Lucas Field (79KY)

Current Conditions at K79KY

Lucas Field, Nicholasville, KY

Airport Overview

Located in KY, Lucas Field (79KY) serves as a general aviation point of entry for the Nicholasville area. The airfield offers 1 runway(s) — 5,488 feet on the primary strip — for private and corporate traffic. Private and corporate operators value Lucas Field for efficient departures without commercial terminal congestion. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav 79KY.

Private Aviation Briefing

79KY is the identifier for Lucas Field, serving Nicholasville at 906 ft MSL elevation. Operators, passengers, and dispatchers should note the following details for flight planning and charter operations.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Lucas Field is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a KY facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Nicholasville to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near 79KY for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

5488 feet of runway at Lucas Field supports light jets through most super-midsize jets. Aircraft like the Phenom 300, Citation XLS, Challenger 350, and Gulfstream G280 operate comfortably from 79KY. Heavy jets (Gulfstream G550/G650, Global Express) require performance calculations accounting for temperature, weight, and field elevation before committing to this runway length.

Charter Considerations

Charter availability from Lucas Field 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 79KY.

What to Know Before You Fly

Pets fly in-cabin on private charter from Lucas Field. 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 79KY.

Safety & Planning

Aircraft operating from Lucas Field 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 79KY 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 Nicholasville, Lucas Field 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 Lucas Field 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 79KY.

Location & Address

Lucas Field is positioned at coordinates 37.8713° N, -84.6105° W, at 906 feet above mean sea level. Ground transportation from 79KY to Nicholasville proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

With 5,488 feet of runway, Lucas Field 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

For ground services at Lucas Field (79KY), contact the airport office or on-field operator. Available services may include tiedowns, fuel, and basic ground handling. Larger aircraft or special handling requests should be arranged in advance to ensure availability.

Charter a Jet from Lucas Field

Departing Nicholasville by private jet means using Lucas Field (79KY) instead of fighting commercial terminals. The Jet Finder connects you with charter aircraft suited to 79KY's runway capabilities and your mission requirements. No markup. Direct operator access.

Fly Private from 79KY

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Lucas Field. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 79KY's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Lucas Field
ICAO Code	79KY
IATA Code	79KY
FAA Identifier	79KY
Address	Nicholasville, KY
Elevation	906 ft MSL
Coordinates	37.8713° N, 84.6105° W
FAA Data	AirNav 79KY

Operations & Facilities
Runways	09/27: 5,488 ft (CONC)
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

Kentucky's GA network supports the thoroughbred industry, bourbon tourism, and Louisville's logistics hub. Rolling terrain and variable weather make instrument currency valuable.

Operational Considerations

Lucas Field's 906-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 2,706 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 5,488-foot runway provides approximately 5,339 feet of effective sea-level performance.

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

Blue Grass Airport

KLEX · 10 NM from 79KY

Coal Field

64KY · 15 NM from 79KY

Stuart Powell Field

KDVK · 19 NM from 79KY

Central Kentucky Regional Airport

KRGA · 20 NM from 79KY

Frequently Asked Questions

The airport code for Lucas Field is 79KY. This identifier appears on sectional charts, in the Airport/Facility Directory, and in electronic flight planning tools.

You will find Lucas Field near Nicholasville, KY. The geographic position is 37.8713° N, 84.6105° W, at an elevation of 906 feet MSL.

The airport features 1 runway(s). Runway 09/27 is the primary strip at 5,488 feet (CONC surface).

Lucas Field (79KY) is open to private jet traffic. The primary runway offers 5,488 feet. Whether a specific aircraft type can operate depends on its takeoff/landing requirements relative to field conditions.

Lucas Field (79KY) offers ground services through its FBO. Standard services include fuel, parking, and aircraft handling. Check with the facility for after-hours availability and current fuel pricing.

The airport elevation at Lucas Field is 906 feet MSL. Pilots should factor this into takeoff and landing performance calculations, especially during summer operations.

For approach data at Lucas Field, reference the AirNav entry for 79KY or the FAA's digital Terminal Procedures. Approach type and minimums vary by facility.

Contact The Jet Finder for charter availability from Lucas Field (79KY). Provide your destination, travel dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 79KY's runway and facilities.

The 5,488-foot runway at 79KY 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.

Tower status at 79KY: check the current A/FD entry. If non-towered, Lucas Field uses CTAF for traffic coordination. Pilots should announce intentions on the appropriate frequency.

Confirm fuel availability at 79KY before arrival. Lucas Field may offer 100LL, Jet-A, or both. Pricing is set by the FBO. AirNav provides crowd-sourced fuel price reports from visiting pilots.

International operations from Lucas Field require U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance. Some airports arrange CBP on-call or by appointment. Contact 79KY and The Jet Finder for international flight planning.

Real-time weather for Lucas Field (79KY) is available through METAR reports on aviationweather.gov. KY experiences varied conditions throughout the year — plan accordingly for seasonal weather events.

79KY provides access to Nicholasville, KY. Ground transfer time from Lucas Field to local destinations is generally efficient. The airport's GA-specific environment means no terminal queues — just a direct walk from ramp to vehicle.

Transient aircraft parking at 79KY is available through the on-field operator. Lucas Field typically provides tiedown space on the ramp. Hangar availability and rates vary — inquire before arrival.

Request a charter quote from 79KY through The Jet Finder. Provide departure date, destination, passenger count, and luggage requirements. We source availability from multiple Part 135 operators for competitive pricing.

Ready to Fly from 79KY?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Lucas Field.