Putty Ranch Airport (TA78)

Current Conditions at KTA78

Putty Ranch Airport, Hico, TX

Airport Overview

The Hico, TX region is served by Putty Ranch Airport (TA78), a public-use airport at 1,143 feet elevation. Runway infrastructure includes 1 strip(s); the primary surface extends 3,500 feet (N/A). Operators and private travelers use Putty Ranch Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav TA78.

Private Aviation Briefing

Putty Ranch Airport (TA78) serves Hico at 1,143 ft MSL elevation. This briefing covers the private aviation considerations for operators, passengers, and flight departments using this facility.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Putty Ranch 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 Hico to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near TA78 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

At 3500 feet, Putty Ranch 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 TA78's runway length and 1,143 ft MSL elevation.

Charter Considerations

Ground transportation at Putty Ranch Airport is a factor in total travel time. Private aviation eliminates the commercial terminal experience, but the drive from TA78 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 Putty Ranch 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 TA78.

Safety & Planning

Flight planning from Putty Ranch Airport accounts for current NOTAMs, TFRs, and airspace restrictions. Pilots operating from TA78 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 Putty Ranch Airport directly impacts charter pricing. Airports with more locally based jets generate lower positioning costs. If TA78 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 Putty Ranch Airport. Thunderstorm activity typically builds after 2:00 PM local time, potentially delaying departures from TA78. Morning flights on this corridor routinely depart on schedule. The Jet Finder recommends morning departures when schedule certainty matters.

Location & Address

Geographically, Putty Ranch Airport (TA78) is located at 31.9714° N, -98.0634° W near Hico, TX. Ground transportation from TA78 to Hico proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

Putty Ranch Airport's 3,500-foot runway accommodates turboprops, very light jets, and most light jet categories (Citation CJ series, Phenom 100/300, Premier I). Some midsize jets can operate under light-load conditions. Pilots should calculate performance based on temperature, elevation, and aircraft weight.

FBOs & Ground Services

For ground services at Putty Ranch Airport (TA78), 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 Putty Ranch Airport

Private charter from TA78 starts with a single call. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at TA78 with the right aircraft for your route.

Fly Private from TA78

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Putty Ranch Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to TA78's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Putty Ranch Airport
ICAO Code	TA78
IATA Code	TA78
FAA Identifier	TA78
Address	Hico, TX
Elevation	1,143 ft MSL
Coordinates	31.9714° N, 98.0634° W
FAA Data	AirNav TA78

Operations & Facilities
Runways	17/35: 3,500 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

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

Putty Ranch Airport's 1,143-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 2,943 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 3,500-foot runway provides approximately 3,380 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Subtropical conditions at Putty Ranch 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 Putty Ranch Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Dublin Municipal Airport

K9F0 · 15 NM from TA78

Flat Top Ranch Airport

74TE · 15 NM from TA78

Muxworthy Airport

1TX6 · 16 NM from TA78

Clark Field Municipal Airport

KSEP · 16 NM from TA78

Frequently Asked Questions

Putty Ranch Airport carries the identifier TA78. This code is used in FAA databases, flight planning systems, and air traffic control communications for operations at this airport.

Located in Hico, TX, Putty Ranch Airport has coordinates of 31.9714° N, 98.0634° W. Airport elevation: 1,143 feet MSL. The field is accessible from the local road network.

Runway 17/35 is the main strip at Putty Ranch Airport, providing 3,500 feet of ASP runway. The airport has 1 total runway(s).

Yes, Putty Ranch Airport accepts private aviation traffic. With 3,500 feet of available runway, light jets and many midsize jets can operate here under standard conditions. Consult aircraft performance charts for heavier categories.

Putty Ranch Airport (TA78) 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 Putty Ranch Airport is 1,143 feet MSL. Pilots should factor this into takeoff and landing performance calculations, especially during summer operations.

Instrument approach availability at Putty Ranch Airport depends on the facility's current FAA designation. Check the Terminal Procedures Publication or ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot for published approaches at TA78.

To arrange a charter from TA78, reach The Jet Finder at thejetfinder.com/contact.html. Share your routing, dates, and party size. We coordinate everything from aircraft selection to ground transportation.

Aircraft suitability at TA78 depends on the 3,500-foot runway. Standard GA traffic — pistons, turboprops, light jets — operates without special considerations. Larger aircraft should confirm runway adequacy before flight planning.

Putty Ranch Airport's tower status and radio frequencies are published in the Airport/Facility Directory. AirNav (airnav.com/airport/TA78) also lists current frequency assignments.

Putty Ranch Airport (TA78) 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 flight planning from TA78 requires CBP coordination. Putty Ranch Airport may or may not have on-field customs services. The Jet Finder can identify the nearest CBP-equipped airport and handle logistics.

Real-time weather for Putty Ranch Airport (TA78) is available through METAR reports on aviationweather.gov. TX experiences varied conditions throughout the year — plan accordingly for seasonal weather events.

TA78 provides access to Hico, TX. Ground transfer time from Putty Ranch Airport to local destinations is generally efficient. The airport's GA-specific environment means no terminal queues — just a direct walk from ramp to vehicle.

Parking options at TA78 include ramp tiedowns and potentially hangar space. Availability and pricing are set by the on-field operator at Putty Ranch Airport. Pre-arrival coordination is recommended for overnight stays.

Request a charter quote from TA78 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 TA78?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Putty Ranch Airport.