Airport Overview & History
University of Oklahoma Westheimer Airport (KOUN/OUN), commonly called Max Westheimer Airport, is a public-use, university-owned field on the northwest side of Norman, about 3 miles from downtown. The U.S. Navy took over the field in 1941, expanding it as Naval Air Station Norman for wartime training before it returned to the University of Oklahoma after the war. Today it supports OU's flight training, general aviation, and light business-jet traffic for the Norman and south Oklahoma City market.
Runway Capability
The airport has two asphalt runways: 18/36 at 5,199 feet (grooved) and 3/21 at 4,748 feet. The 5,199-foot primary runway supports light and midsize business jets in most conditions, alongside the heavy piston and turboprop training traffic typical of a university field. Operators of larger-cabin or long-range jets should run performance numbers for weight, temperature, and the 1,182-foot elevation before committing.
FBO & Ground Services
Cruise Aviation is the single on-field FBO and has served Max Westheimer for more than 30 years. It provides full-service Jet-A and 100LL fueling, ground handling, parking, and tiedowns. There is no on-site U.S. Customs, so international itineraries clear at a port-of-entry field such as Will Rogers World Airport (OKC).
Charter Considerations
KOUN places travelers within minutes of the University of Oklahoma campus and downtown Norman, avoiding the drive from Oklahoma City. Because based traffic skews toward training and GA aircraft, charter jets are typically repositioned in. The Jet Finder compares positioning costs against nearby Will Rogers World Airport (OKC), which has more based jet capacity, to find the most efficient option for your mission.
Safety & Planning
Max Westheimer is a towered airport (118.0), generally staffed about 0600-2200, with CTAF used outside tower hours. Approaches include an ILS/DME and RNAV (GPS) to Runway 18 plus a localizer/DME and RNAV to Runway 3. Part 135 charter flights normally operate IFR, giving ATC separation and structured routing even in clear weather.
Seasonal & Operational Factors
Central Oklahoma sits in Tornado Alley, and spring and early-summer convective weather is the dominant planning concern, with thunderstorms and strong gusty winds most common in late afternoon. The crossing runways help manage crosswinds. Winter brings occasional frontal passages and freezing precipitation that can require de-icing; morning departures often find the calmest, clearest conditions.
Regional Context
KOUN is one of several fields serving greater Oklahoma City. Will Rogers World Airport (KOKC) lies about 11 NM north with longer runways, customs, and broader jet support, while Wiley Post (KPWA) and Sundance (KHSD) serve the north metro. For Norman, OU, and south-metro trips, Max Westheimer is the closest and most convenient option for light and midsize jets.