Benton Municipal Airport - H96

05/31/2026

Just another reminder that starting at midnight (tonight) June 1st, H96 will be totally closed for an estimated 76 days for the new runway lighting project and new fuel pump installation.

We have hopes that it will become usable in some fashion before then but that will be decided by the contractors.

We apologize for any and all inconveniences this will inevitably cause. But at the end, we will have all new LED runway and edge lighting, a lighted windsock and a new fuel pump dispenser!

Airport closure notams are viewable now. Please share and plan accordingly!

05/25/2026

Just a reminder that 1 week from today, beginning June 1st, H96 will be closed for an estimated 76 days for the new runway lighting project and new fuel pump installation.

Airport closure notams are viewable now. See image. Please share and plan accordingly!

05/17/2026

From Mayor Messersmith:

‼️Water Main Break‼️

Due to a major water line break in a remote area, the city will (of you have not already) lose water pressure/service. How long remains to be determined.

Crews are actively working on trying to repair the break.

Please be safe and take care of yourselves and your neighbors.

We'll continue to update throughout the day.
Mayor Lee

05/16/2026

MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT

We apologize for not having our Second Saturday Food Truck Fly in and Cruise in events posted this year but it’s for a great reason that we’ve been waiting on scheduling information for…

In a little over 2 weeks beginning June 1, the airport will be closing for approximately 74 days in order to make some much needed improvements.

The first upgrade is installing all new LED runway lights, taxiway lights, apron edge lights, REILS (runway end identifier lighting system) and a new lighted wind cone.

The second upgrade is installing a new AVGAS fuel pump/dispenser assembly.

We truly apologize for the inconveniences this will provide during the closure, but it is a small price to pay to keep improving our little airport to serve the region better.

We thank you for your patience and continued patronage.

As always, check your NOTAMs as part of your preflight routines and we hope you have a wonderful summer!

05/08/2026

Turns out that when you want good coffee…you land here at H96 (in a beautiful Cessna 170 too) and use the crew car to go downtown for some of the good stuff from "The Buzz" on the square. They’ve made this trip more than a couple of times for it and have said it’s their favorite coffee!

That’s what we like to hear!

Maybe you should come to Benton and try out some treats from the Buzz and see what you’re missing!

05/06/2026

Add this fly in date to your calendar. Tuesday May 26th 5-8PM at our neighbor’s Mt. Vernon Airport and their Bonnie Cafe.

A portion of sales go to our local EAA Chapter and their scholarship fund.

Fly in, eat, help our future aviators!

04/18/2026

Survey to Restore Giant City Park Airstrip

Giant City State Park, located about 75 air miles SE of St. Louis near Makanda, IL is a treasure with great hiking, hunting, fishing, picnicking, a large historic lodge and restaurant (great fried chicken.) It included an airstrip in the middle of the park for decades prior to the early 1980s. There is an effort to restore and reopen the airstrip complete with rustic camping facilities, once again providing air access. Please take the survey and support the effort at https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=nwgia7qOPEaE9TFxIQ-QBeDGmC-Kd0VEviqLIx8sa8NUOVY4Qk9NTlJJNjNUR1ZWNldNTVg2MDNPMy4u&fbclid=IwY2xjawRPQ_tleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETE0d01rcWJKcm5GQ1JGMURqc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHhwAowX1jRp5kRUXw3xtuB6xsTOjoSKdlewjcgy8Fi8vJaFmnXlnl4gRr4sy_aem_eWBTm_Ob5WP58ioh8JVH3w

04/08/2026

Had an interesting aircraft visit from this Aircam Twin Engine Seaplane today on its way from Ohio to Oklahoma.

Photo courtesy of Mark Grueninger

03/24/2026

The City of Benton will be accepting bids on a cash rent basis for a farm lease of City owned property commonly known as the airport farm. The farm land consists of 113 acres (additional adjacent non-City owned farm land is also available to lease separately) and the minimum bid accepted will be $175 per acre. Payment will be due in 2 installments, March 1 and November 1" of each year. The term of the lease will be for 5 years. Deadline for bid submission will be April 13, 2026 at 4:00P.M. Please submit bids to Benton City Hall located at 901 Public Square (P.O. Box 640) Benton, IL 62812. For more information, including farm location and maps, please contact Brian Calcaterra, Zoning Administrator at 618-439-6131 ext. 406 or email [email protected]

Please share!

02/21/2026

Congratulations to our friends at Mt. Vernon Airport for being selected for the finishing airport in this year’s Air Race Classic!

JUST IN: A major aviation event with national reach is set to land in Southern Illinois next summer, as Mt. Vernon Outland Airport has been chosen as the finish line location for the 2026 Air Race Classic.

The selection marks what local officials say will be one of the largest aviation-related events to take place at the airport in decades, bringing pilots, race teams, and visitors from across the country into Jefferson County. The Air Race Classic is an all-women’s cross-country flight competition that spans multiple days and emphasizes precision navigation, flight planning, and timing rather than outright speed.

Airport Manager Chris Collins said being selected as the race’s Terminus site is a significant moment for the airport and the region.

“This event puts our airport on a national stage and highlights the professionalism of our facilities and staff,” Collins said. “It’s exciting to host an event of this scale and significance.”

Participants in the race are expected to begin arriving in Mt. Vernon on June 25, 2026, with activities continuing through June 29. During that time, organizers say the community will have opportunities to take part in a variety of public events tied to the race.

Host City Terminus Chair Sheila Jolly Scrivner called the event a chance to involve the broader community.

“From aviation enthusiasts to families and local businesses, the Air Race Classic offers something for everyone,” Scrivner said. “We’re looking forward to showcasing Mt. Vernon’s hospitality while supporting women in aviation.”

A public aviation celebration is planned for Saturday, June 27, at Mt. Vernon Outland Airport. The event is expected to include youth-focused programming such as Young Eagle Flights, interactive displays, and other hands-on learning opportunities aimed at introducing young people to careers in aviation.

Mt. Vernon Tourism Director Angela Schrum said the race is also expected to benefit the local economy.

“We’re excited to welcome racers and visitors from across the country and to highlight everything Mt. Vernon has to offer while celebrating a historic aviation event,” Schrum said.

Additional information about the event schedule and community activities is expected to be released as planning for the 2026 race continues.