Cole Memorial Airport (57NE)

Current Conditions at K57NE

Cole Memorial Airport, Merriman, NE

Airport Overview

Cole Memorial Airport (57NE) sits at 3,259 feet above sea level near Merriman, NE. Runway infrastructure includes 1 strip(s); the primary surface extends 2,400 feet (N/A). Cole Memorial Airport 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 57NE.

Private Aviation Briefing

Located near Merriman, Cole Memorial Airport (57NE) sits at 3,259 ft MSL above sea level. Below is the operational context for private jet and charter operations from this airport.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Cole Memorial Airport is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a NE facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Merriman to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near 57NE for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

Cole Memorial Airport's 2400-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 57NE's runway.

Charter Considerations

Charter availability from Cole Memorial Airport 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 57NE.

What to Know Before You Fly

Pets fly in-cabin on private charter from Cole Memorial Airport. 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 57NE.

Safety & Planning

Aircraft operating from Cole Memorial Airport 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 57NE 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 Merriman, Cole Memorial Airport 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 Cole Memorial Airport 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 57NE.

Location & Address

Geographically, Cole Memorial Airport (57NE) is located at 42.9243° N, -101.6937° W near Merriman, NE. Private aviation clients arriving at 57NE save the 2-3 hours commercial passengers spend on check-in, security, and baggage claim.

Runways & Facilities

At 2,400 feet, Cole Memorial Airport's runway accommodates piston singles and light turboprops. Jet operations are not practical at this field length. Pilots flying larger aircraft should plan for a nearby airport with more runway.

FBOs & Ground Services

Ground services at Cole Memorial Airport are available through the on-field FBO or airport management. Services typically include aircraft parking, tiedowns, and fuel coordination. For current FBO contact information and service availability at 57NE, consult AirNav or contact the airport directly.

Charter a Jet from Cole Memorial Airport

Private charter from 57NE starts with a single call. Pricing from 57NE depends on aircraft type, distance, and availability. Contact us for a quote tailored to your routing and schedule.

Fly Private from 57NE

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Cole Memorial Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 57NE's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Cole Memorial Airport
ICAO Code	57NE
IATA Code	57NE
FAA Identifier	57NE
Address	Merriman, NE
Elevation	3,259 ft MSL
Coordinates	42.9243° N, 101.6937° W
FAA Data	AirNav 57NE

Operations & Facilities
Runways	11/29: 2,400 ft (ASPH-P)
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

Nebraska's flat terrain and sparse population create straightforward flying conditions. The state's GA airports primarily serve agricultural, ranching, and Omaha's business community.

Operational Considerations

At 3,259 feet MSL, Cole Memorial Airport operates at moderate elevation. Standard-day density altitude matches field elevation, but summer temperatures can push it above 5,059 feet. The 2,400-foot runway delivers approximately 2,165 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 Cole Memorial Airport.

Cole Memorial Airport's temperate latitude produces generally favorable flying conditions with seasonal variation. Winter brings frontal passages that can drop ceilings to IFR minimums for 24-48 hour periods. Freezing precipitation is possible but less persistent than at higher latitudes. Summer convective activity peaks in late afternoon — morning departures typically encounter smoother, clearer conditions. Year-round instrument currency is recommended for reliable scheduling.

Nearby Airports

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

Martin Municipal Airport

K9V6 · 15 NM from 57NE

Gordon Municipal Airport

KGRN · 22 NM from 57NE

Modisett Airport

K9V5 · 35 NM from 57NE

Pine Ridge Airport

KIEN · 36 NM from 57NE

Frequently Asked Questions

The ICAO identifier for Cole Memorial Airport is 57NE. The FAA designator is also 57NE. Use this code when filing flight plans and referencing the airport in official communications.

You will find Cole Memorial Airport near Merriman, NE. The geographic position is 42.9243° N, 101.6937° W, at an elevation of 3,259 feet MSL.

Cole Memorial Airport has 1 runway(s). The longest is 11/29 at 2,400 feet, surfaced in ASPH-P.

Yes, Cole Memorial Airport accepts private aviation traffic. With 2,400 feet of available runway, light jets and many midsize jets can operate here under standard conditions. Consult aircraft performance charts for heavier categories.

FBO services at Cole Memorial Airport include basic ground handling, parking, and fuel coordination. Contact the airport directly for current service provider information, or check AirNav for details on 57NE.

Cole Memorial Airport sits at 3,259 feet MSL. Performance-conscious pilots should compute density altitude before each operation, particularly when temperatures exceed standard.

Published instrument approaches at 57NE should be verified through current FAA sources. Cole Memorial Airport's approach options may include RNAV (GPS), VOR, or NDB depending on available NAVAIDs.

Contact The Jet Finder for charter availability from Cole Memorial Airport (57NE). Provide your destination, travel dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 57NE's runway and facilities.

General aviation aircraft including piston singles, turboprops, and light jets routinely use Cole Memorial Airport. The 2,400-foot runway is the determining factor for larger categories. Consult aircraft performance data for specifics.

Cole Memorial Airport's tower status and radio frequencies are published in the Airport/Facility Directory. AirNav (airnav.com/airport/57NE) also lists current frequency assignments.

Cole Memorial Airport (57NE) 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.

Flying internationally from Cole Memorial Airport? CBP clearance is mandatory. Whether 57NE has on-field customs depends on the facility. Nearby airports with customs capability may be a better option — contact The Jet Finder for routing advice.

Check aviationweather.gov for current conditions at 57NE. Cole Memorial Airport's weather is influenced by NE's regional climate. Seasonal fog, wind, and precipitation patterns should be factored into flight planning.

Cole Memorial Airport serves the Merriman, NE area. Actual driving distance to city center depends on your specific destination. FBOs at 57NE can typically arrange ground transportation or provide directions.

Cole Memorial Airport offers aircraft parking for visiting and based aircraft. Tiedown and hangar rates at 57NE should be confirmed directly with the airport. Overnight parking may require advance arrangement.

The Jet Finder provides personalized charter quotes from Cole Memorial Airport. Submit your trip details at thejetfinder.com/contact.html — departure date, destination, party size. No obligation. We match 57NE's runway to the right aircraft.

Ready to Fly from 57NE?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Cole Memorial Airport.