{"id":5630,"date":"2026-07-10T13:22:12","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T20:52:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/jettreks.com\/?p=5630"},"modified":"2026-10-12T16:44:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T00:14:01","slug":"oakland-county-international-airport-waterford-township-mi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/jettreks.com\/?p=5630","title":{"rendered":"Oakland County International Airport, Waterford Township, MI"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Airport Basics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oakland County International Airport (PTK)<\/strong> 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<\/strong>. There are 3 runways as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Designation<\/td>Diminsions<\/td>Surface<\/td>Condition<\/td><\/tr>
09R\/27L<\/td>6,521 ft \u00d7 150 ft<\/td>Asphalt (grooved)<\/td>Excellent<\/td><\/tr>
09L\/27R<\/td>5,676 ft \u00d7 100 ft<\/td>Asphalt<\/td>Fair<\/td><\/tr>
18\/36<\/td>2,582 ft \u00d7 75 ft<\/td>Asphalt<\/td>Fair<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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FBOs & Services<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are 3 FBOs listed and verified. Maven FBO is still featured on signs and buildings, but it is no longer active.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pentastar Aviation<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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\u00ae<\/strong> for flights and delivery. NUMBER: +1 (800) 662-9612<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Michigan Aviation<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/strong> +1(248) 666-3440<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Premier Jet Center <\/a> (Parent company is Premier Private Jets)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

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: <\/strong>6:00 \u2013 22:00 NUMBER: +1 (248) 666-4300<\/strong> There is no restaurant on this field, but the Premier FBO has coffee, snacks, and a slushie machine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other aviation businesses on the field include: Corporate Eagle<\/strong> \u2014 Private, a membership\u2011based business aviation provider. Kalitta Charters<\/strong> \u2014 On\u2011field charter operator specializing in cargo, medical transport, and executive charter flights. Contact Aviation<\/strong> \u2014 Aircraft maintenance company providing inspections, repairs, and technical services; formerly operated as an FBO. Elite Jet Center at Contact<\/strong> \u2014 Maintenance and technical services provider co\u2011located with Contact Aviation. BC Flight<\/strong> \u2014 Private jet charter broker offering on\u2011demand charter and travel management services. In addition, multiple private corporate hangars support corporate flight departments and locally based aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Education & Training<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Flight 101<\/strong> is a Part 61 flight school offering private, instrument, and commercial training along with aircraft rental and recurrent instruction. DCT Aviation<\/strong> is a Part 141 flight academy providing structured training programs, advanced avionics aircraft, and professional pilot pathways. McCormick Aviation<\/strong> is a long\u2011standing Part 61 flight school offering primary flight training, instrument instruction, and aircraft rental.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additional Training Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pilot Institute<\/strong> 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<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rod Machado<\/strong> provides engaging, humor\u2011driven aviation training materials, including books, courses, and flight instruction resources widely used by student pilots. Rod Machado’s Aviation Learning Center<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Transportation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Courtesy Car Availability:<\/strong> All three FBOs offer courtesy cars or crew cars. Availability may vary based on demand and operational needs. PTK doesn’t have an on\u2011site rental car counter. Local agencies will deliver vehicles to the FBOs by reservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oakland County International Airport (PTK) is well\u2011served by local taxis, rideshare services, and private car companies. Pickup points are straightforward, and several black\u2011car operators serve the Waterford\/Pontiac area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oakland Metro Taxi & Airport<\/strong>; Phone: 248\u2011666\u20112110<\/strong>. Located less than a mile from the airport. Also, both Uber<\/strong> and Lyft<\/strong> are available here. Drop-offs and pickups are at the main terminal curb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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Airport Views<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Where To Stay Near Oakland County International Airport<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Closest: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Waterford<\/a><\/strong>-A modern, reliable hotel with free breakfast, an indoor pool, and easy access to PTK, or American Inn & Suites Waterford<\/a><\/strong>-A budget\u2011friendly option located close to the airport with basic accommodations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unique Local Stays:<\/strong> The Townsend Hotel-Birmingham<\/a><\/strong> is a boutique luxury hotel with English\u2011style d\u00e9cor, about 20 minutes from the airport. Quite beautiful but frequently sold out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High-End Options:<\/strong> Saint John\u2019s Resort-Plymouth<\/a><\/strong> is a luxury resort set within a beautifully restored former seminary, featuring elegant rooms, dramatic architecture, and an on\u2011site golf course. The Royal Park Hotel \u2013 Rochester<\/strong> <\/a>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For other nearby options, check Expedia.com<\/a><\/strong>, Hotels.com<\/strong><\/a>, or VRBO.com<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Detroit Sights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Where To Eat & Drink<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

My first choice would be the Flights of Fancy Restaurant<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Still close, there is Leo’s Coney Island<\/strong>, an El Patio Mexican Restaurant<\/strong>, and the locally popular So Thai Restaurant<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Things To Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Festival of Flight (Annual Airport Open House & Air Show)<\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pontiac Lake Recreation Area<\/strong> is one of Oakland County\u2019s best outdoor spots \u2014 hiking trails, a large beach, mountain\u2011bike loops, and quiet forest roads. Great for pilots looking for a nature break without driving far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Great Lakes Crossing Outlets (Auburn Hills)<\/strong> is a major regional shopping and dining hub with SEA LIFE Aquarium<\/a><\/strong> and LEGOLAND Discovery Center<\/a><\/strong>. About 15 minutes from PTK \u2014 good for layovers or overnight stays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Indian Springs Metropark<\/strong> has wide open meadows, paved bike paths, a nature center, and wetlands boardwalks. A calm, scenic option about 10\u201315 minutes from the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meadow Brook Hall (Rochester)<\/strong> is a historic mansion with guided tours and seasonal events. About 20 minutes east \u2014 a standout cultural stop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DTE Energy Music Theatre \/ Pine Knob Ski Area (Winter)<\/strong>: Concerts in summer, skiing in winter \u2014 a unique dual\u2011season attraction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a><\/strong> is just an hour or two of your time. The Astoria Pastry Shop<\/strong> in Greek Town is mouthwatering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Why Fly Here<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oakland County International Airport<\/strong> is one of Michigan\u2019s busiest and best\u2011equipped general aviation hubs, offering modern facilities, multiple runway options, and strong on\u2011field 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\u2011service experience for a wide range of GA missions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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