How To Fly (Almost) Free to Renton's Municipal Airport in the Pacific Northwest
Introduction
Overview. Nestled at the center of Washington state, Renton Municipal Airport (IATA: RNT) is flying high as a virtual paradise for general aviation in Seattle. This midsized airport, formerly Clayton Scott Field, is a crucial part of regional transportation infrastructure and was built in 1945.
Airlines and Destinations
Though Renton Municipal Airport is closed to commercial passenger flights, the airfield does house various private and charter aviation services. Rainier Flight Service, AcuWings, and Pro Flight Aviation are companies at the airport that offer air charter services, as well as holding frequent classes for both corporate/business/recreational clients.
Passengers & Flights
Renton Municipal Airport: A general aviation airport, Renton does not report numbers of passengers or overall flight totals. Nonetheless, the airport is well-used by general aviation and private pilots, corporate aircraft, as well as recreational flyers, with a reported 280 based on the field.
How to Get Here
Where: About 12 miles southeast of downtown Seattle, at the southern point of Lake Washington. There are several major highways and arterial roads that lead directly to the airport, which is also easily accessible by road.
Parking
The airport provides significant private and commercial vehicle parking space, complete with a number of convenient choices. There is always an option of short-term, long-term, and evening parking for visitors.
Transportation Prices
For travelling to or from Renton Municipal Airport, there are various transportation options available for every type of budget. Most providers, such as rideshare services, taxis, or shuttle fleets, have about the same price points for each according to their distance from your hotel.
Terminal Layout
Located at a general aviation airport, Renton Municipal Airport does not have the typical passenger terminal building. Rather, the facility consists of a series of hangars and fixed-base operators (FBOs) for use by private and charter aircraft.
Navigate the Airport
Renton Municipal Airport itself is quite navigable both visually and with respect to signage, taxilanes, and runways. It helps pilots and passengers navigate to the numerous FBOs, hangars, and other features within the airport grounds.
Getting Between Terminals
The Renton Municipal Airport does not operate with regular passenger service like other airline properties, so there is no need to make your way from separate terminals. Offset to the side of Spokane International Airport, not in use as a through-point for passengers, and pilots can move freely between each FBO or one of many support facilities scattered around the airfield.
Services and Amenities
The Renton Municipal Airport is fully equipped to meet the needs of legions of users, offering a suite of services and amenities. These services range from fueling stations, aircraft maintenance and repair services, flight planning resources, and more. The airport includes a floating dock, and a seaplane launching ramp is also available.
Restaurants and Shops
Although Renton Municipal Airport itself does not have any restaurants or stores, all the restaurants and shops around in Carillage Centre (food court) are a five-minute drive away.
Security and Customs
For those that prefer to arrive by land or water, both wheeled and seaplane aircraft may enter Renton Municipal Airport with standard security & customs facilities. Both types of aircraft are served by the US Customs service at Van Nuys Airport.
Accessibility
The Renton Municipal Airport is intended to be user-friendly, with paved walkways and parking areas compliant for accessible spaces reserved for members of the disabled community.
Travel Tips
Make sure you check NOTAM (Notice to Air Missions) and the latest weather when visiting Renton Municipal Airport for a hassle-free experience. On top of that, getting to know the airport in terms of layout and how things work is always a good thing ahead (or your arrival).