Old Reb Airport (5XS6)

Current Conditions at K5XS6

Old Reb Airport, Mercedes, TX

Airport Overview

The Mercedes, TX region is served by Old Reb Airport (5XS6), a public-use airport at 60 feet elevation. The airfield offers 1 runway(s) — 3,000 feet on the primary strip — for private and corporate traffic. Operators and private travelers use Old Reb Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav 5XS6.

Private Aviation Briefing

Old Reb Airport (5XS6) serves Mercedes at 60 ft MSL elevation. This briefing covers the private aviation considerations for operators, passengers, and flight departments using this facility.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Old Reb Airport is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a TX facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Mercedes to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near 5XS6 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

Old Reb Airport's 3000-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 5XS6's runway.

Charter Considerations

Charter availability from Old Reb Airport 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 5XS6.

What to Know Before You Fly

Pets fly in-cabin on private charter from Old Reb Airport. 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 5XS6.

Safety & Planning

Aircraft operating from Old Reb Airport 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 5XS6 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 Mercedes, Old Reb Airport 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 Old Reb Airport 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 5XS6.

Location & Address

Old Reb Airport is positioned at coordinates 26.1754° N, -97.8753° W, at 60 feet above mean sea level. Ground transportation from 5XS6 to Mercedes proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

The 3,000-foot runway at Old Reb 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

Aircraft services at 5XS6 are handled by the airport's fixed base operation. Standard general aviation services — fuel, parking, aircraft positioning — are typically available during operating hours. Contact Old Reb Airport directly for current service hours, fuel pricing, and hangar availability.

Charter a Jet from Old Reb Airport

Private charter from 5XS6 starts with a single call. Pricing from 5XS6 depends on aircraft type, distance, and availability. Contact us for a quote tailored to your routing and schedule.

Fly Private from 5XS6

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Old Reb Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 5XS6's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Old Reb Airport
ICAO Code	5XS6
IATA Code	5XS6
FAA Identifier	5XS6
Address	Mercedes, TX
Elevation	60 ft MSL
Coordinates	26.1754° N, 97.8753° W
FAA Data	AirNav 5XS6

Operations & Facilities
Runways	12/30: 3,000 ft (ASPH-TURF-F)
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

Texas has more airports than any other state. The state's vast distances make GA practical transportation. Regional conditions vary from Gulf Coast humidity to West Texas desert to Panhandle weather.

Operational Considerations

Old Reb Airport's 60-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 1,860 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 3,000-foot runway provides approximately 2,995 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Subtropical conditions at Old Reb Airport mean warm temperatures dominate year-round. The primary weather challenge is convective: afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly during the warm season, often reaching maturity between 14:00 and 18:00 local time. Morning departures (before 10:00 local) consistently provide the smoothest, clearest conditions. Haze and humidity can reduce visibility below VFR minimums without obvious cloud formation. The cooler months offer the most reliable flying weather.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of Old Reb Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Mid Valley Airport

KTXW · 5 NM from 5XS6

Shofner Farms Airport

2TS2 · 8 NM from 5XS6

Valley International Airport

KHRL · 12 NM from 5XS6

Mid-Valley Dusters Inc Airport

43TX · 14 NM from 5XS6

Frequently Asked Questions

Old Reb Airport carries the identifier 5XS6. This code is used in FAA databases, flight planning systems, and air traffic control communications for operations at this airport.

Located in Mercedes, TX, Old Reb Airport has coordinates of 26.1754° N, 97.8753° W. Airport elevation: 60 feet MSL. The field is accessible from the local road network.

The airport features 1 runway(s). Runway 12/30 is the primary strip at 3,000 feet (ASPH-TURF-F surface).

5XS6 supports private jet operations. The 3,000-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.

The FBO at Old Reb Airport handles fuel, parking, and ground coordination for arriving aircraft. Visit AirNav for current operator contact information at 5XS6. Pre-arrival calls are advisable.

Field elevation at 5XS6: 60 feet above mean sea level. This figure appears in the Airport/Facility Directory and should be used for all performance computations at Old Reb Airport.

Approach procedures at 5XS6 are published in the FAA's instrument approach plates. Consult current charts for the latest procedure information at Old Reb Airport. RNAV and conventional approaches may be available depending on the facility.

Contact The Jet Finder for charter availability from Old Reb Airport (5XS6). Provide your destination, travel dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 5XS6's runway and facilities.

Aircraft types at Old Reb Airport are limited by the 3,000-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.

For tower and radio frequency information at Old Reb Airport, consult the Airport/Facility Directory or AirNav entry for 5XS6. Non-towered fields use CTAF/UNICOM for traffic advisories.

Old Reb Airport (5XS6) 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.

Flying internationally from Old Reb Airport? CBP clearance is mandatory. Whether 5XS6 has on-field customs depends on the facility. Nearby airports with customs capability may be a better option — contact The Jet Finder for routing advice.

Real-time weather for Old Reb Airport (5XS6) is available through METAR reports on aviationweather.gov. TX experiences varied conditions throughout the year — plan accordingly for seasonal weather events.

Transit from Old Reb Airport to Mercedes proper is typically a short ground drive. The exact distance depends on your destination within the Mercedes area. Private aviation eliminates the hour+ that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Aircraft parking at Old Reb Airport (5XS6) typically includes tiedown space and may include hangar availability. Rates vary by facility. Contact the FBO or airport manager for current parking options.

Get a quote for private charter from 5XS6: visit thejetfinder.com/contact.html or call directly. Share your itinerary and passenger details. We handle aircraft sourcing from Old Reb Airport to your destination.

Ready to Fly from 5XS6?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Old Reb Airport.