Bend Municipal Airport Travel Guide - Beyond Borders

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Bend Municipal Airport Travel Guide

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Remitly Editorial Staff
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Key Highlights

Welcome to your guide for Bend Municipal Airport! Before we get started, here are some key things to know about this airport that make it special in Central Oregon.

  • Bend Municipal is the third busiest general aviation airport in Oregon.

  • The airport is a main spot for business aviation and corporate aviation travel.

  • There are great pilot training centers here and you can find good chances to learn more about aviation.

  • The airport does not have commercial airline flights, but it is the best for private flyers.

  • It is in a good location and works as a gateway for anyone looking for outdoor fun in Central Oregon.

  • There is forecast growth for the airport, which means you can see its importance grow in the region.

Introduction

Bend Municipal Airport (BDN) sits right in Central Oregon. It is an important place for all types of flyers. This general aviation airport helps people from the city of Bend get into one of America’s most beautiful places. It does not matter if you are a pilot getting ready for a trip, a business traveler who likes to fly private, or just someone from the city who wants to learn about aviation. This guide shows what you need to know about bend municipal location, its facilities, and how things work there.

Getting to Bend Municipal Airport

Getting to Bend Municipal Airport is easy. The airport is in a great spot, so it’s a good way in or out for anyone going to or from the city of Bend. It will only take a short drive to reach all the fun things and culture that make this part of Oregon so well known.

Because it is close to main roads, you can get to the airport fast from downtown Bend or from other places nearby. Getting in and out is simple, so your trip will go well whether you come or go. Let’s look at the directions and ways to get to Bend Municipal that work for you.

Location and Directions

You can find Bend Municipal Airport (BDN) just eight miles northeast of downtown Bend. It is very easy to get to this airstrip if you want to visit or leave the city. The location of the airport is known as latitude N44°05.67′ and longitude W121°12.01′, and the field elevation is 3,456 feet. That makes BDN a good gateway to see what Central Oregon has to offer.

To get to Bend Municipal from downtown Bend, you just need to drive for about 15 minutes. The way there is simple, and the roads are in good shape. You can get from the middle of downtown straight to the airport without trouble. This makes it easy for people who are taking a flight or picking others up.

The airport has a main runway called 16/34. The runway is made of asphalt and is 5,200 feet long and 75 feet wide. Because of this, the airstrip can handle many types of aircraft used for general aviation. It is an important part of aviation in Oregon and helps serve the central Oregon area well.

Ground Transportation Options

After you land at Bend Municipal, it is easy to get where you need to go in the city of Bend or to places nearby. The airport gives you many ground transportation choices. These can take you from the airport to your hotel, work event, or the next thing you want to do. You can pick what works for your travel plans and how much you want to spend.

The airport mainly serves general aviation, but getting a ride is still simple. There are a lot of local companies that offer rides both to and from the airport. They make sure you will not be left waiting. It is smart to book your ride early, especially when a lot of people are traveling.

If you want to get around, you can choose from options like:

  • Rental Cars: There are many big and small rental car agencies. They can have your car ready for you.

  • Taxis: You can use a local taxi company to get a ride from the airport.

  • Rideshare Services: Companies like Uber and Lyft are in the area. It’s an easy way to get a ride.

  • Private Shuttles: If you are in a group or want the ride just for you, you can book a private shuttle.

Bend Municipal aims to help you start your next trip in the city of Bend well.

Airport Facilities and Services

Bend Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport that gives a wide range of services for both pilots and passengers. The airport has many things in place to help you have a good and easy trip. The on-site FBO, called Skyservice, helps with fueling and also offers hangar space for different types of planes.

The airport does more than just aviation services. There are things there that help make your wait nicer. With thousands of square feet for all its operations and tenants, Bend Municipal Airport is ready to handle a regular flow of people and planes. In the next parts, you will learn more about what you get as a passenger and as a pilot at this general aviation spot.

Passenger Amenities

Bend Municipal Airport has been around since the late 1930s. But the airport now puts focus on comfort and convenience for people who use it. It’s not a big airport, but you will feel welcome when you are there. They offer all that you need for a nice visit. The main waiting area is a good place to rest before your flight.

