TL;DR: Drake Field, a general-aviation airport about three miles south of downtown Fayetteville, Washington County, AR, recorded 24,907 aircraft operations in the year ending December 31, 2020 (Wikipedia, citing FAA data, checked Aug 2026).
Drake Field History and Operations
Drake Field, also known as Fayetteville Executive Airport, is a general-aviation facility located approximately three miles south of downtown Fayetteville, Washington County, AR (Wikipedia, checked Aug 2026). The airport operates under the FAA/IATA identifier FYV and the ICAO identifier KFYV (Wikipedia, checked Aug 2026). Prior to 1998, Drake Field served as the region's commercial airline hub under the name Fayetteville Municipal Airport (Wikipedia, checked Aug 2026). Commercial airline service transitioned to Northwest Arkansas National Airport (XNA) upon its opening in 1998 (Wikipedia, checked Aug 2026). Since that transition, Drake Field has functioned exclusively as a general-aviation, flight-training, and business/charter airport (Wikipedia, checked Aug 2026). Discover Fayetteville, Arkansas, and you will find that this shift has preserved the airport's utility for private aviation while removing it from the high-volume commercial passenger stream.
That history matters for anyone considering a home near the field. Because Drake Field now handles general aviation rather than commercial jet traffic, the noise profile and flight paths differ from what you'd expect near a major commercial airport. The numbers below give a clearer picture of just how much activity the field actually sees.
Drake Field Specifications and Fleet Data
The physical infrastructure at Drake Field consists of a single runway designated 16/34, measuring 6,005 by 100 feet, according to Wikipedia citing FAA data checked in August 2026. This configuration supports general aviation operations within the immediate area. For a buyer considering a property near this facility, the runway's dimensions help explain the types of aircraft that use the airport and the noise and traffic patterns nearby.
The most recent data regarding aircraft based at the airport covers the year ending December 31, 2020, and is sourced from Wikipedia citing FAA data checked in August 2026. During that period, the total fleet comprised 96 aircraft, consisting of 73 single-engine planes, 7 multi-engine aircraft, 14 jets, and 2 helicopters. This breakdown indicates a heavy reliance on single-engine general aviation, which is typical for regional airports, while the presence of jets and helicopters suggests a specific segment of the market utilizing the facility. Understanding the composition of this fleet helps in assessing the volume of local air traffic and the specific aviation needs of the community.
Drake Field Operations and Local Demographics
Drake Field recorded 24,907 aircraft operations for the year ending December 31, 2020, averaging about 68 per day. For a prospective buyer weighing a South Fayetteville property, that gives a concrete sense of how busy the field actually is, rather than relying on a general impression of "light" or "quiet" traffic.
Fayetteville, Arkansas, had an estimated population of 106,623 as of July 1, 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Vintage 2025 population estimate available on QuickFacts and checked in August 2026. If you're weighing a move to South Fayetteville, or considering a sale in the area, list your home with us to talk through what a Drake Field-adjacent property means for day-to-day living.
Washington County Millage Rates for Fayetteville
Property tax liability in Fayetteville is determined by the millage rate set by Washington County. According to the Washington County Assessor 2025 Millage Rate Table, the Fayetteville/Fayetteville taxing district (district #11) holds a combined rate of 57.1 mills as of the table's check date in August 2026. For a buyer evaluating the total cost of ownership, understanding this rate helps forecast annual property tax expenses before closing on a South Fayetteville property.
Because the millage rate is a fixed levy applied uniformly across the district, it's a predictable component of household budgeting. The 57.1 mills figure represents the sum of various taxing authorities within the district, including the county, city, and any special service districts, consolidated into a single rate. A buyer should treat this rate as a recurring annual expense to factor into their purchase budget alongside a mortgage payment and insurance.
Working With Mason Capital Group in Fayetteville
Buying or selling a home near Drake Field comes with a few specific questions -- about noise, flight patterns, and taxes -- that a local agent can help you sort through. With 30+ years in Northwest Arkansas, our team has guided clients through the specifics of this South Fayetteville market.
For those seeking to buy or sell, having a partner with $2.4B+ in cumulative transaction activity provides a distinct advantage. We operate from 609 SW 8th Street, 6th Floor, Bentonville, AR 72712, and can be reached at 479-925-3333 to discuss homes near Drake Field Fayetteville. Current inventory is on our featured listings page.
How far is Drake Field from downtown Fayetteville?
Drake Field, also known as Fayetteville Executive Airport, is located about three miles south of downtown Fayetteville, Washington County, AR (Wikipedia, checked Aug 2026).
What is the runway length at Drake Field?
The airport has a single runway designated 16/34 measuring 6,005 by 100 feet (Wikipedia, citing FAA data, checked Aug 2026).
What is the population of Fayetteville?
Fayetteville, Arkansas's population was estimated at 106,623 as of July 1, 2025 (U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 population estimate, QuickFacts, checked Aug 2026).
How many aircraft are based at Drake Field?
For the year ending December 31, 2020, Drake Field had 96 aircraft based at the airport: 73 single-engine, 7 multi-engine, 14 jets and 2 helicopters (Wikipedia, citing FAA data, checked Aug 2026).
What is the property tax rate in the Fayetteville/Fayetteville taxing district?
For the 2025 tax year, Washington County's Millage Rate Table lists the Fayetteville/Fayetteville taxing district (district #11) at a combined 57.1 mills (Washington County Assessor 2025 Millage Rate Table, checked Aug 2026).