Columbus's University-Operated GA Gateway

The Ohio State University Airport (KOSU)

2160 W Case Rd, Columbus, OH 43235 · 6 mi to downtown Columbus


2
Runways
5,004 ft
Main Runway
1
FBOs
60,000+
Annual Ops

The Ohio State University at a Glance

The Ohio State University Airport (KOSU), also known as Don Scott Field, sits about 6 miles northwest of downtown Columbus and is owned and operated by the university. It has three asphalt runways, the longest being 9R/27L at 5,004 feet. The field is towered ("State Tower"), with a single university-run FBO offering Jet-A and 100LL. There is no on-field US Customs, so international arrivals clear elsewhere. KOSU is a major collegiate flight-training hub and accommodates light and midsize business jets.

Live Conditions

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The Ohio State University Airport, 2160 W Case Rd, Columbus, OH 43235

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport NameThe Ohio State University Airport
ICAO CodeKOSU
IATA CodeOSU
FAA IdentifierOSU
Address2160 W Case Rd, Columbus, OH 43235
Elevation905 ft MSL
Coordinates40.0798° N, 83.073° W
Owner / OperatorThe Ohio State University
Phone+1-614-292-5901
FAA DataAirNav OSU
Operations & Facilities
Runways9L/27R: 5,004 ft (Asphalt)
9R/27L: 4,001 ft (Asphalt)
FBOsLane Aviation
CustomsNo
FuelJet-A, 100LL
Hours24/7
ApproachesILS, RNAV, Visual
Tower / Freq121.3
Weight LimitNone published; longest runway 5,004 ft
Annual Operations60,000+

Runways & Approaches

KOSU operates three asphalt runways. The primary, Runway 9R/27L, measures 5,004 feet by 100 feet and is grooved for improved wet-weather braking. The parallel 9L/27R is 2,994 feet, used mainly by training and piston traffic, and the crosswind Runway 5/23 is 3,562 feet. The field elevation is 905 feet MSL, so density-altitude effects stay modest even on warm summer afternoons.

The 5,004-foot main runway comfortably supports light jets (Phenom 300, Citation CJ-series) and many midsize jets (Citation XLS, Learjet 75) under typical conditions. Heavier super-midsize and large-cabin aircraft require careful runway-analysis review for weight, temperature, and contamination, and operators of those types frequently weigh KOSU against John Glenn Columbus International (CMH). The airport is towered, with instrument approaches available; pilots should confirm current procedures and tower hours before arrival.

FBOs & Ground Services

Full-service fixed-base operators handle private traffic here, offering Jet-A, hangarage, customs coordination, and concierge ground transportation. Arrange handling in advance for peak-season and after-hours arrivals.

The Ohio State University Airport FBO

The sole, university-operated FBO at KOSU. Avfuel-branded with Jet-A and 100LL, AVTRIP rewards, transient parking, hangar space, ground handling, and aircraft maintenance/avionics. Located at 2160 W Case Rd; staffed daily, with after-hours service by arrangement.

Charter a Jet from The Ohio State University Airport

Charter from The Ohio State University Airport (KOSU) connects the region to destinations nationwide. The Jet Finder matches the right aircraft to your mission and OSU's runway parameters — with direct Part 135 operator access and no markup.

Charter a private jet from KOSU

Fly Private from KOSU

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from The Ohio State University Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KOSU's runway and facilities.

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Aircraft Registered in COLUMBUS (270)

270 aircraft are registered to owners in COLUMBUS, OH according to the FAA Aircraft Registry. Showing 20 of 270. Track live flights from OSU →

N100SU
TEXTRON AVIATION INC 172S
N100WN
GATES LEARJET 25D · 1979
N103HC
MITSUBISHI MU-300
N10FU
MOYER DALLAS E DYKE DELTA JD2
N1134F
CESSNA 172G · 1966
N113HP
CESSNA 182T · 2002
N120AJ
EUROCOPTER EC120B · 2010
N1220Z
PIPER PA-24 · 1959
N123MG
MAULE M-7-420AC · 2001
N1253W
HAWKER BEECHCRAFT CORP B300 · 2012
N1265Q
CESSNA 150L · 1971
N12865
CESSNA 172M · 1973
N12BC
CESSNA 182P · 1973
N12HP
CESSNA 182T · 2002
N12PW
CESSNA 210L · 1972
N130BU
EUROCOPTER EC 130 B4 · 2011
N130CL
EUROCOPTER EC 130 B4 · 2012
N130HB
EUROCOPTER EC 130 B4 · 2011
N130JV
EUROCOPTER EC 130 B4 · 2012
N130KH
EUROCOPTER EC 130 B4 · 2011

Popular Routes from OSU

Fuel Prices & Landing Fees

FBO Jet-A Price Notes
Lane Aviation$5.20 – $6.40/galOSU campus
Aircraft Category Estimated Fee
Light Jet (up to 12,500 lbs)$20 – $50
Midsize Jet (12,500–25,000 lbs)$50 – $100
Super-Mid Jet (25,000–45,000 lbs)$100 – $175
Heavy Jet (45,000+ lbs)$175 – $300
Private Aviation Briefing — History, Operations & Planning

Airport Overview & History

The Ohio State University Airport (KOSU), known as Don Scott Field, is owned and operated by The Ohio State University and sits roughly 6 miles northwest of downtown Columbus. It is one of the busiest collegiate aviation airports in the country, home to the university's flight-education program and the historic 'State Tower.' Beyond training, it serves corporate, charter, and personal aircraft drawn to its quick ramp access and central-Columbus location.

