Kansas Airport Improvement Program: 33K Kinsley Municipal Airport

Kansas Airport Improvement Program: 33K Kinsley Municipal Airport 

Through the KDOT Division of Aviation’s Kansas Airport Improvement Program, Kinsley’s airport has gotten an update in May 2023. This included crack and slurry seal and replacement markings on the taxiway and runway.

The City of Kinsley and Tyree Ag continue their efforts to improve the Kinsley Airport

In September 2014, the City of Kinsley and Tyree Ag applied for a grant through KDOT Aviation to obtain funds to put in an aviation fuel station at the airport on the south side of town. In 2015 the grant was approved and groundbreaking began in the fall. The fuel station was completed and inspected in early 2016 and has been open for service ever since. Tyree Ag offers 100LL Avgas. See more information here: https://www.tyreeag.com/products/aviation-fuel.

In 2018, the installation of 32 aircraft tie-down points was completed. 8 planes can be tied down securely because of this.

These additions to the Kinsley airport have not only helped Tyree Ag pilots fuel their planes but also provided local pilots who live in the area the opportunity to fuel their planes without having to travel 30+ miles to do so.

With Kansas weather, we never know what is in store. Because of this, we want to first and foremost create a location that is safe for pilots to land, secure their aircraft, and take shelter. Pilots want to know they can land and tie down their transportation securely.

Tyree Ag believes these additions to the airport are important in preserving and enhancing air traffic through our rural community. We thank the City of Kinsley and all others involved in continuing our efforts to improve our community airport!

Why is our rural airport important?

Transportation is an integral part of a community's economy. Efficient transport of goods, services, and people is essential for businesses, medical services, and tourism. The increased air traffic has a positive economic benefit through the strengthening of agriculture-related air services as well as expanding traffic for tourism-related activities. Opportunities for new commerce activities that require air service to travel or move products can be multiplied.

Kinsley is home to the Edwards County Medical Center. Unfortunately, there are times when emergency services require immediate flights to other hospitals. The improvements to the Kinsley Municipal Airport have enabled these emergency services to continue to use the facility for their helicopters or fixed-wing to provide vital services to the general public.

Southcentral Kansas attracts many hunters throughout the year with several coming from out of state and choosing to fly to Kinsley. Our community has several hunting outfits and lodges in the area that invite hunters every year to Kinsley. With our new services and tie-down capabilities, we believe the number of hunters in the area will increase. This in turn will provide business opportunities to our city lodging, shopping centers, and restaurants.

Agricultural aviation ensures that our nation's farmers and ranchers can supply our communities with food and resources. As an agriculture aviation service, Tyree Ag brings in many pilots throughout the year to help meet the needs of our farmers and livestock growers. Pilots come from out of state to stay for days at a time, leaving their aircraft parked near our hangars through the night hours. The access to tie-downs has helped keep their aircraft secure during Kansas wind, enabling them to continue to provide services to farmers in our area.

 "Kansas farmers can attribute approximately $1.2 billion in crop value directly to the efforts of aerial applicators."
- Jesse Romo, Kansas Director, Division of Aviation

From the Kansas Department of Transportation Division of Aviation:

“From open space to aerospace, aviation in Kansas continues to be on the leading edge of a vibrant industry. Kansas continues to play a pivotal role in aviation's impact on our culture, history, and economy. There are 138 public-use airports in the state – seven commercial and 131 general aviation. In aggregate, airports, aviation manufacturing, and airport/aviation jobs account for $20.6 billion in economic activity. Through innovation, exploration, and manufacturing, Kansas continues to exemplify the American spirit. Kansas aviation leads the way through a willingness to look beyond the limits of the possible, forging a path for the next generation.”

KP