When GA pilots hear the words “international airport” as part of an airport’s official name, they rarely consider it as a prime spot to land. This is especially true when that airport is located near a major metropolitan area like Tucson, Arizona. But surprisingly, the general aviation directory on the Tucson International Airport (TIA) web site says that more than 60 percent of all airport operations are from general aviation activity. In fact, the Tucson International Airport is dedicated to serving the needs of non-commercial pilots. In addition to an FAA control tower that is open 24 hours a day, plus a thriving FBO sector and an Executive Terminal that is open around the clock, the TIA is also a U.S. Port of Entry, complete with U.S. Customs and Immigration services. This means the airport terminal is open and available 24/7 to serve the transient pilot with everything from fuel and weather services to a pilot’s lounge and a business center. According to the General Aviation Directory for this airport, the amenities include aviation fuel, GPU power cart and lav service, tie-downs and covered airport parking, and meeting rooms with catering services available.
Landing here with business travelers is much easier for the GA pilot because the airport offers complimentary shuttle service to and from area hotels and restaurants, as well as several rental car operations on the premises. The spacious passenger lobby has a large-screen HDTV and free WiFi internet access.
Fueling The TIA Executive Terminal is open 24 hours a day and offers 100LL and Jet A fuel for general aviation pilots.
Tiedown Service and Hangars Also at the Executive Terminal, more than 350 positions are available for tiedown, or covered aircraft parking is also available on-site for up to seven aircraft.
Travelers’ Assistance In addition to helping pilots with aircraft parking and re-fueling, arrangements can also be made through the Executive Terminal for hotel accommodations, catering and rental cars. Airport Attractions
You may not find this in another general aviation directory, but in early April 2011 the TIA announced the opening of a gallery in the Tucson International Airport. Employees of the Tucson airport were invited to submit their original artwork to the gallery’s inaugural exhibit, which resulted in a show that featured the work of Tom Burton, a Tucson Airport traffic officer. Future exhibits at the TIA art gallery are planned, and are expected to feature other talented employees of the Tucson Airport Authority. A complete general aviation directory for transient pilots can be found on the TIA web site, or check back with The Airport Authority for general aviation updates.
