Columbia

Aviation in Columbia, South Carolina

Columbia is the capital and largest city of South Carolina, home to approximately 140,000 residents in the city and over 850,000 in the greater Midlands metropolitan area. Situated at the confluence of the Broad and Saluda rivers where they form the Congaree River, Columbia serves as the seat of state government, home of the University of South Carolina, and a major military community anchored by Fort Jackson — the Army's largest initial entry training installation. Columbia Metropolitan Airport (KCAE) serves as the region's primary commercial and general aviation hub, with additional GA facilities throughout the Midlands region. Airplane-Trade.com connects Columbia and the South Carolina Midlands aviation community with the southeastern and national aircraft marketplace.

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (KCAE)

Columbia Metropolitan Airport (FAA: CAE, ICAO: KCAE) is a public airport owned by Richland and Lexington counties. The airport offers commercial airline service and a full general aviation infrastructure including FBO services, maintenance, and charter operations. Two primary runways support both commercial and GA operations. The airport is co-located with the South Carolina Army National Guard aviation facilities, reflecting the region's strong military aviation heritage. McEntire Joint National Guard Base (KMMT), home to South Carolina Air National Guard F-16 fighters, is located nearby.

KCAE Airport Facts

• FAA/ICAO: CAE / KCAE
• Elevation: 236 feet MSL
• Runways: 11/29 at 8,601 feet; 05/23 at 6,000 feet
• Military co-location: SC Army National Guard
• Services: Commercial airlines, FBO, maintenance, charter

South Carolina Midlands Flying

Columbia and the South Carolina Midlands occupy the Piedmont region between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the northwest and the coastal plain to the southeast. The terrain is rolling piedmont with the broad Congaree River basin and Lake Murray — a large reservoir to the west of Columbia — providing prominent visual landmarks. Weather is typical of the Southeast, with frequent summer thunderstorm activity in the afternoon hours and mild winters that allow year-round flying with good VFR frequency. Charlotte-Douglas's Class B airspace is about 90 miles to the north, and the broader Carolina aviation network includes Florence (KFLO), Sumter (KSMS), and Orangeburg (KOGB) in the eastern Midlands.

Aircraft for Sale in Columbia

Columbia's combination of state government, university, military, and business communities creates robust demand for aviation. The Midlands market offers a diverse range of GA aircraft. Airplane-Trade.com provides the marketplace for South Carolina Midlands aviation transactions. Browse Columbia-area aircraft listings or post your aircraft for sale today.