Colonel James Jabara Airport
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Colonel James Jabara Airport (AAO) is a public, non‑towered GA airport located 9 miles northeast of downtown Wichita, Kansas. It serves as a busy general aviation field supporting business aviation, training, medevac operations, and regional travel. The airport is named after Col. James Jabara, the first American jet ace.
This airport is part of the Wichita Airport System and sits in a dense aviation corridor with the Beech Factory Airport and McConnell AFB nearby. Jabara looks huge, but officially it has only one runway and one FBO. The size stems from the massive hangar complexes, business aviation facilities, and the Wichita aviation ecosystem that surrounds it.
There is one runway as follows:
| Designation | Diominsions | Surface | Condition |
| 18/36 | 6,101′ x 100′ | Concrete (grooved) | Good |
FBOs & Services
Clemens Aviation is the primary full-service FBO on this field, offering fuel, ground support, a passenger terminal and lounge, pilot lounge, restrooms and showers, catering, and many more amenities. Basic services are also available through the Wichita Airport Authority.
Businesses on the Field
- LifeSave Transport — Air ambulance/medevac base operating directly from AAO
- Multiple corporate flight departments— Several private hangars used by Wichita‑area business aviation (Beechcraft, Cessna/Textron suppliers, and regional corporate operators)
- Independent aviation maintenance shops — On‑field maintenance operations located in the large hangar complexes
- Private aircraft storage hangars — Individually leased or owned by local pilots and aviation businesses
While there are no flight training schools on the field, there are several nearby. AirCap Aviation, Wichita Flight Training, FlightSafety International (Professional training, not a GA school), Aviation Academy LLC, Ortega Aviation Services, JoeBravo Aviation, WSU Tech / NCAT (Aviation education, not a flight school).
If you are looking for online resources, check Pilot Institute or Rod Machado’s Aviation Learning Center.
Transportation
A courtesy car and rental cars are available through the FBO. Call ahead to arrange for rentals.
Uber and Lyft operate citywide. ABC Taxi Cab Co. provides 24‑hour service. Black car options include VIP Wichita Limo, Wichita Luxury Transportation, and Royal Transportation. Wichita does have a citywide bus service, but no routes include Jabara Airport.
Airport Sights
Where To Stay Near Colonel James Jabara Airport
Closest hotels to AAO:
- Hilton Garden Inn Wichita– (closest major hotel) close to First Mile Kitchen and Twin Peaks.
- Homewood Suites by Hilton– in between Jabara and the Beech Factory Airport.
- Staybridge Suites Wichita– close to Texas Roadhouse.
- Candlewood Suites East Wichita– fairly close to the Frank Lloyd Wright Allen House.
Unique stays:
- Boutique hotels in Old Town
- The Ambassador Hotel (downtown, upscale)
Budget-friendly:
- La Quinta Inn & Suites– by the Wichita Sports Forum.
- Hampton Inn Wichita East– close to the Towne East Shopping Mall.
Things To Do
- Keeper of the Plains — A 44‑foot riverside statue with pedestrian bridges and dramatic evening “Ring of Fire” displays.
- Sedgwick County Zoo — One of the top zoos in the Midwest with large, immersive continent‑themed exhibits.
- Botanica, The Wichita Gardens — Beautiful botanical gardens featuring themed areas, seasonal blooms, and a butterfly house.
- Museum of World Treasures — Multi‑level museum showcasing dinosaurs, world history artifacts, military exhibits, and hands‑on displays.
- Old Cowtown Museum — A living‑history village recreating 1880s Wichita with period buildings and costumed interpreters.
- Exploration Place — Interactive science center with aviation‑themed exhibits, hands‑on activities, and live demonstrations.
- Wichita Art Museum — A major American art museum with rotating exhibits, a sculpture garden, and curated collections.
- Kansas Wildlife Exhibit — A small outdoor exhibit featuring native Kansas wildlife like bobcats, owls, and other rescued animals.
- Topgolf Wichita-If you don’t have a long stay but still need something to pass the time, there is a Topgolf just east of the field on Greenwich Road.
- Frank Lloyd Wright-The Allen House has public tours but is closed every January for maintenance and repairs.
Where To Eat & Drink
The closest places to eat are: First Mile Kitchen, a modern, upscale, yet casual place for lunch or dinner, and Blue Hook Cajun Seafood & Bar, which is about 3 minutes from the airport and highly rated. Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, Redrock Canyon Grill, and Twin Peaks are all within a short drive of the airport.
Links & Tips
- Clemens Aviation 316‑636‑9700
- NOTAMs: Always check due to nearby military activity; busy training area, expect pattern traffic
- VFR arrivals: Stay mindful of Beech Factory Class D just south of Jabara.
- ABC Taxi Co. (316) 264-4222
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There are several flight schools on the field. WSU Tech, Air Cap Aviation, Wichita Flight Training, and Planes Over Plains just to name a few. I did all of my training here from private to commercial. I did my multi over at KICT. It really is a great airport, and yes, it is very busy airspace. Head must be on a swivel.
There are several flight schools on the field, including WSU, Tech, Air Cap Aviation, Wichita Flight Training, and Planes Over Plains just to name a few. I did all of my flight training here from private to instrument and commercial. I did my multi over a KICT. It really is a great airport with a lot to offer. I would absolutely agree that it is in very busy airspace. Your head must be on a swivel!