Tupelo Regional Airport – KTUP -Tupelo Aviation Unlimited

We made a fuel stop in Tupelo Regional Airport in our Mooney and used the Tupelo Aviation Unlimited FBO, which is the only general aviation FBO on the airport.

We chose this airport as we were short on time and needed a fuel stop on our flight path with decently priced fuel.

We review every single airport we travel in and out of. Every review will address each of these topics if they apply. We also will let you know what we are flying, single, twin, or turboprop. We think it is relevant because the service you receive and the fees can vary based on the general aviation airplane. This was a Mooney stop.

Runway at Tupelo Regional Airport

The runway is 18/36.  We land on 36 and took off on 18. The wind and traffic cooperate with us landing and then taking off in our desired direction. 

Condition

The concrete runway is 7,150 feet and is in good condition. Tupelo is a regional airport with commercial service.

Hazards

Both ends of the runway have long clear ways. There are no hazards on the runway. Since this is a regional airport with commercial service, we were warned to watch for wake turbulence as we are taking off behind a heavy.

Controllers

We are on an instrument flight plan (IFR), talking to Memphis Center. The traffic levels are light so the controllers are not busy and fly us seamlessly through the airspace.  

Controlled or Uncontrolled Field

Tupelo Regional Airport is a towered airport. The tower is prompt and friendly. We appreciate the quick service and the limited wait times for departure.

Ramp at Tupelo Regional Airport

Condition

The ramp is large and concrete. It was free of any debris and in good shape.

Security

The airport is gated and secure. Pedestrians must enter and exit through Tupelo Aviation Unlimited. There is a sidewalk between the hangars to get from the ramp to the FBO.

Parking

There is plenty of parking on the ramp.  You can park quite a few planes without any issues. 

Chocks

There are chocks available on the ramp.

Tie-downs/Ropes

There are no ropes on the ramp. However, the FBO has tie downs if you need them.

Service at Tupelo Aviation Unlimited

Friendly

The line crew greets us quickly and welcomed us. The desk person greets us when we walk in the door with a smile.

Helpful 

The line crew appears as soon as we land. Our fuel order is taken and we are given directions to enter the the FBO. Another positive is that the line crew is NATA certified.

The desk person directed up to the pilot’s lounge kitchen area, after offering us popcorn, ice cream and water.

Prompt

We arrive in our Mooney and we are greeted immediately and treated as if we arrive in a Citation.

The desk person greets us as soon as we enter with a smile and nod of her head. She is on the phone but speaks as soon as she hangs up.  

We stop hoping for a quick turn around, as we brought our lunch but need a restroom and fuel. The FBO provides us the speedy turn around we are looking for.

Fuel at Tupelo Regional Airport

Full Service or Self Service

Tupelo Aviation Unlimited offers full service and self-service fuel. They have 100LL and Jet A. We used the full service as the self serve is not near the restroom.

Ease of access 

There is a fuel truck on the ramp that pulls up when we arrive.  The map of the airport shows a self serve pump at the north end of the airport near the T-hangars. Since I need a restroom, we do not attempt the self serve pumps.

We initially do not see the self serve pump during the taxi to Tupelo Aviation Unlimited but catch sight once we are parked.  Based on my current need, the trek from the self serve pumps to the FBO would be a quick dash rather than a leisurely stroll.

Card reader/Payment processing 

We never make it to the self serve pumps so we have no information. From a distance the pump appears to be in good shape and of average age for airport pumps. The inside processing is quick and easy.

Condition of pumps 

The fuel truck is shiny, clean, and newer.

Lighting  

It is lunchtime and the skies are bright and sunny. There are lights on the hangar and ramp, should you arrive after dark.

Facilities at Tupelo Aviation Unlimited

Clean 

The facilities are clean. Everything is neat and tidy. The kitchen is free of any crumbs and the high top lunch table is restaurant ready.

Accessible 

The entrance to Tupelo Aviation Unlimited is nestled between two large hangars, one of which is labeled Tupelo Aviation. You enter the FBO by walking down a sidewalk between the hangars. Look for the red awning that says “lobby”.

