Most people think of Athens for the Dawgs, the music, and the tree-lined streets. Fewer know we have a real piece of aviation history right here on Ben Epps Drive. Whether you fly yourself, charter for business, or are simply curious, the airport says a lot about this town.
Who Was Ben Epps?
Ben T. Epps was born in Oconee County in 1888 and spent his youth tinkering. He repaired bicycles, worked as an electrical contractor, and ran a garage on Washington Street downtown. The story most often told puts his first flight in 1907, when he was just nineteen, a few years after the Wright brothers took off at Kitty Hawk. He built Georgia's first airplane himself, a monoplane with bicycle wheels and a small motor. He kept designing aircraft for years afterward, and his son, Ben Epps Jr., became a well-known pilot too. Both are in the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame.
How Did the Airport Begin?
In 1917, Epps opened Epps Flying Field on rented land about three miles from downtown. It became Georgia's first civilian airport, with a flying service offering lessons, passenger rides, and aerial photography. Epps died in a test-flight crash in 1937, and Athens named the airport in his honor. A historical marker stands in front of the terminal today.
Who Uses Athens-Ben Epps Airport Today?
It is a county-owned, public-use airport, and it is busier than most people guess. It serves corporate flights, charter and private jets, military aircraft, and local pilots. The longest runway is 6,122 feet, long enough for many business jets, and a new terminal opened in 2017. The Athens Ben Epps Flight Center is the executive terminal for private aviation. On UGA home game weekends, the ramp fills with planes bringing fans in for the game.
Is There Airline Service in Athens?
Scheduled airline service ended in 2014, and airport leaders have been working to bring an airline back. For now, travelers who fly commercially typically use Atlanta or Greenville-Spartanburg, each roughly an hour and a half away, depending on traffic.
Why It Matters if You Are Moving to Athens
For my clients relocating from Atlanta, especially those who fly privately or charter for business, this is a real convenience. You can land minutes from downtown Athens and skip the big-airport hassle entirely.
Thinking about making the move? Download Living Well in Athens, GA: The Athens Relocation Guide, or call me at (706) 255-6160. I would love to show you around.
Ellen McLemore | REALTOR® | Corcoran Classic Living
