Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (CHA)

Chattanooga at a Glance

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field), KCHA, is a Class C commercial-service airport five miles east of downtown Chattanooga. Two asphalt runways serve the field: primary 2/20 at 7,400 feet and crosswind 15/33 at 5,575 feet, with ILS and RNAV (GPS) approaches and a control tower. Wilson Air Center is the sole FBO, repeatedly ranked among the top FBOs in the U.S. U.S. Customs (CBP) service is available for international arrivals. Field elevation is 683 feet; operations run 24/7.

Live Conditions

Current Weather at KCHA

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport, 1001 Airport Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport
ICAO Code	KCHA
IATA Code	CHA
FAA Identifier	CHA
Address	1001 Airport Rd, Chattanooga, TN 37421
Elevation	683 ft MSL
Coordinates	35.0353° N, 85.2038° W
Owner / Operator	Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority
Phone	+1-423-855-2200
FAA Data	AirNav CHA

Operations & Facilities
Runways	02/20: 7,400 ft (Asphalt) 15/33: 5,103 ft (Asphalt)
FBOs	Wilson Air Center
Customs	No
Fuel	Jet-A, 100LL
Hours	24/7
Approaches	ILS, RNAV, VOR, Visual
Tower / Freq	118.3
Weight Limit	None
Annual Operations	40,000+

Runways & Approaches

Lovell Field's primary runway 2/20 measures 7,400 feet of asphalt, long enough to support the full range of business aviation, from light jets through super-midsize and most heavy jets such as the Gulfstream G650 and Bombardier Global series under typical conditions. The 683-foot field elevation keeps density-altitude penalties modest, though crews flying heavy on hot summer afternoons should still confirm balanced-field numbers.

Crosswind runway 15/33 adds 5,575 feet, giving operators a strong second option when winds favor it and ample capability for light and midsize jets. The airport is towered (Class C) and served by ILS and RNAV (GPS) instrument approaches, supporting reliable IFR access in the valley's frequent low-ceiling and fog conditions.

FBOs & Ground Services

Full-service fixed-base operators handle private traffic here, offering Jet-A, hangarage, customs coordination, and concierge ground transportation. Arrange handling in advance for peak-season and after-hours arrivals.

Wilson Air Center

The sole FBO at Lovell Field and the only ground handler for private and charter traffic. Wilson Air Center-CHA has been voted #1 FBO in the U.S. in Professional Pilot's PRASE survey and consistently ranks among AIN's top-rated FBOs. Full-service Jet-A and 100LL, hangar and ramp parking, customs coordination, crew cars, rental and concierge ground transportation.

Charter a Jet from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport

Charter from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (KCHA) connects the region to destinations nationwide. The Jet Finder matches the right aircraft to your mission and CHA's runway parameters — with direct Part 135 operator access and no markup.

Fly Private from KCHA

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

Aircraft Registered in CHATTANOOGA (128)

128 aircraft are registered to owners in CHATTANOOGA, TN according to the FAA Aircraft Registry. Showing 20 of 128. Track live flights from CHA →

N100SC

CESSNA 560XL · 2013

N1081W

CESSNA 150D · 1964

N1114J

RAYTHEON AIRCRAFT COMPANY A36 · 1997

N113ED

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 · 2018

N1140Q

PIPER PA-28-161

N121RT

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SF50 · 2021

N122CV

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 · 2003

N12JK

CESSNA 560XL · 2006

N130GS

HAWKER BEECHCRAFT CORP HAWKER 850XP · 2008

N15256

PIPER PA-28R-200 · 1972

N159HA

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22 · 2005

N1600R

GRUMMAN AMERICAN AVN. CORP. AA-5 · 1974

N177HL

CESSNA 177

N18FM

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SF50 · 2023

N1921J

PIPER PA 46-350P · 2013

N195PB

ALEX MINASSIAN RV-7A · 2015

N1993A

PDPS PZL-BIELSKO SZD-48-3 · 1993

N199WB

PIPER PA-28-180 · 1963

N19LJ

CIRRUS DESIGN CORP SR22T · 2023

N200US

PIPER PA-28-181 · 1976

Popular Routes from CHA

Fuel Prices & Landing Fees

FBO	Jet-A Price	Notes
Wilson Air Center	$5.00 – $6.20/gal	Scenic City

Aircraft Category	Estimated Fee
Light Jet (up to 12,500 lbs)	$25 – $60
Midsize Jet (12,500–25,000 lbs)	$60 – $125
Super-Mid Jet (25,000–45,000 lbs)	$125 – $200
Heavy Jet (45,000+ lbs)	$200 – $350

Private Aviation Briefing — History, Operations & Planning

Airport Overview

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field, KCHA) is the primary commercial and general aviation airport for the Chattanooga region, sitting five miles east of downtown in Hamilton County, Tennessee. Owned by the Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport Authority, it is a Class C, towered field operating 24/7 with both scheduled airline service and a robust business-aviation presence. For private travelers, KCHA offers direct jet access to the Scenic City without routing through Atlanta or Nashville.

Runway Capability

The airport's two asphalt runways comfortably handle business jets. Runway 2/20 at 7,400 feet accommodates light, midsize, super-midsize and most heavy jets under standard conditions, while crosswind runway 15/33 at 5,575 feet provides wind flexibility and full light-to-midsize capability. ILS and RNAV (GPS) approaches plus tower service make KCHA a dependable all-weather destination.

