Flying into Cape Fear Regional Jetport (KSUT): 2026 Guide

Planning a flight to the North Carolina coast often comes down to convenience. You can land at a busy commercial airport and deal with airspace delays, or choose a dedicated general aviation airport. If your destination is Southport, Oak Island, or Bald Head Island, the answer is simple. Cape Fear Regional Jetport (KSUT) provides pilots with a straightforward, accessible arrival right on the coast.

At High Tide Aviation, we call this airport home. As our flagship base, we see daily why pilots choose Howie Franklin Field for weekend getaways, time-building, and travel.

Here is your pilot guide to flying into Cape Fear Regional Jetport (KSUT) in 2026.

Runway & Airspace Details

Cape Fear Regional Jetport is a non-towered airport in Southport, NC. The lack of commercial air traffic means you can avoid delays and enjoy a direct traffic pattern entry.

• Runway 5/23: A single asphalt runway measuring 5,505 feet long by 100 feet wide. This length provides plenty of margin for everything from single-engine piston aircraft to light jets.
• Airspace: The airport sits in Class G airspace, transitioning to Class E at 700 feet AGL. The pattern is straightforward, but you should expect typical coastal wind patterns. Atlantic sea breezes often require active crosswind corrections, which is great for keeping your skills sharp.
• Lighting and Approaches: The field has medium intensity runway lights (MIRL) and GPS/RNAV approaches for both Runway 5 and Runway 23, helping you plan for early morning marine layers.

FBO Amenities & Fuel Services

When you land at KSUT, the FBO terminal offers:

• Pilot Facilities: A crew room featuring snooze quarters, showers, Wi-Fi, and a quiet conference room for flight planning.
• Fuel: Both 100LL Avgas and Jet-A fuel are available. You can request full-service fueling during business hours or use the 24-hour self-service kiosk.
• Ground Support: The line crew provides ground handling, tie-down parking, and GPU starts.

For ground transportation, courtesy crew cars are available for short trips (subject to FBO rules and availability). If you need a rental car for your stay, Hertz rental cars are on the field and should be booked in advance.

On-Site Maintenance & AOG Support

A major benefit of flying into KSUT is the reassurance of having on-site maintenance. If you experience a mechanical issue or an Aircraft on Ground (AOG) situation during your visit, you have immediate access to support.

High Tide Aviation operates an in-house service department right on the field. Our team of FAA-certified mechanics specializes in piston aircraft and can handle:

• Emergency repairs and troubleshooting
• Oil changes and scheduled service
• Annual inspections and pre-purchase evaluations
• AOG mobile response if you need assistance at a nearby runway

Having maintenance support right on the ramp means you can focus on your trip without worrying about being stranded.

Exploring Southport & Oak Island

Once your plane is parked, the best of the coast is just a short drive away:

• Southport Waterfront (5 minutes away): Visit the historic downtown area for dining, shopping, and views of the Cape Fear River.
• Oak Island Beaches (10 minutes away): Head to the beach, visit the fishing piers, or play a round at the local golf course.
• Bald Head Island Ferry (5 minutes away): Take the passenger ferry to Bald Head Island for the day to explore by bicycle or golf cart.

Plan Your Arrival at KSUT

Whether you are flying in to build hours, vacationing with family, or visiting our flight school, Cape Fear Regional Jetport is a convenient coastal destination.

If you are planning a flight to KSUT and want to arrange maintenance support, check out our hangar, or discuss flight training, contact us today.