Charles B Wheeler Downtown Airport

So MKC was our home airport for a while. We loved having our airplane hangared here and miss it deeply. The airport management was amazing and completely professional. The grounds were spotless, billing for our space never had an issue, and they were happy to answer every question we threw at them.
This is a perfect middle-​of-​the-​country stop if you’re flying a small airplane. It’s very near downtown KC (although I can’t tell you much about the FBOs’ transportation options to get in to the city). It’s really easy to fly in and out of– especially considering that it’s right down the road from the big commercial airport and its Bravo airspace.
It is by far the cheapest (self-​serve) fuel for hundreds of miles in any direction. We actually asked the staff about that, and they noted that they work pretty hard to keep it low to attract the traffic.
The GA terminal is a great space for passing through and laying over. It’s secured from both sides of the field, so you have to get buzzed in and out, but the 24-​hour staff on the other end of the phone are helpful. It doesn’t actually have a lot of services in it though– vending machines, water and ice, full restrooms, and a lounge. And staff for a few hours a week. If you take a cab in or out, describing how to find the GA terminal can be tricky; it’s on the far side of the grounds.
The airport grounds (outside the fence) are also a favorite runner/​cyclist loop. It’s a wide-​open 3-​mile 2-​lane loop around the airport, so it is the perfect place for a lot of sunset workouts. However, that means that trying to drive that loop to get to the hangars can be an obstacle course.
The saddest thing about MKC was the lack of «GA culture». That’s not too uncommon among the executive airports, but it always seemed like a wasted opportunity. With just a little bit of love, they really could have the hangar flyers and brunch crowds breathing life in to the place. Nevertheless, it is a great space and perfect for a cross-​country stop.

My go-​to when I need to get miles in on my bike. Not a challenging ride, but the wind can pick up and add some variety. A great place for beginners to get in practice or for experts to rack up miles. Occasionally a motorist with an attitude, but far less frequently than any place else. A great place to add in a run for a brick as well. Someday I’ll find a way to add a QT here and make $$$. Entire loop is about 3.5 miles.
BUT Please remember to wear a helmet, ride to the right and don’t make me cross the yellow line to pass your group… no, its not busy, but it is still a road and it is still dangerous.

Before KCI, this was the main commercial airport in Kansas City. As such, it has longer runways and better facilities than many other small and private airports. For private flights into and out of Kansas City, this a very good choice.