Virginia Air Services

at Smith Mountain Lake Airport

From J L Hardesty on 07-Jul-2008

Stopped in for the 4th of July weekend. Joe was great. I had to wait for my plane and Joe invited us into his home. I will definitely return but only during the day (no lights yet).
 

From Reo Hatfield on 06-Jul-2008

Joe thanks again for your assistance today. I was able to leave just in time to beat the weather. It is hard to beat such a nice airport and I am proud to call you friend. Also thanks for keeping the place looking so good. Airport sure was active this weekend. Keep up the good work and you have a beautiful house.
 

From Reo Hatfield on 04-Jul-2008

Let me get the record straight. Obviously, anyone that knows this airport knows that Joe never leaves the airport. The last time he left Truman was President. Joe is over 80 years old and has run this airport by himself. I doubt that those that complain which seems to be only one could never do this well. People act as though it does not cost to operate an airport but he does. Joe is just trying to run a business that we all get to enjoy. This is a beautiful airport and Joe is a good man. I am hoping that if I ever get to be 80 that I care enough or able enough to do half of what Joe does. We support you Joe, your airport and thank you for a Job Well Done. We all enjoy your beautiful airport. PS I have a trucking company and diesel is nearly 5.00 per gallon so be prepared by high fuel. It is over 6.00 just north of here. Thanks Reo
 

From Jim Jeans on 29-Jun-2008

Stopped in again with and found engine problems after landing. Was charge nearly $6/gallon and no discount on their $15/night tie-down fee. Spent $135 on 9 days of tie-downs. Fuel pumps are locked all the time and you have to track Joe down to get access to them. They do NOT accept credit cards. Cash or Check only. I would avoid this airport!!! The locals are friendly, but the owner drives away his customers. Roanoke is a much nicer place to stop with lower fees (although their fuel is a bit more expensive). Keep away if you can!

Response from Joe Borgess, Virginia Air Services
Mr. Jean's comments are entirely wrong. W91 does have fuel, we do accept credit cards and we have to collect tie-down fees in order to keep the airport open. His one negative comments out of 19 positive. I've been here for 29 years. I must be doing something right.

 

From Jim Jeans on 17-May-2008

Stopped by on Friday, 5/15/08 and they had no fuel, no vending. I'd call first before stopping for fuel!
 

From Scott Pace on 21-Jan-2008

Nice airport any friendly folks. Good fuel prices.
 

From Jeff Benjamin on 07-Aug-2007

Flew in on a Saturday for a day to explore the lake. The FBO owner was quite friendly and we rented his car for the day. Airport was well marked and the runway was in great shape. Lights are still OTS and the trees at both ends aren't getting any shorter! Plan on going wheels up before dark.
 

From Joseph Burr on 05-Jul-2007

Stopped into W 91 for fuel and weather issues on 07.03.07. Self-serve fuel was available at a good price and the on field attendant was extremely helpful. A few of the locals that live in the area of the field came out to chat and share experiences as well. It's on my list to stop in again.
 

From Matthew Etter on 29-May-2007

Well-paved, good markings, and beautiful location. Parking ramp is a little tight, so bring a tow bar (or a passenger) to help. Nice pilot lounge. The owner was a real treat to chew the fat with. This airport is way under-utilized, only 2 other transients on a beautiful holiday weekend. Drop in at this great little place.
 

From Alexander Jahn on 18-Sep-2005

My wife and I visited Smith Mountain Lake Airport in mid September 2005. The weather was great and so were the people at this nice airport -- very friendly and helpful. The airfield is in brilliant shape -- the asphalt is smooth and the markings in top condition. If you bring some time and sandwiches, you can walk to the nearby lake for a picnic -- the lake is about 10 walking minutes away. Definitely a place we will return to!
 

From Doug Moreland on 17-Aug-2005

The airport manager/owner let us borrow bikes to ride to the restaurant, about 1 mile and 3 good hills. You can rent a car for $50/day but no hourly rental. He has a couple apartments that he will rent for $200/night, includes an auto. Fun little airport to land at, tucked away in the trees, windsock at threshold of runway 23 on FBO end.