Not Your Average GA Airport – RYY

Nestled just northwest of Atlanta, Cobb County International Airport – McCollum Field (RYY) is far more than just a general aviation airport.  With a record-breaking runway, international connections, and a focus on public safety, RYY has established itself as a key player in Georgia’s aviation industry.

From hosting world leaders to supporting economic growth, this airport has a rich history, unique attributes, and a bright future ahead.  Here’s a closer look at what makes RYY stand out.

What Makes RYY Unique?

RYY is not your average general aviation airport.  It holds several distinctions that set it apart from others in the state—and even the country:

  • Longest General Aviation Runway in Metro Atlanta At 6,305 feet, RYY boasts the longest GA runway in the region, accommodating everything from small private aircraft to large business jets and military transports.
  • A Global Gateway with U.S. Customs & Border Protection RYY is the only general aviation airport in Georgia (and one of the few in the U.S.) with a U.S. Customs and Border Protection facility.  Since 2015, the airport has welcomed arrivals from 50 countries across four continents, making it a key entry point for international business aviation.
  • A Preferred Stop for Military Aircraft Thanks to its government contract fuel availability, RYY has one of the largest transient military traffic counts in Georgia.  Many military pilots also frequent the airport’s restaurant, making it a popular stop for crews passing through the region.
  • An Airport with a Quarry Next Door One of RYY’s quirks is its proximity to an active quarry, where blasting occurs twice a week.  While this has no operational impact on the airport, it adds a bit of character—some have compared it to the Mary Poppins scene where Admiral Boom fires a cannon daily!
  • Top-Tier Emergency Services RYY takes safety seriously.  Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services provides Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) with two Oshkosh Striker trucks, known by their callsigns Tomahawk 1 and Tomahawk 2.

The Airport’s Role in the Local Community & Economy

Beyond aviation, RYY plays a crucial role in Cobb County’s economy by creating jobs, fostering business growth, and supporting flight training.

  • A Major Job Creator The airport is home to 20+ businesses, supporting nearly 1,000 jobs tied directly to aviation activities.
  • A Training Ground for Future Airline Pilots With five flight schools based at RYY, the airport serves as an essential hub for pilot training—helping to prepare the next generation of airline professionals.
  • $129 Million in Economic Impact A 2020 study found that RYY’s operations generate $129 million annually, accounting for 15% of Georgia’s total general aviation economic impact.
  • Hangar Space & Expansion Plans RYY currently has 500,000 square feet of hangar space, with plans to expand in response to growing demand for aircraft storage and maintenance facilities.
  • Supporting Major Sporting Events & Business Travel The airport plays a key role in facilitating business travel, flight training, and leisure flying, as well as supporting high-profile events like Super Bowl LIII, the MLB All-Star Game, and the upcoming FIFA World Cup (2026).

A Look Back: The History of RYY

RYY’s origins date back to 1941, when Cobb County first opened an airport.  However, following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. War Department took control of the facility in 1942, renaming it Marietta Army Airfield—which eventually became Dobbins Air Reserve Base.  In the late 1950s, Cobb County leaders pushed to establish a new airport for business aviation.  Construction began in spring of 1960, and by September of that same year, RYY officially opened—becoming the first newly-built civilian airport in the country at the time.

Notable Visitors and Historical/Upcoming Events

Over the years, RYY has hosted numerous high-profile figures, including:

  • Former U.S. Presidents
  • British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher
  • Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Famous Aircraft & Events at RYY include:

  • Annual GBAA Static Event Each September, RYY hosts the Georgia Business Aviation Association (GBAA) Static Display, showcasing cutting-edge aircraft and aviation technology.
  • Gulfstream G700’s First Public Viewing (2023) Aviation enthusiasts and industry leaders gathered at RYY for the first public unveiling of the Gulfstream G700, one of the world’s most advanced business jets.
  • Presidential Campaign Visits During the last election cycle, the Trump-Vance campaign made multiple stops at RYY, arriving in a Boeing 737 accompanied by Secret Service teams.
  • Super Bowl LIII (2019) At the peak of the event, RYY facilitated parking of nearly 160 aircraft.
  • The Return of the Lockheed JetStar In 2019, one of the last remaining Lockheed JetStars returned home to Cobb County before being donated to a museum in Marietta.  Check out the historic footage: Watch the video.
  • Upcoming Major Events RYY is preparing to play a key role in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game and FIFA Club World Cup.  Looking ahead, the airport will support operations for the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Super Bowl in 2028.

McCollum Field (RYY) is more than just a convenient alternative to Atlanta’s major airports—it’s a key hub for business, military, and international aviation.  From its economic contributions to its storied past and role in major events, RYY continues to cement itself as one of Georgia’s most important general aviation airports.  As the airport continues to expand, it will play an even bigger role in shaping the future of aviation in Metro Atlanta and beyond.

Have you visited RYY?  What’s your favorite thing about this unique airport?  Let us know!

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