FBO & Ground Services

Wilson Air Center is the single FBO at KCHA and is among the most decorated in the country, repeatedly earning #1 honors in Professional Pilot's PRASE survey and top-tier AIN rankings. Expect Jet-A and 100LL, hangar and transient ramp space, lavatory and GPU service, crew cars, rental-car-to-ramp delivery, and concierge ground transportation. A pre-arrival call is recommended for hangar requests and large-cabin handling.

Customs & International Arrivals

Unlike many regional fields, KCHA offers U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance, making it a viable port of entry for international general aviation. CBP service should be arranged in advance through Wilson Air Center, with prior notice of arrival filed per CBP requirements. This capability lets crews clear directly in Chattanooga rather than diverting to a larger gateway.

Safety & Planning

Field elevation is 683 feet MSL, so density altitude effects are modest and well within performance margins for most aircraft even on warm days. Crews should review current NOTAMs and TFRs before departure and, on hot summer afternoons with heavy fuel loads, verify balanced-field and climb performance against runway 2/20's 7,400 feet. The Class C airspace and tower provide structured separation for both airline and GA traffic.

Seasonal & Operational Factors

The Tennessee River valley is prone to morning fog and low ceilings, particularly in fall and winter, which is why the ILS and RNAV approaches matter for schedule reliability. Summer brings afternoon convective activity that typically builds after early afternoon; morning departures are the most schedule-certain. Instrument capability and flexible timing improve dispatch reliability year-round at KCHA.

Regional Context

Lovell Field is the closest jet-capable, full-service airport to downtown Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain, and the surrounding Southeast Tennessee and North Georgia region. For travelers headed to the city, it offers a far shorter ground transfer than diverting to Atlanta (ATL) or Nashville (BNA), and its customs capability and award-winning FBO make it a practical base for both domestic and international private flights.

Nearby Airports

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

Collegedale Municipal Airport

KFGU · 9 NM from KCHA

Dallas Bay Sky Park Airport

1AA0 · 9 NM from KCHA

Marion County Airport - Brown Field

KAPT · 19 NM from KCHA

Dalton Airport

none · 20 NM from KCHA

Frequently Asked Questions

KCHA is both the ICAO and FAA identifier for Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport. Pilots should reference this code in all flight plan filings and ATC communications involving this facility.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport serves the Chattanooga area in TN. GPS coordinates: 35.0353° N, 85.2038° W. The airport sits at 683 feet above sea level.

Lovell Field (KCHA) has two asphalt runways. Primary runway 2/20 is 7,400 feet long, and crosswind runway 15/33 is 5,575 feet. The 7,400-foot primary runway supports the full range of business jets under typical conditions.

Yes. KCHA's 7,400-foot primary runway (2/20) accommodates everything from light jets to super-midsize and most heavy jets such as the Gulfstream G650 and Bombardier Global, under standard conditions. The towered Class C field has ILS and RNAV approaches for reliable all-weather access. Heavy operators flying hot and heavy in summer should confirm balanced-field performance.

Yes. Wilson Air Center is the sole FBO at KCHA and one of the most highly rated in the country, repeatedly voted #1 in Professional Pilot's PRASE survey. It provides Jet-A and 100LL, hangar and ramp parking, crew cars, customs coordination, and concierge ground transportation. A pre-arrival call is recommended.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport sits at 683 feet MSL. Performance-conscious pilots should compute density altitude before each operation, particularly when temperatures exceed standard.

Yes. KCHA is served by an ILS approach plus RNAV (GPS) and VOR procedures, supported by an air traffic control tower in Class C airspace. These approaches provide dependable IFR access during the valley's frequent fog and low-ceiling conditions.

To arrange a charter from KCHA, 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.

KCHA's 7,400-foot primary runway supports turboprops, light, midsize, super-midsize and most heavy jets under standard conditions. The 5,575-foot crosswind runway adds capability for light and midsize aircraft when winds favor it. Larger heavy jets should verify performance against current temperature and weight.

Yes. KCHA is a Class C towered airport with an operating air traffic control tower (tower frequency 118.3). Pilots should establish communication with Chattanooga Tower and Approach as required when operating in the Class C airspace.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (KCHA) fuel information is available through AirNav. Common fuel types at general aviation airports include 100LL and Jet-A. Availability and pricing should be verified before planning a fuel stop.

Yes. KCHA offers U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) clearance, so it can serve as a port of entry for international general aviation. Arrange CBP service in advance through Wilson Air Center and file the required advance notice of arrival before departure.

Real-time weather for Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (KCHA) is available through METAR reports on aviationweather.gov. TN experiences varied conditions throughout the year — plan accordingly for seasonal weather events.

Lovell Field (KCHA) is about 5 miles east of downtown Chattanooga, a short ground transfer of roughly 10 to 15 minutes. Wilson Air Center can coordinate car service, rideshare, or rental cars delivered to the ramp.

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

Get a quote for private charter from KCHA: visit thejetfinder.com/contact.html or call directly. Share your itinerary and passenger details. We handle aircraft sourcing from Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport to your destination.

Ready to Fly from CHA?

Experience private aviation at Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport.

Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (KCHA)