Runway Capability

KOSU has three asphalt runways. The primary 9R/27L runs 5,004 feet, supplemented by the 2,994-foot 9L/27R parallel and the 3,562-foot crosswind 5/23. At 905 feet elevation, density altitude is rarely a limiting factor. The main runway accommodates light jets and many midsize jets; larger aircraft warrant a performance review against the field length.

Charter Considerations

For charter from Columbus, KOSU offers efficient general-aviation access close to downtown and Ohio State's campus, with no airline terminal queues. Light and midsize jets are the natural fit here. Travelers needing large-cabin or international-customs capability often pair KOSU with nearby John Glenn Columbus International (CMH). The Jet Finder sources Part 135 aircraft matched to the runway and your mission.

Safety & Planning

KOSU is towered and supports instrument approaches, making it reliable in central Ohio's variable weather. The Jet Finder works exclusively with FAA Part 135 certified operators whose crews meet federal duty, rest, and recurrency standards. Operator certifications, safety audits, and insurance are verified before any aircraft is presented for a flight from Don Scott Field.

Seasonal & Operational Factors

Central Ohio sees four distinct seasons. Winter frontal passages can drop ceilings to IFR minimums and bring occasional freezing precipitation, while summer afternoons produce convective activity that favors morning departures. The modest 905-foot field elevation keeps performance penalties small year-round. Confirm tower hours, FBO hours, and approach availability when planning early or late operations.

Regional Context

Ohio's manufacturing economy and central East Coast position make it one of the busier general-aviation states, with a deep aviation heritage tied to Wright-Patterson AFB and the Wright brothers. Within the Columbus area, KOSU complements John Glenn Columbus International (CMH) and Rickenbacker International (LCK), offering a closer-in, less congested option for light and midsize private aircraft.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of The Ohio State University Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Frequently Asked Questions

The ICAO identifier for The Ohio State University Airport is KOSU. The FAA designator is also KOSU. Use this code when filing flight plans and referencing the airport in official communications.

The Ohio State University Airport (KOSU) sits at 40.0798° N, 83.0730° W, near Columbus, OH. At 905 feet MSL, the airport provides general aviation access to the surrounding region.

The Ohio State University Airport has three asphalt runways. The primary runway, 9R/27L, measures 5,004 feet by 100 feet and is grooved. The parallel runway 9L/27R is 2,994 feet, and the crosswind runway 5/23 is 3,562 feet.

Yes. The 5,004-foot main runway (9R/27L) comfortably supports light jets such as the Phenom 300 and Citation CJ-series, and many midsize jets like the Citation XLS under typical conditions. Heavy and large-cabin aircraft require a careful runway-performance review for weight, temperature, and runway condition.

Yes. The airport is served by a single, university-operated FBO, The Ohio State University Airport FBO. It is Avfuel-branded and offers Jet-A and 100LL fuel, transient parking, hangar space, ground handling, and on-field maintenance and avionics. (Note: Lane Aviation is located at John Glenn Columbus International, not KOSU.)

The Ohio State University Airport has a field elevation of 905 feet above mean sea level. This affects aircraft performance calculations, particularly during hot weather when density altitude increases.

Yes. KOSU has published instrument approach procedures, including ILS and RNAV (GPS) approaches to the main runway. Always confirm current procedures and minimums in the FAA Terminal Procedures Publication or your EFB before flying.

To arrange a charter from KOSU, reach The Jet Finder at thejetfinder.com/contact.html. Share your routing, dates, and party size. We coordinate everything from aircraft selection to ground transportation.

KOSU handles a wide range of traffic: piston singles, turboprops, helicopters, and a large volume of training aircraft, plus light and midsize business jets. The 5,004-foot main runway is the determining factor for larger jets, which should be evaluated against performance data.

Yes. KOSU has an operating control tower, known locally as 'State Tower,' staffed during published hours. The tower and CTAF frequency is 118.8. When the tower is closed, use standard CTAF procedures for traffic separation and position reporting.

The Ohio State University Airport FBO offers both Jet-A and 100LL (avgas), with Avfuel AVTRIP rewards and Pro Card transactions available. Confirm hours and current pricing with the FBO before arrival.

There is no on-field US Customs and Border Protection at KOSU, so international arrivals must clear customs at a designated port of entry such as John Glenn Columbus International (CMH). The Jet Finder assists with eAPIS filing and customs coordination for international itineraries.

Aviation weather for The Ohio State University Airport is reported under identifier KOSU. Monitor METAR, TAF, and PIREP data through official sources. OH's climate affects ceiling, visibility, and wind conditions at the field.

KOSU sits about 6 miles northwest of downtown Columbus, a short drive of roughly 15 to 20 minutes depending on traffic. Its general-aviation environment means no terminal lines, just a direct walk from the ramp to your vehicle.

For aircraft parking at The Ohio State University Airport, contact the FBO at KOSU. Most GA airports offer both transient and overnight tiedowns. Hangar space, if available, should be reserved in advance.

Request a charter quote from KOSU through The Jet Finder. Provide departure date, destination, passenger count, and luggage requirements. We source availability from multiple Part 135 operators for competitive pricing.


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