McCreary County Airport (18I)

Current Conditions at K18I

McCreary County Airport, Pine Knot, KY

Airport Overview

The Pine Knot, KY region is served by McCreary County Airport (K18I), a public-use airport at 1,370 feet elevation. Runway infrastructure includes 1 strip(s); the primary surface extends 2,999 feet (N/A). Operators and private travelers use McCreary County Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav K18I.

Private Aviation Briefing

K18I is the identifier for McCreary County Airport, serving Pine Knot at 1,370 ft MSL elevation. Operators, passengers, and dispatchers should note the following details for flight planning and charter operations.

U.S. General Aviation Context

McCreary County Airport 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 Pine Knot to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near K18I for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

McCreary County Airport's 2999-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 K18I's runway.

Charter Considerations

Ground transportation at McCreary County Airport is a factor in total travel time. Private aviation eliminates the commercial terminal experience, but the drive from K18I 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 McCreary County Airport 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 K18I.

Safety & Planning

Flight planning from McCreary County Airport accounts for current NOTAMs, TFRs, and airspace restrictions. Pilots operating from K18I 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 McCreary County Airport directly impacts charter pricing. Airports with more locally based jets generate lower positioning costs. If K18I 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 McCreary County Airport. Thunderstorm activity typically builds after 2:00 PM local time, potentially delaying departures from K18I. Morning flights on this corridor routinely depart on schedule. The Jet Finder recommends morning departures when schedule certainty matters.

Location & Address

McCreary County Airport occupies coordinates 36.6955° N, -84.3913° W at 1,370 feet above sea level. FBO-arranged car service or rideshare connects passengers from McCreary County Airport to Pine Knot and surrounding areas efficiently.

Runways & Facilities

The 2,999-foot runway at McCreary County Airport 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

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

Charter a Jet from McCreary County Airport

Private charter from K18I starts with a single call. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at K18I with the right aircraft for your route.

Fly Private from K18I

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from McCreary County Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to K18I's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	McCreary County Airport
ICAO Code	K18I
IATA Code	18I
FAA Identifier	18I
Address	Pine Knot, KY
Elevation	1,370 ft MSL
Coordinates	36.6955° N, 84.3913° W
FAA Data	AirNav 18I

Operations & Facilities
Runways	04/22: 2,999 ft (ASPH-G)
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

McCreary County Airport's 1,370-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 3,170 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 2,999-foot runway provides approximately 2,876 feet of effective sea-level performance.

McCreary County 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 McCreary County Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Carr Airport

72KY · 10 NM from K18I

Williamsburg Whitley County Airport

KBYL · 11 NM from K18I

Scott Municipal Airport

KSCX · 17 NM from K18I

Campbell County Airport – Colonel Tommy C Stiner Airfield

KJAU · 24 NM from K18I

Frequently Asked Questions

The ICAO identifier for McCreary County Airport is K18I. The FAA designator is also K18I. Use this code when filing flight plans and referencing the airport in official communications.

You will find McCreary County Airport near Pine Knot, KY. The geographic position is 36.6955° N, 84.3913° W, at an elevation of 1,370 feet MSL.

The airport features 1 runway(s). Runway 04/22 is the primary strip at 2,999 feet (ASPH-G surface).

McCreary County Airport (K18I) is open to private jet traffic. The primary runway offers 2,999 feet. Whether a specific aircraft type can operate depends on its takeoff/landing requirements relative to field conditions.

For FBO information at McCreary County Airport, visit airnav.com/airport/K18I or contact the airport office. Service levels vary; pre-arrival coordination is recommended for special requirements.

McCreary County Airport has a field elevation of 1,370 feet above mean sea level. This affects aircraft performance calculations, particularly during hot weather when density altitude increases.

For approach data at McCreary County Airport, reference the AirNav entry for K18I or the FAA's digital Terminal Procedures. Approach type and minimums vary by facility.

Private charter from K18I is available through The Jet Finder. We connect clients with FAA-certificated Part 135 operators. Pricing depends on aircraft type, destination, and scheduling.

Aircraft suitability at K18I depends on the 2,999-foot runway. Standard GA traffic — pistons, turboprops, light jets — operates without special considerations. Larger aircraft should confirm runway adequacy before flight planning.

Tower status at K18I: check the current A/FD entry. If non-towered, McCreary County Airport uses CTAF for traffic coordination. Pilots should announce intentions on the appropriate frequency.

McCreary County Airport (K18I) 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.

International operations from McCreary County Airport require U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance. Some airports arrange CBP on-call or by appointment. Contact K18I and The Jet Finder for international flight planning.

Current conditions at K18I: check METAR/TAF on aviationweather.gov or your EFB. McCreary County Airport is subject to KY's regional weather, which may include convective activity, low ceilings, or seasonal wind patterns.

McCreary County Airport is located in Pine Knot, KY. 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 K18I.

Transient aircraft parking at K18I is available through the on-field operator. McCreary County Airport typically provides tiedown space on the ramp. Hangar availability and rates vary — inquire before arrival.

Get a quote for private charter from K18I: visit thejetfinder.com/contact.html or call directly. Share your itinerary and passenger details. We handle aircraft sourcing from McCreary County Airport to your destination.

Ready to Fly from 18I?

Experience the difference of private aviation at McCreary County Airport.

McCreary County Airport (K18I)