From our parking spot the entrance is not visible but the line crew directs us in the correct direction without us asking. 

WiFi 

The wifi is fast and password free. I logged right on to check my emails and to confirm our reservations for our next location.  

Comfort 

The lobby is typical with lobby style chairs you find in a waiting room. However, the lounge has comfy lounge chairs, a television, coffee table and a high top table.

Flight Planning 

There is a designated area for flight planning.

Ground Transportation at Tupelo Regional Airport

Crew Cars

Tupelo Aviation Unlimited at Tupelo Regional Airport has crew cars at your request. We do not need a crew car for this stop, but the offer is made. The cars are not visible and I do not ask what kind they have.

Rental Service

There are multiple rental car agencies at the main terminal on the other side of the airport.

Uber/Lyft 

Uber works as does Lyft, per the apps. Both listed drivers available. There is also a list of taxi services and limousine services available at the FBO.

Food at Tupelo Regional Airport

Restaurant/Delivery options

There are restaurants options galore via crew car. There are also delivery options per the desk.

Vending Machines

There are vending machines with sodas, chips and other goodies typically found in vending machines.

Free Snacks

The popcorn machine is in mid pop and the smell is so enticing! There is also a cooler full of several options of ice cream.  Luckily for me, all the options are off the table based on my gluten allergy. Otherwise, I would have to indulge.

Ice

Ice is available for your cup and by the bag.

Coffee

There is coffee in the pots on the counter in the lobby when you first walk in the door. There are some thermoses on the counter to keep the coffee hot. If you want cream for your coffee, you are going to have to settle for the the powered kind. However, they make up for it with the gallon of sweet tea in the refrigerator in the lounge.

Water

There is bottled water available in a mini refrigerator by the coffee, ice cream, and popcorn machine in the lobby. If you go into the pilot’s lounge, there is a water cooler to refill your own bottle. I carry my refillable bottle with me, so this is a nice addition to the pilot’s lounge for me.

Bathrooms

Clean 

The restrooms for the men are clean and ‘not modern’ per my pilot.  The women’s restroom is clean and tidy. The restrooms are a slightly dated.

Spacious 

The men’s restroom is a good size per my pilot.  The women’s restroom is large and comfortable.

Stocked 

No specialty items are provided. The women’s restroom has soap and mouthwash. The men’s restroom does not have any mouthwash, just soap.

Showers 

There are no showers nor any bathroom products in the women’s restroom to freshen up.  Bring what you need.  

Smell 

There is no noticeable smell either way. My senses are still hung up on the smell of fresh popping popcorn.

Fees at Tupelo Aviation Unlimited

Ramp

There is no ramp fee as we used full service fuel. 

Hangar

Tupelo Aviation Unlimited offers a shared hangar for overnight stays, but availability varies. Tupelo Regional Airport also has T-hangars for their residents.

Fuel

The fuel is average price for the area and size of the airport. We are flying in our Mooney and take thirty-two gallons. Our little Mooney holds fifty-two gallons but we always stop with fuel to spare.

Additional/Surprise fees

I love surprises but surprise fees are not the kind I like. At this airport and FBO there are no surprise fees or costs. If we tie down on the ramp overnight, there is a $15.00 fee. We are in and out, so no fees apply.

Other Services at Tupelo Aviation Unlimited

Maintenance 

Tupelo Aviation Unlimited does not offer maintenance.  

Pilot Store 

There is no pilot store and there was no area visible with basic pilot supplies.

Other 

Tupelo Aviation Unlimited offers de-icing, cabin cleaning, lavatory cart, and a whole bunch of other options the big planes appreciate.   

Anything really cool at Tupelo Regional Airport

This is a regional airport so they have commercial service and a full terminal on the other side of the airport. Contour Airlines is a regional carrier. We have the opportunity to follow one of the flights out of the airport.

The service is quick and friendly. The smell of popcorn and the option for ice cream is a real treat.  

If you visit

If you visit, let us know!  If something has changed since our trip, drop an email so we can update the post and let other readers know.  If you have a different experience, we want to hear about it. If we need to go back and check out something else there.  Email us.

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