Oakland County International Airport, Waterford Township, MI

Oakland County International Airport, Waterford Township, MI

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Airport Basics

Oakland County International Airport (PTK) is a pubic, towered airport located in Waterford Township within Oakland County, Michigan. PTK sits about 30 miles NW of downtown Detroit. Many pilots and locals still refer to this field as Pontiac Airport. There are 3 runways as follows:

DesignationDiminsionsSurfaceCondition
09R/27L6,521 ft × 150 ftAsphalt (grooved)Excellent
09L/27R5,676 ft × 100 ftAsphaltFair
18/362,582 ft × 75 ftAsphaltFair

FBOs & Services

There are 3 FBOs listed and verified. Maven FBO is still featured on signs and buildings, but it is no longer active.

Pentastar Aviation

Known as the flagship FBO, this is a full-service FBO with a large corporate presence. In addition to traditional fuel and ramp service, they also have major maintenance and charter operations. In addition, they also have Fivestar Gourmet® for flights and delivery. NUMBER: +1 (800) 662-9612

Michigan Aviation

A long-standing operator on this field, they are a full-service FBO offering fuel, maintenance, hangar, and flight support. They have a spacious, modern lobby and offer many amenities, including overnight hangar space. NUMBER: +1(248) 666-3440

Premier Jet Center (Parent company is Premier Private Jets)

A full-service FBO located on the south side of the field with fuel, hangar, concierge, and business support. This terminal is no longer Maven, although the branding remains as of June 2026. HOURS: 6:00 – 22:00 NUMBER: +1 (248) 666-4300 There is no restaurant on this field, but the Premier FBO has coffee, snacks, and a slushie machine.

Other aviation businesses on the field include: Corporate Eagle — Private, a membership‑based business aviation provider. Kalitta Charters — On‑field charter operator specializing in cargo, medical transport, and executive charter flights. Contact Aviation — Aircraft maintenance company providing inspections, repairs, and technical services; formerly operated as an FBO. Elite Jet Center at Contact — Maintenance and technical services provider co‑located with Contact Aviation. BC Flight — Private jet charter broker offering on‑demand charter and travel management services. In addition, multiple private corporate hangars support corporate flight departments and locally based aircraft.


Education & Training

Flight 101 is a Part 61 flight school offering private, instrument, and commercial training along with aircraft rental and recurrent instruction. DCT Aviation is a Part 141 flight academy providing structured training programs, advanced avionics aircraft, and professional pilot pathways. McCormick Aviation is a long‑standing Part 61 flight school offering primary flight training, instrument instruction, and aircraft rental.

Additional Training Resources

Pilot Institute offers comprehensive online aviation courses for private, instrument, commercial, and drone pilots, and is a trusted resource for test prep and continuing education. Pilot Institute.

Rod Machado provides engaging, humor‑driven aviation training materials, including books, courses, and flight instruction resources widely used by student pilots. Rod Machado’s Aviation Learning Center.


Transportation

Courtesy Car Availability: All three FBOs offer courtesy cars or crew cars. Availability may vary based on demand and operational needs. PTK doesn’t have an on‑site rental car counter. Local agencies will deliver vehicles to the FBOs by reservation.

Oakland County International Airport (PTK) is well‑served by local taxis, rideshare services, and private car companies. Pickup points are straightforward, and several black‑car operators serve the Waterford/Pontiac area.

Oakland Metro Taxi & Airport; Phone: 248‑666‑2110. Located less than a mile from the airport. Also, both Uber and Lyft are available here. Drop off and pickups are at the main terminal curb.

EM Black Car Service is a local Oakland County black-car operator offering private sedan and SUV service with direct pickup. Phone: 248-392-3998


Airport Views


Where To Stay Near Oakland County International Airport

Closest: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waterford-A modern, reliable hotel with free breakfast, an indoor pool, and easy access to PTK, or American Inn & Suites Waterford-A budget‑friendly option located close to the airport with basic accommodations.

Unique Local Stays: The Townsend Hotel-Birmingham is a boutique luxury hotel with English‑style décor, about 20 minutes from the airport. Quite beautiful but frequently sold out.

High-End Options: Saint John’s Resort-Plymouth is a luxury resort set within a beautifully restored former seminary, featuring elegant rooms, dramatic architecture, and an on‑site golf course. The Royal Park Hotel – Rochester is a riverside luxury boutique hotel offering refined dining, elegant rooms, and a polished, upscale atmosphere. These two are a little farther afield but still within a 30-minute drive.

For other nearby options, check Expedia.com, Hotels.com, or VRBO.com.

If you prefer to ship extra weight or hard-to-stow items ahead of your trip, Send My Bag will give you a 5% discount when you use my link. Just enter your email at SendMyBag.com


Detroit Sights


Where To Eat & Drink

My first choice would be the Flights of Fancy Restaurant, a unique flight-based restaurant and cocktail bar located very near the airport. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and have a dog-friendly patio. Flight-based, as in beer flights, margarita flights, and wine flights.

Still close, there is Leo’s Coney Island, an El Patio Mexican Restaurant, and the locally popular So Thai Restaurant.


Things To Do

Festival of Flight (Annual Airport Open House & Air Show) PTK typically hosts the annual Festival of Flight each August, featuring an airport open house, aircraft displays, family activities, and a full air show; the 2026 event was canceled due to major taxiway construction but is expected to resume once improvements are complete.

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area is one of Oakland County’s best outdoor spots — hiking trails, a large beach, mountain‑bike loops, and quiet forest roads. Great for pilots looking for a nature break without driving far.

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets (Auburn Hills) is a major regional shopping and dining hub with SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center. About 15 minutes from PTK — good for layovers or overnight stays.

Indian Springs Metropark has wide open meadows, paved bike paths, a nature center, and wetlands boardwalks. A calm, scenic option about 10–15 minutes from the airport.

Meadow Brook Hall (Rochester) is a historic mansion with guided tours and seasonal events. About 20 minutes east — a standout cultural stop.

DTE Energy Music Theatre / Pine Knob Ski Area (Winter) Concerts in summer, skiing in winter — a unique dual‑season attraction.

With Detroit just 30 minutes away, the possibilities are endless. From the MGM Grand Casino to the Riverfront, you’ll never run out of options. If you would like something a bit unusual, the Downtown Detroit Delicious Donut, Coffee, & Pastry Adventure is just an hour or two of your time. The Astoria Pastery Shop in Greek Town is mouthwatering.


Why Fly Here

Oakland County International Airport is one of Michigan’s busiest and best‑equipped general aviation hubs, offering modern facilities, multiple runway options, and strong on‑field support. Its location makes this field an ideal base for business travelers heading into Detroit, and leisure flyers benefit from quick access to nearby hotels, dining, and local attractions. With active training resources and several aviation businesses on the field, PTK delivers a convenient, full‑service experience for a wide range of GA missions.


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