Overview & Role
DeKalb-Peachtree Airport (KPDK/PDK) is the principal general aviation reliever for metropolitan Atlanta and the state's second-busiest airport, with no scheduled commercial service. Located about 9 miles northeast of downtown and just 5 miles from Buckhead inside the I-285 Perimeter, it is owned and operated by DeKalb County and handles more than 180,000 operations a year across corporate flight departments, charter, flight training, and privately owned aircraft.
Runway Capability
The primary runway, 3L/21R, is 6,001 feet of asphalt with an ILS to Runway 21R, supporting light jets through most super-midsize types and many heavy jets at reduced weights and cooler temperatures. The 3,746-foot 3R/21L runway adds crosswind capability for lighter aircraft. RNAV (GPS) approaches serve all four runway ends, with a VOR/DME to Runway 21. A 24/7 tower manages the field (ATIS 125.6, Tower 120.95, Ground 121.6).
Charter Considerations
PDK is the airport of choice for private travelers heading to Buckhead, Perimeter Center, and Midtown, offering ramp-to-vehicle access without the taxi delays and congestion of Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL). Three FBOs (Signature, Atlantic, and Aero Center Atlanta) compete on fuel and service, and U.S. Customs is available on the field for international arrivals. The Jet Finder sources Part 135 aircraft positioned near Atlanta to optimize one-way and round-trip pricing.
Safety & Planning
Civilian aircraft weighing more than 75,000 lbs require prior authorization to operate at PDK. A voluntary noise-abatement curfew runs 11 PM to 6 AM, maintenance run-ups are restricted overnight, and touch-and-go operations are discouraged from 10 PM to 7 AM. Because PDK is a busy tower-controlled field with parallel runways and significant training traffic, crews should brief pattern procedures and noise-sensitive departure routings.
Seasonal & Operational Factors
Atlanta's subtropical climate brings reliable VFR weather in spring and fall, frequent late-afternoon convective thunderstorms in summer (peaking 2–6 PM), and occasional winter IFR from freezing rain. The 1,003-foot elevation makes density altitude only a minor warm-weather factor. Morning departures generally offer the smoothest conditions and best aircraft performance.
Regional Context
PDK anchors a dense cluster of Atlanta-area GA fields, including Fulton County–Brown Field (FTY), Cobb County–McCollum (RYY), and Dobbins ARB (MGE), with Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL) roughly 15 NM south. Traffic peaks around Masters Tournament week in April (Augusta-bound flights), SEC football weekends, and the holidays, with steady corporate demand year-round.