Fly From the Heart of Kansas City
Aspire Aviation Academy is based at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC) — Kansas City’s historic birthplace of commercial aviation and the former home of TWA. Just minutes from downtown, our location gives students and renters unmatched convenience, modern facilities, and a front-row seat to aviation history.
Airport Legacy
MKC has been at the center of Kansas City aviation since 1927. As the first airport to serve Trans World Airlines (TWA), its runways once launched the golden era of commercial flight. Today, it remains one of the most active general aviation airports in the Midwest — a place where history meets modern training.
Why Kansas City is Ideal for Training
Central Location: Easy to reach from anywhere in the metro area — and minutes from downtown.
Diverse Airspace: Access to both controlled and non-towered environments, perfect for building experience and confidence.
All-Season Flying: With four distinct seasons, Kansas City prepares pilots to handle a wide variety of weather conditions.
Dynamic Skyline Views: Train in the heart of the city with incredible approaches and departures over KC’s skyline.
Pilot-Friendly Facilities
Aspire students and renters benefit from Atlantic Aviation’s full-service FBO at MKC, including:
- Pilot lounge and flight planning rooms
- Courtesy cars and crew cars
- Fueling services and ramp access
- Comfortable amenities for students, renters, and visiting pilots
Training Advantage
Operating out of MKC gives our students access to long runways, precision approaches, and Class D airspace while still being minutes from Class B Kansas City International. This balance offers the best of both worlds — professional-level training in a manageable environment.
Current Conditions – Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (KMKC)
ATIS & Frequencies
- ATIS: 120.75
- Ground: 121.90
- Tower: 118.30
- Clearance Delivery: 127.95
Airport Details
Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC)
300 NW Richards Rd, Kansas City, MO 64116
Towered | Class D | Elevation: 759 ft
Runways: 1/19 (7,002 ft) | 4/22 (5,050 ft)