Charlie Brown Airport in Atlanta: Your Guide to Fulton County Airport – Brown Field

If you hear Atlantans talk about “Charlie Brown Airport”, they’re almost always referring to Fulton County Airport – Brown Field, a busy general aviation airport just west of downtown Atlanta. It’s not a commercial airline hub like Hartsfield-Jackson, but it plays a major role in private, business, and charter aviation in the metro area.

This guide explains what Charlie Brown Airport is, where it is, who uses it, and how it fits into travel and daily life in Atlanta.

What Is “Charlie Brown Airport” in Atlanta?

Locally, “Charlie Brown Airport” is the informal name for:

Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY)
Address: 3952 Aviation Cir NW, Atlanta, GA 30336

Key points:

• It’s a public general aviation airport, not a commercial airline airport.
• Located in west Atlanta, near the I-285 and I-20 interchange.
• Owned and operated by Fulton County.
• Used by private aircraft, business jets, air charter services, flight schools, and some government and emergency operations.

If you’re looking for commercial flights on major airlines, you’ll still be using Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). Charlie Brown is for a different kind of flying.

Where Charlie Brown Airport Is and How to Get There

Location in Metro Atlanta

The airport sits in west Fulton County, just outside the western edge of the City of Atlanta. It’s convenient to:

• Downtown Atlanta – roughly 15–20 minutes by car in typical traffic
• Midtown and Buckhead – generally 20–30 minutes depending on time of day
• Westside neighborhoods – such as Westview, West End, and the Upper Westside

Driving Directions and Access

Charlie Brown Airport is easily reached by major highways:

• From Downtown/Midtown:
  Take I-20 West, then I-285 North, exit near Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW or Camp Creek Pkwy depending on your route, and follow local roads to Aviation Circle NW.

• From Cobb County/Marietta:
  Take I-285 South on the west side and exit near Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy NW, then head toward Aviation Cir NW.

• From Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL):
  Take I-285 North on the west side of the perimeter to the same area.

Parking is typically available on-site for visitors to FBOs (fixed-base operators), tenants, and businesses located on airport grounds.

What Charlie Brown Airport Is Used For

Not a Commercial Airline Airport

You cannot book a regular airline ticket to or from Charlie Brown Airport.
It does not host:

• Major airlines (Delta, Southwest, etc.)
• TSA screening lines for commercial passengers
• Large passenger terminals and gates

Instead, it focuses on general aviation, which covers a wide range of non-airline flying.

Main Types of Operations

Common uses of Fulton County Airport – Brown Field include:

• Business and corporate jets
  Companies flying executives and staff into Atlanta without going through ATL.

• Private aircraft
  Personally owned planes flown by licensed pilots for personal or business travel.

• Air charter services
  On-demand flights booked privately, often for groups or individuals who want a direct route or a premium experience.

• Flight training
  Pilot schools and instructors use the airport for training flights, takeoffs, and landings.

• Government and emergency services
  Some helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft serving public safety, medical, and governmental roles operate here.

If you’re used to crowds and long lines at ATL, Charlie Brown will feel quieter, smaller, and more specialized.

Who Typically Uses Charlie Brown Airport?

Atlanta Residents and Businesses

People who commonly use Charlie Brown Airport include:

• Local businesses needing quick access to regional cities.
• High-frequency business travelers who value time savings and flexibility.
• Private aircraft owners based in the Atlanta area.
• Students and hobby pilots learning to fly or keeping up their skills.

For many Atlanta-area companies, using Charlie Brown can make short regional trips much easier than navigating the main airport.

Visitors to Atlanta

If you’re visiting Atlanta on a private or chartered flight, your pilot or charter operator may choose Charlie Brown Airport if:

• You’re staying in downtown, Midtown, Buckhead, or Westside.
• You want to avoid the congestion and airline operations at ATL.
• Your itinerary involves multiple short hops around the Southeast.

From Charlie Brown, you can arrange ground transportation (car service, rideshare, rental car) into the city.

Facilities and Services at Fulton County Airport – Brown Field

Charlie Brown doesn’t feel like a large passenger terminal; it’s more like a compact business airport. Facilities and services generally include:

Fixed-Base Operators (FBOs)

FBOs at the airport typically provide:

• Fueling for jets and propeller aircraft
• Hangar and tie-down space
• Pilot lounges and briefing areas
• Ground handling and towing services
• Catering coordination for private flights
• Rental car and ground transportation arrangements

If you are flying in on a private plane or charter, your experience will often center around the FBO instead of a traditional terminal.

Aircraft Services and Tenants

On the field you’ll often find:

• Maintenance and repair shops
• Flight schools and pilot training programs
• Aircraft management and charter companies
• Corporate flight departments

Many Atlanta-based pilots and aircraft owners choose to base their planes at Charlie Brown because of its location and infrastructure.

Charlie Brown Airport vs. Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL)

For someone in Atlanta, understanding the difference between these two airports helps you pick the right one for your needs.

If you’re booking a normal ticket through a travel site or airline, you’ll be flying in and out of ATL, not Charlie Brown.

If you’re arranging a private or charter flight, Charlie Brown is one of the main options in the Atlanta area.

Using Charlie Brown Airport as an Atlanta Traveler

Can You Fly Out of Charlie Brown as a Regular Passenger?

You can depart from Charlie Brown Airport, but usually only if:

• You’ve booked a private charter or are flying on a corporate aircraft.
• You are training as a pilot or otherwise part of a general aviation operation.

You won’t find:

• Airline ticket counters
• Standard baggage check desks
• Regular departures boards for public passengers

Ground Transportation Options

From Charlie Brown Airport, it’s common to use:

• 🚗 Rideshare or taxi – Convenient for reaching downtown, Midtown, or Buckhead.
• 🚙 Rental cars – Some FBOs help arrange rentals for arriving passengers.
• 🚐 Private car services or shuttles – Often pre-arranged by corporate or charter operators.

Public transit options are more limited than at ATL; most travelers rely on cars or car services when using Charlie Brown.

When It Makes Sense to Choose Charlie Brown Airport

You might use or request Fulton County Airport – Brown Field in situations like:

• You’re an Atlanta business owner arranging a charter for regional travel and want a faster, more direct airport experience.
• You’re flying privately into Atlanta and staying near downtown, Midtown, Westside, or Buckhead.
• You’re starting flight training or renting aircraft from a flight school based at Charlie Brown.
• Your company’s corporate jet or managed aircraft is hangared there.

If you don’t already have a pilot, aircraft, or charter operator, your first step is usually to contact a charter company or flight school that operates at the airport. They can explain your options, costs, and scheduling.

Key Takeaways About Charlie Brown Airport in Atlanta

• “Charlie Brown Airport” is Fulton County Airport – Brown Field (FTY), a general aviation airport in west Atlanta.
• It is not a commercial airline airport; no regular airline flights depart from or arrive here.
• It serves private aircraft, corporate jets, charter services, flight training, and government/emergency operations.
• Its location near downtown and west Atlanta makes it attractive for business and private aviation.
• Everyday airline travelers in Atlanta will still primarily use Hartsfield-Jackson (ATL), while Charlie Brown is a key hub for non-airline aviation in the metro area.

For Atlanta residents and visitors, knowing the difference helps you choose the right airport for how you’re planning to fly.