flight planning.

Check the Airport/Facility Directory for 5AL5's tower status. Big River Airpark may be towered, non-towered, or part-time tower. Appropriate communication procedures depend on tower operating hours.

Fuel availability at Big River Airpark (5AL5) 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.

Customs and Border Protection services are required for international operations at Big River Airpark. Contact the airport for CBP availability at 5AL5. The Jet Finder assists with eAPIS filing and customs coordination.

Aviation weather for Big River Airpark is reported under identifier 5AL5. Monitor METAR, TAF, and PIREP data through official sources. AL's climate affects ceiling, visibility, and wind conditions at the field.

Transit from Big River Airpark to Tuscumbia proper is typically a short ground drive. The exact distance depends on your destination within the Tuscumbia area. Private aviation eliminates the hour+ that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Aircraft parking at Big River Airpark (5AL5) typically includes tiedown space and may include hangar availability. Rates vary by facility. Contact the FBO or airport manager for current parking options.

Request a charter quote from 5AL5 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 5AL5?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Big River Airpark.