Airport Overview
The Fort Hood, TX region is served by Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip (23XS), a public-use airport at 720 feet elevation. The field maintains 1 runway(s), with the longest measuring 2,200 feet on N/A surface. Operators and private travelers use Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav 23XS.
Private Aviation Briefing
Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip provides general aviation access to the Fort Hood area. The field sits at 720 ft MSL MSL. Here is the charter and operational briefing for 23XS.
U.S. General Aviation Context
Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip 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 Fort Hood to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near 23XS for on-demand charter.
Runway Capability
Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip's 2200-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 23XS's runway.
Charter Considerations
Charter availability from Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip 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 23XS.
What to Know Before You Fly
Pets fly in-cabin on private charter from Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip. 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 23XS.
Safety & Planning
Aircraft operating from Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip 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 23XS 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 Fort Hood, Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip 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 Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip 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 23XS.
Location & Address
Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip occupies coordinates 31.3607° N, -97.6729° W at 720 feet above sea level. FBO-arranged car service or rideshare connects passengers from Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip to Fort Hood and surrounding areas efficiently.
Runways & Facilities
At 2,200 feet, Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip's runway accommodates piston singles and light turboprops. Jet operations are not practical at this field length. Pilots flying larger aircraft should plan for a nearby airport with more runway.
FBOs & Ground Services
For ground services at Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip (23XS), 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 Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip
Private charter from 23XS starts with a single call. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at 23XS with the right aircraft for your route.
Fly Private from 23XS
The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Shorthorn Auxiliary Landing Strip. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 23XS's runway and facilities.
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