William M Tuck Airport (W78) | Private Aviation

Current Conditions at KW78

William M Tuck Airport, South Boston, VA

Airport Overview

The South Boston, VA region is served by William M Tuck Airport (KW78), a public-use airport at 420 feet elevation. The field maintains 2 runway(s), with the longest measuring 4,011 feet on N/A surface. Operators and private travelers use William M Tuck Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KW78.

Private Aviation Briefing

Located near South Boston, William M Tuck Airport (KW78) sits at 420 ft MSL above sea level. Below is the operational context for private jet and charter operations from this airport.

U.S. General Aviation Context

William M Tuck Airport is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a VA facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting South Boston to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near KW78 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

At 4011 feet, William M Tuck 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 KW78's runway length and 420 ft MSL elevation.

Charter Considerations

Charter availability from William M Tuck 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 KW78.

What to Know Before You Fly

Pets fly in-cabin on private charter from William M Tuck 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 KW78.

Safety & Planning

Aircraft operating from William M Tuck 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 KW78 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 South Boston, William M Tuck 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 William M Tuck 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 KW78.

Location & Address

William M Tuck Airport is positioned at coordinates 36.7100° N, -78.8480° W, at 420 feet above mean sea level. Ground transportation from KW78 to South Boston proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

William M Tuck Airport's 4,011-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

Ground services at William M Tuck Airport are available through the on-field FBO or airport management. Services typically include aircraft parking, tiedowns, and fuel coordination. For current FBO contact information and service availability at KW78, consult AirNav or contact the airport directly.

Charter a Jet from William M Tuck Airport

Private charter from KW78 starts with a single call. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at KW78 with the right aircraft for your route.

Fly Private from KW78

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from William M Tuck Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KW78's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	William M Tuck Airport
ICAO Code	KW78
IATA Code	W78
FAA Identifier	W78
Address	South Boston, VA
Elevation	420 ft MSL
Coordinates	36.7100° N, 78.8480° W
FAA Data	AirNav W78

Operations & Facilities
Runways	01/19: 4,011 ft (ASP) 05/23: 2,700 ft (GRS)
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

Virginia's GA infrastructure operates around Washington, D.C.'s restricted airspace. Northern Virginia fields serve the defense and government contractor sectors. SFRA compliance is mandatory.

Operational Considerations

William M Tuck Airport's 420-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 2,220 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 4,011-foot runway provides approximately 3,960 feet of effective sea-level performance.

William M Tuck 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.

Two runways at William M Tuck Airport provide crosswind flexibility. When the primary runway's crosswind component exceeds aircraft limitations, the secondary runway typically offers a more favorable alignment. Runway selection should account for wind, obstacle clearance, and any published procedures.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of William M Tuck Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Lake Country Regional Airport

KW63 · 15 NM from KW78

Chase City Municipal Airport

KCXE · 17 NM from KW78

Danville Regional Airport

KDAN · 25 NM from KW78

Henderson-Oxford Airport

none · 26 NM from KW78

Frequently Asked Questions

William M Tuck Airport carries the identifier KW78. This code is used in FAA databases, flight planning systems, and air traffic control communications for operations at this airport.

William M Tuck Airport is situated in South Boston, VA, at coordinates 36.7100° N, 78.8480° W. Field elevation is 420 feet above mean sea level.

William M Tuck Airport has 2 runway(s). The longest is 01/19 at 4,011 feet, surfaced in ASP.

Private jet operations at William M Tuck Airport (KW78) depend on runway length and aircraft performance. The longest runway at 4,011 feet can accommodate most light jets and turboprops. Larger aircraft should verify takeoff and landing distances against current conditions.

FBO services at William M Tuck Airport include basic ground handling, parking, and fuel coordination. Contact the airport directly for current service provider information, or check AirNav for details on KW78.

The airport elevation at William M Tuck Airport is 420 feet MSL. Pilots should factor this into takeoff and landing performance calculations, especially during summer operations.

For approach data at William M Tuck Airport, reference the AirNav entry for KW78 or the FAA's digital Terminal Procedures. Approach type and minimums vary by facility.

Contact The Jet Finder for charter availability from William M Tuck Airport (KW78). Provide your destination, travel dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KW78's runway and facilities.

The 4,011-foot runway at KW78 supports turboprops, very light jets, and most light jet categories. Midsize jet capability depends on aircraft performance and field conditions. Heavy jets typically require longer fields.

For tower and radio frequency information at William M Tuck Airport, consult the Airport/Facility Directory or AirNav entry for KW78. Non-towered fields use CTAF/UNICOM for traffic advisories.

William M Tuck Airport (KW78) 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.

Customs and Border Protection services are required for international operations at William M Tuck Airport. Contact the airport for CBP availability at KW78. The Jet Finder assists with eAPIS filing and customs coordination.

Current conditions at KW78: check METAR/TAF on aviationweather.gov or your EFB. William M Tuck Airport is subject to VA's regional weather, which may include convective activity, low ceilings, or seasonal wind patterns.

The distance from William M Tuck Airport (KW78) to downtown South Boston varies by route. Most general aviation airports are located within a short drive of their associated city. Contact The Jet Finder for ground transportation coordination.

For aircraft parking at William M Tuck Airport, contact the FBO at KW78. Most GA airports offer both transient and overnight tiedowns. Hangar space, if available, should be reserved in advance.

For a flight quote from William M Tuck Airport (KW78), contact The Jet Finder at thejetfinder.com/contact.html. Include your destination, dates, passenger count, and any special requirements. We respond with operator options and pricing.

Ready to Fly from W78?

Experience the difference of private aviation at William M Tuck Airport.

William M Tuck Airport (KW78)