One thing many people love is the cafe called Dogs & Fries. This spot is famous for serving some of the best hot dogs around. Both pilots and local people like to stop in for a bite. The cafe is open Tuesday through Saturday. At this place, you can get breakfast all day. You can also get burgers, salads, and their special homemade fries. If you visit bend municipal airport, be sure to check out this eatery.

The main things you will find at the airport:

  • A cafe on site with a full menu

  • Restrooms that are clean and easy to get to

  • A nice place to wait or relax in the lounge

  • Plenty of parking that is close by and easy to use

Pilot and Aviation Services

Pilots who fly into Bend Municipal will find many helpful services that are made for general aviation. The main FBO, called Skyservice, is the best place to get help with things like aircraft fueling, fixing planes, renting hangars, and securing your plane. Their team is always ready to help you on the ground, so you can count on a fast and smooth experience.

Good weather information is very important for pilots at Bend Municipal. You can get up-to-date weather details from the AWOS right at the airport either by calling or over the radio. You can also find links on the airport’s website that take you to the Aviation Weather Center and the National Weather Service. These tools make planning your flight simple and safe.

Bend Municipal has a strong and active aviation community. You will find resources for pilot training and can connect with groups like the Oregon Department of Aviation. Because experts say Bend Municipal will see forecast growth, the airport is always working to offer better services for every pilot who visits this important airport in Oregon.

Flight Operations at Bend Municipal Airport

Flight operations at Bend Municipal Airport are active and busy. This shows why it is the third busiest general aviation airport in Oregon. Each day, a lot of planes come and go from the airport. Most flights are private, corporate, or for training. There has been significant growth at the airport, and its strong setup supports this increase. There is a 5,200-foot runway and two parallel taxiways called Alpha and Bravo.

This design helps takeoffs and landings go smoothly, so there are fewer waits, even when it is a busy time. The airport focuses on general aviation. It is made for people who have private planes or those who work in corporate flight groups. Keep reading to see more about the kinds of flights you will find here and why there are no airline services for the public at Bend Municipal.

Types of Flights and Aircraft

Bend Municipal is a busy spot for many types of general aviation. This airstrip is not like commercial airports. Here, the aircraft do not run on a set schedule. This means people get more choice and easy access to Central Oregon.

The air traffic at Bend Municipal comes in many forms. You will see small single-engine planes that people use for fun or flight training. There are also advanced jets that many companies use for business aviation. Bend Municipal is an important place for corporate aviation travel because it lets business teams fly straight into Bend.

Common flight types at Bend Municipal include:

  • Business and Corporate Flights: Private jets and turboprops that bring people to this region for work.

  • Recreational Flying: Pilots come to enjoy the views of Central Oregon from the sky.

  • Flight Training: Students and teachers work on aviation skills and training.

  • Charter Flights: Private flights booked for people and groups who need a ride on their own time.

Commercial Airline Service Availability

A lot of people want to know if you can take a commercial flight from Bend Municipal Airport. The answer is no. There are no commercial airline flights here from Delta or any other big carriers. The airport is set up for only general aviation and business aviation. People have talked about bringing back commercial flights in the past, but right now, there is no plan for that.

If you want to fly on a commercial airline in Central Oregon, your closest choice is Roberts Field-Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM). It is about 16 miles from Bend. RDM is the main commercial airport in this part of Oregon and lets you get to big cities like Seattle and Portland. Because of this, Bend Municipal can stay focused on helping the private aviation crowd.

It looks like this setup will keep going, as the forecast growth for general aviation is strong lately. Bend Municipal has found its spot in Oregon aviation. Even though you can’t get a ticket for a commercial airline here, private flyers get a lot of value from this airport.

Aviation Schools and Training Programs

If you have ever wanted to learn how to fly, Bend Municipal Airport is a great place to begin. This airport is a busy spot for aviation education in Central Oregon. It has flight schools and many options for people who want to become pilots. You can start with your first flight or go on to advanced pilot training. There is good, quality training for every level.

