Apalachicola Regional  Airport

Those who visit Apalachicola today may have a hard time imagining that this quaint fishing village used to be the third most important port in the Gulf of Mexico. At that time, sponge diving, driven by the Greek immigrants who settled there, was the port’s economic engine. Nowadays, its most important product isoysters. Almost all of Florida’s oyster production takes place in the Apalachicola bay. Protected by the offshore islands St. Vincent and St. George, the breeding conditions for oysters are perfect there.

Apalachicola is a nice small American town. There are still mom and pop stores, restaurants, cafes, and ice cream parlors and no shopping mall for as far as the eye can see. Of course, eating oysters here goes without saying. Though unlike Europe, they are not served raw, but are usually roasted or fried. If you want your oysters raw, you have to order them that way especially.

The approach to Apalachicola is definitely one of the most scenic in North Florida. The Apalachicola River forms a wildly extensive river delta that flows out into the ocean, and from the cockpit, it is the perfect landmark. Those who want an extended approach can also fly over the offshore islands. If you choose this approach, then make sure you check the departing and approaching traffic on St. George. Prior to flying in, it is highly recommended that you contact the Tyndall MOA Approach (124,15 or 125,2) to register and obtain traffic information. If the MOA is active, you can then expect intense military flight traffic.

The Apalachicola Regional Airport with its cross runways is convenient to fly into, the FBO is small but very easy to find. The airport courtesy car gets you into town in just a few minutes with enough time for a bite to eat and a walk through town.