Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport (GDW)

Current Conditions at KGDW

Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport, Gladwin, MI

Airport Overview

Located in MI, Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport (KGDW) serves as a general aviation point of entry for the Gladwin area. The airfield offers 2 runway(s) — 4,699 feet on the primary strip — for private and corporate traffic. Private and corporate operators value Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport for efficient departures without commercial terminal congestion. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KGDW.

Private Aviation Briefing

KGDW is the identifier for Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport, serving Gladwin at 776 ft MSL elevation. Operators, passengers, and dispatchers should note the following details for flight planning and charter operations.

U.S. General Aviation Context

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

Runway Capability

At 4699 feet, Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport serves light jets and turboprops. The Citation CJ series, Phenom 100, HondaJet, and King Air family operate within this runway capability. Midsize jets require careful performance analysis based on temperature and aircraft weight. Pilots should reference aircraft-specific takeoff and landing distance charts for KGDW's runway length and 776 ft MSL elevation.

Charter Considerations

Peak travel periods affect aircraft availability and pricing near Gladwin. Holiday weekends, major events, and seasonal migration patterns drive demand. Booking 7 to 14 days ahead of peak periods secures better aircraft selection and pricing from KGDW. Last-minute charter is possible but typically costs 15 to 30% more due to limited positioning options.

What to Know Before You Fly

Weather at Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport affects scheduling reliability. IFR-equipped aircraft and instrument-rated crews fly in most weather conditions, but low ceilings, thunderstorms, and winter ice can delay departures. Flexible scheduling improves reliability. Morning departures generally encounter better weather than afternoon flights, particularly during convective season.

Safety & Planning

Instrument approach availability at Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport determines minimum weather for arrival. Airports with ILS approaches allow lower minimums than GPS-only fields. If KGDW has limited approach options, weather alternate planning becomes critical. The Jet Finder identifies suitable alternate airports and factors this into flight planning for charter from Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport.

Airport Selection Strategy

Choosing Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport over a larger commercial hub near Gladwin often reduces total travel time. General aviation airports like KGDW eliminate terminal congestion, commercial airline scheduling, and the 90-minute early arrival buffer. The net time savings on a typical trip can exceed three hours each direction.

Seasonal Factors

Seasonal demand patterns affect charter availability and pricing from Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport. Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break) see 40 to 60% price increases due to demand spikes. Summer leisure travel and winter ski season create directional imbalances that generate empty leg opportunities. Planning around these patterns saves significantly on charter from KGDW.

Location & Address

Geographically, Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport (KGDW) is located at 43.9706° N, -84.4750° W near Gladwin, MI. FBO-arranged car service or rideshare connects passengers from Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport to Gladwin and surrounding areas efficiently.

Runways & Facilities

With 4,699 feet of runway, Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport supports all light jets and most midsize jets (Citation XLS, Learjet 45/60, Hawker 800). Super-midsize jets may operate under favorable weight and weather conditions. Heavy jets typically require longer fields.

FBOs & Ground Services

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

Charter a Jet from Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport

The Jet Finder arranges private flights from Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport (KGDW) in Gladwin, MI. Pricing from KGDW depends on aircraft type, distance, and availability. Contact us for a quote tailored to your routing and schedule.

Fly Private from KGDW

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

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport
ICAO Code	KGDW
IATA Code	GDW
FAA Identifier	GDW
Address	Gladwin, MI
Elevation	776 ft MSL
Coordinates	43.9706° N, 84.4750° W
FAA Data	AirNav GDW

Operations & Facilities
Runways	09/27: 4,699 ft (ASP) 15/33: 2,580 ft (GRS)
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

Michigan's Great Lakes geography creates unique weather patterns including lake-effect snow and fog. The state's automotive industry drives consistent corporate aviation demand.

Operational Considerations

Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport's 776-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 2,576 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 4,699-foot runway provides approximately 4,590 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Gladwin Zettel 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.

Two runways at Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport provide crosswind flexibility. When the primary runway's crosswind component exceeds aircraft limitations, the secondary runway typically offers a more favorable alignment. Runway selection should account for wind, obstacle clearance, and any published procedures.

Nearby Airports

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

Clare Municipal Airport

K48D · 14 NM from KGDW

Clare County Airport

K80D · 15 NM from KGDW

Midland Barstow Airport

KIKW · 20 NM from KGDW

West Branch Community Airport

KY31 · 21 NM from KGDW

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport is situated in Gladwin, MI, at coordinates 43.9706° N, 84.4750° W. Field elevation is 776 feet above mean sea level.

The airport features 2 runway(s). Runway 09/27 is the primary strip at 4,699 feet (ASP surface).

Yes, Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport accepts private aviation traffic. With 4,699 feet of available runway, light jets and many midsize jets can operate here under standard conditions. Consult aircraft performance charts for heavier categories.

For FBO information at Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport, visit airnav.com/airport/KGDW or contact the airport office. Service levels vary; pre-arrival coordination is recommended for special requirements.

Field elevation at KGDW: 776 feet above mean sea level. This figure appears in the Airport/Facility Directory and should be used for all performance computations at Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport.

For approach data at Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport, reference the AirNav entry for KGDW or the FAA's digital Terminal Procedures. Approach type and minimums vary by facility.

The Jet Finder arranges private charter from Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport (KGDW). Tell us where you need to go, when, and how many passengers. We handle the aircraft sourcing, operator vetting, and logistics.

Aircraft types at Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport are limited by the 4,699-foot runway. Light jets (Citation CJ series, Phenom 100/300), turboprops (King Air, PC-12), and piston singles operate without issues. Larger jets require performance verification.

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

Confirm fuel availability at KGDW before arrival. Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport may offer 100LL, Jet-A, or both. Pricing is set by the FBO. AirNav provides crowd-sourced fuel price reports from visiting pilots.

For international departures or arrivals at KGDW, CBP services are required. Availability depends on the facility. Some airports in the region may offer more convenient customs access. The Jet Finder can advise on the best routing.

Weather at Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport varies seasonally. For current METAR and TAF reports, check aviationweather.gov using identifier KGDW. MI weather patterns can include seasonal precipitation, fog, and convective activity.

Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport is located in Gladwin, MI. 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 KGDW.

Aircraft parking at Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport (KGDW) typically includes tiedown space and may include hangar availability. Rates vary by facility. Contact the FBO or airport manager for current parking options.

For a flight quote from Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport (KGDW), contact The Jet Finder at thejetfinder.com/contact.html. Include your destination, dates, passenger count, and any special requirements. We respond with operator options and pricing.

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Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport (KGDW)