The team at Bend Municipal is helpful, and the flying weather is nice. This makes it one of the best places in Oregon for pilot training. There are several businesses right at the airport. They are there to help you reach your aviation dreams. Let’s look at the schools and programs you can find here.

Flight Schools and Learning Opportunities

Bend Municipal has tenants that focus on offering the best pilot training. These aviation schools have programs for all levels. You can join as a beginner and work towards your private pilot license. Or, if you are already skilled, you can add more certifications. The flight training at Bend Municipal is set up to give you safety, better flying skills, and a strong base in aviation.

These flight training businesses use a large amount of the airport’s square feet. They have their own classrooms, briefing rooms, and fleets of planes for training. Instructors in these schools are often people with many years of flying. They care about flying and want to help others learn, too.

The courses offered by these tenants may be different, but you can usually find:

  • Private Pilot License (PPL) programs

  • Instrument Rating (IR) courses

  • Commercial Pilot License (CPL) training

  • Discovery flights if you are trying aviation for the first time

If you want to get started, talk with the airport’s FBO. They can help you find the best flight training group for your needs at Bend Municipal.

Accessing Pilot Information

For pilots, it is important to have accurate and quick information. Bend Municipal Airport helps you get what you need for safe flight planning and flying. The airport gives you many ways to find pilot details, both by coming to the airport and by going online. Before you start your plane, you can know what the airport and the weather will be like.

On the ground, there is the AWOS-3 system. It gives live weather on frequency 134.425 or you can call (541) 382-1477. For more weather details and advice, you can use the Aviation Weather Center. The airport also shares links to FAA for notices to airmen (NOTAMs) and temporary flight restrictions (TFRs).

Many pilots use third-party places like AirNav. You can go there for airport maps, radio channels, and comments from other pilots. These tools, with help from official FAA info, make sure you get all you need to fly safely at Bend Municipal.

Key Airport Details

Knowing the main facts about an airport helps both pilots and anyone visiting. Bend Municipal uses the airport code BDN. People use this short code for things like flight planning and keeping in touch. The airport has one runway that is in good shape. There is also a lot of hangar space here. The FBO offers hangar space for those who need it.

You get a quick look at what Bend Municipal can do by knowing points like its elevation and contact info. Below, you will find more about the airport’s code, contact info, and how to see your flight’s arrivals and departures.

Airport Code and Contact Information

The official airport code for Bend Municipal Airport is BDN. This three-letter identifier is assigned by the FAA and is used universally in flight plans, navigation systems, and aviation databases like AirNav. When planning a flight to the city of Bend via general aviation, you will use BDN as your destination.

Having key contacts handy is also important. For airport management and general inquiries, you can reach out to the City of Bend, which operates the facility. For aviation-specific needs, the on-site FBO, Skyservice, is your primary contact. The Oregon Department of Aviation is another valuable resource for statewide aviation information.

Here is a quick reference table with essential airport information:

Detail

Information

Airport Code

BDN

Location

8 miles NE of Bend, Oregon

Field Elevation

3,456 feet MSL

CTAF/Unicom Frequency

123.0

AWOS Weather Phone

(541) 382-1477

Main Runway

16/34 (5,200′ x 75′ Asphalt)

Arrival and Departure Information

At Bend Municipal, things work in a different way than at big commercial airports. You will not see large boards showing arrivals and departures. This is because Bend Municipal is a general aviation airport. Most flights here serve the needs of people and businesses. Pilots and the FBO manage flight tracking, so there are not public schedules.

Pilots use FAA resources and flight planning tools to get information about arrivals and departures. Services like AirNav help pilots know about instrument approach methods, runway facts, and radio frequencies. This helps them have all the official details needed for safe flying.

If you want to know when a plane will get in or leave, you should talk straight to the pilot or the operator. The FBO might also give basic updates about the flights they help with. This way of handling things is standard for a general aviation airport like Bend Municipal. It is meant to give service that fits what people really need.

