Foster Field (IL28)

Current Conditions at KIL28

Foster Field, Apple River, IL

Airport Overview

The Apple River, IL region is served by Foster Field (IL28), a public-use airport at 990 feet elevation. Runway infrastructure includes 1 strip(s); the primary surface extends 2,996 feet (N/A). Operators and private travelers use Foster Field for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav IL28.

Private Aviation Briefing

Foster Field (IL28) serves Apple River at 990 ft MSL elevation. This briefing covers the private aviation considerations for operators, passengers, and flight departments using this facility.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Foster Field is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a IL facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Apple River to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near IL28 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

Foster Field's 2996-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 IL28's runway.

Charter Considerations

Ground transportation at Foster Field is a factor in total travel time. Private aviation eliminates the commercial terminal experience, but the drive from IL28 to your final destination determines the true door-to-door advantage. FBOs at most airports offer car service coordination, rental car delivery to the ramp, and concierge ground transportation for arriving passengers.

What to Know Before You Fly

Fuel pricing varies significantly between airports and FBOs. Jet-A at Foster Field may cost $5.50 to $10.00 per gallon depending on the FBO. On shorter flights, fuel cost is a minor component. On longer legs, the price difference between FBOs adds up. The Jet Finder factors fuel cost into charter quotes to ensure accurate pricing from IL28.

Safety & Planning

Flight planning from Foster Field accounts for current NOTAMs, TFRs, and airspace restrictions. Pilots operating from IL28 check published notices before every departure. Temporary flight restrictions near stadiums, presidential movements, and military operations can affect routing and timing. The Jet Finder monitors these factors and communicates schedule impacts proactively.

Airport Selection Strategy

Based aircraft availability at Foster Field directly impacts charter pricing. Airports with more locally based jets generate lower positioning costs. If IL28 has limited based aircraft, the charter operator repositions from the nearest base, adding 30 to 60 minutes of flight time at the hourly rate. The Jet Finder identifies the closest available aircraft to minimize this cost.

Seasonal Factors

Convective weather season (May through September) impacts afternoon scheduling reliability at Foster Field. Thunderstorm activity typically builds after 2:00 PM local time, potentially delaying departures from IL28. Morning flights on this corridor routinely depart on schedule. The Jet Finder recommends morning departures when schedule certainty matters.

Location & Address

Foster Field is positioned at coordinates 42.4664° N, -90.1694° W, at 990 feet above mean sea level. Ground transportation from IL28 to Apple River proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

The 2,996-foot runway at Foster Field 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

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

Charter a Jet from Foster Field

Private charter from IL28 starts with a single call. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at IL28 with the right aircraft for your route.

Fly Private from IL28

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Foster Field. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to IL28's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Foster Field
ICAO Code	IL28
IATA Code	IL28
FAA Identifier	IL28
Address	Apple River, IL
Elevation	990 ft MSL
Coordinates	42.4664° N, 90.1694° W
FAA Data	AirNav IL28

Operations & Facilities
Runways	18/36: 2,996 ft (ASP)
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

Illinois sits at the intersection of several major airways and jet routes. The state's GA airports provide alternatives to O'Hare and Midway for time-sensitive travelers.

Operational Considerations

Foster Field's 990-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 2,790 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 2,996-foot runway provides approximately 2,907 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Foster Field'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 Foster Field. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Platteville Municipal Airport

KPVB · 18 NM from IL28

Dubuque Regional Airport

KDBQ · 24 NM from IL28

Iowa County Airport

KMRJ · 25 NM from IL28

Tri Township Airport

KSFY · 25 NM from IL28

Frequently Asked Questions

The ICAO identifier for Foster Field is IL28. The FAA designator is also IL28. Use this code when filing flight plans and referencing the airport in official communications.

You will find Foster Field near Apple River, IL. The geographic position is 42.4664° N, 90.1694° W, at an elevation of 990 feet MSL.

Foster Field operates 1 runway(s). 18/36 is the longest at 2,996 feet on ASP. Aircraft performance planning should account for field elevation of 990 feet.

IL28 supports private jet operations. The 2,996-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.

For FBO information at Foster Field, visit airnav.com/airport/IL28 or contact the airport office. Service levels vary; pre-arrival coordination is recommended for special requirements.

990 feet MSL. Foster Field's elevation is a consideration for performance planning. Standard atmospheric deviations can push density altitude higher than field elevation on warm days.

Instrument approach availability at Foster Field depends on the facility's current FAA designation. Check the Terminal Procedures Publication or ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot for published approaches at IL28.

The Jet Finder arranges private charter from Foster Field (IL28). Tell us where you need to go, when, and how many passengers. We handle the aircraft sourcing, operator vetting, and logistics.

The 2,996-foot runway at IL28 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.

Foster Field's tower status and radio frequencies are published in the Airport/Facility Directory. AirNav (airnav.com/airport/IL28) also lists current frequency assignments.

Fuel types and pricing at Foster Field are subject to change. Contact the airport or its FBO for current Jet-A and 100LL availability. AirNav lists recent fuel prices reported by pilots.

International operations from Foster Field require U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance. Some airports arrange CBP on-call or by appointment. Contact IL28 and The Jet Finder for international flight planning.

Real-time weather for Foster Field (IL28) is available through METAR reports on aviationweather.gov. IL experiences varied conditions throughout the year — plan accordingly for seasonal weather events.

Foster Field is located in Apple River, IL. 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 IL28.

Foster Field offers aircraft parking for visiting and based aircraft. Tiedown and hangar rates at IL28 should be confirmed directly with the airport. Overnight parking may require advance arrangement.

To price a charter flight from Foster Field (IL28), contact The Jet Finder with your route, dates, and number of passengers. We provide all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees. Direct operator access.

Ready to Fly from IL28?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Foster Field.