In a yearly report published November 2019 by the Federal Aviation Administration, the Hopkinsville-Christian County Airport was averaging more than 112 aircraft operations per day — general aviation, military and air taxi, alike.
And nearly 40 aircraft were based there.
That, however, has all since drastically changed.
During Tuesday morning’s Christian County Fiscal Court meeting, Airport Director & Manager Billy Outlaw confirmed growth has been “exponential” since he came on board in May 2021 — and all mostly for the better.
Considered “one of the nicest” runways in west Kentucky, Outlaw confirmed the 5,500-feet-by-100-feet strip can support aircraft up to 62,000 pounds — meaning most mid-sized jets, including military ordnance like C-130’s and C-17’s — can land, refuel and be on its way, using GPS approaches for improved low-visibility and weather-related navigation.
The facility is governed by 10 board members and four advisors, including Magistrate John Bruce, and sits on 285 acres just east of the Pennyrile Parkway — 58 T-Hangars nested and stacked, as well as two box hangars, and Outlaw noted operations remain “in the black” because of fuel sales and rent, with all spots booked, and a waiting list, he said, that’s more than 20 deep.
Outlaw said another major need for the airport, aside from a potential runway lengthening and more cargo space, is de-icing capabilities and auxiliary power units — which allow for safer, more reliable and efficient layovers in Christian County.
Managing about $7.2 million annually in assets, Outlaw said part of their fiscal budget is supported by $30,000 appropriations from the county and the city, but more than 85% comes from state and federal grant underwriting and awards — and over the last five years, more than $3.3 million combined has arrived from both arms.
Along with local and regional traffic, Outlaw said several area businesses continue to need the airport in a variety of useful ways.
Since 2021, Outlaw said more than 20 new hangars have been constructed, and more than 40 acres of adjoining land on the property’s east end has been transferred by the county for probable expansion efforts.
FULL DISCUSSION:
In other fiscal court news:
+ Magistrates also approved a grant agreement of more than $84,000 from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which will be used for capital improvements of the Christian County Regional Animal Shelter.
Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam said more than $100,000 of capital improvements was approved for this FY2026 budget, with this grant supplying much of the funding needed for the facelift.
+ Fiscal court will next convene in special session, staying on schedule for Tuesday, January 27, but gathering at 9:30 AM because of that morning’s Eye-Opener Breakfast.