Area Airports Comparison

When you plan to visit Central Oregon, you have two main airports to pick from. There is Bend Municipal Airport (BDN), and there is Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM), also called Roberts Field. These two airports are close to each other, but they are used in different ways. Knowing what each one is for can help you know which fits your needs when you travel to Oregon.

Bend Municipal is the place for general aviation in Central Oregon. Redmond Municipal, on the other hand, is where most people go for airline travel. Bend Municipal gives private flyers flexibility and a direct way in. Redmond connects people to the wider air travel system in the US. Here, we will look at Bend Municipal and Redmond Municipal (Roberts Field) side-by-side and see what they can offer you in this area.

Bend Municipal Airport vs. Redmond Airport

The main difference between Bend Municipal Airport (BDN) and Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM) is why they are there. BDN is for general aviation, so you will see private planes, company jets, and flight schools at the airport. RDM, also known as Roberts Field, is the only airport in the area where you can catch a commercial flight.

This difference leads to the way each airport is set up. RDM is bigger, with a larger building and longer runways. The airport has what it needs for airlines like United, Delta, and Alaska. BDN is not as large, but it gives special help to private pilots. Its FBO lets people plan their flight times and get ground support made just for them.

Here is a quick comparison:

  • Primary Use: BDN is mostly for general aviation; RDM is for commercial airline service.

  • Commercial Flights: You will not get them at BDN; RDM is where they are in the region.

  • Location: BDN is only 8 miles from Bend; RDM is 16 miles out from Bend.

  • Flexibility: BDN gives private flyers lots of flexibility. RDM uses fixed times from the airlines.

  • Services: BDN centers around FBO services for pilots; RDM gives people what they need like passenger buildings, baggage claim, and TSA checks.

Regional Travel Considerations

Choosing between Bend Airport and Redmond Airport depends on how you want to travel. It all comes down to your plans and what works best for you. Both airports are a way to get into Central Oregon, but each opens a different door.

If you plan to fly with an airline from another city, you will go to Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM). Once you land, you can rent a car or use a shuttle to reach the city of Bend. Redmond is connected to the main flight network in the country and beyond. It is a good choice for most people coming to Oregon, especially if you use commercial airlines.

On the other hand, if you fly your own plane or use a charter or corporate jet, Bend Municipal Airport (BDN) will be better for you. Bend Municipal gives more direct access to city of Bend and is less busy than Redmond. The airport has what you need for general aviation and is a top spot for those who fly private in this area of Central Oregon.

Conclusion

To sum up, Bend Municipal Airport is a good place for travelers and people interested in aviation. The airport has many things that help you, like good places for passengers and pilot training. This means it can be useful for a lot of people. It does not matter if you want to get on a flight or learn more about aviation. Bend Municipal Airport has what you need to make your trip easy and nice.

Before your flight, it is smart to check when your plane comes in and goes out. This helps you have a trip with no problems. If you are thinking about going to Bend, or if you want to try something new in aviation or need pilot training, this airport is your gateway. It opens up many chances for you. Have a great trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there commercial flights from Bend Municipal Airport?

No, Bend Municipal Airport does not have commercial airline service. If you want to fly on Delta or other airlines to a place like Seattle, you need to go to Redmond Municipal Airport (RDM). This is the main commercial airport in Central Oregon. Redmond Municipal Airport is used for most flights in this part of Oregon, and it is close to Bend.

What ground transportation is available at Bend Municipal Airport?

At Bend Municipal Airport, there are a few easy ways to get to the city of Bend. The city is just a few miles from the airport. You can use a local taxi, call for an Uber or Lyft, book a private shuttle, or rent a car and set up a time to pick it up.

How can pilots get flight information at Bend Municipal Airport?

Pilots can get flight details for Bend Municipal Airport from different sources. On-site, you will find the AWOS system. It gives real-time weather updates. For flight planning, it is best to use official FAA guides and online spots like the Aviation Weather Center. You can also use third-party apps such as AirNav for complete airport info. These tools will help you stay safe and ready for your next aviation trip.