VNC was built in the early 1940s by the U.S. government to serve as a flight training facility during World War II. The federal government gave it to the city as its municipal airport after the war. While the tradition of flight training has continued since the war years, VNC's unique location and ample facilities make it well-suited for charter and maintenance operations as well as flight training. FFTC customers enjoy the amenities on and around the airport.

VNC is next to Gulf of Mexico shoreline on 835 acres, and is abutted by a pristene wildlife preserve, golf course, and white gulf beaches. Its airspace is free of the congestion of its neighboring airports but still provides access to air traffic control necessary for coordinated radio communications and instrument approaches for training purposes and for light to moderate size jet traffic. Geographically VNC is nested between the Sarasota and Fort Myers airports. Airspace beyond VNC's local pattern is controlled by the Tampa center. Extended flight over land and water is possible. Venice is an excellent takeoff point for diving trips to Cancun, Mexico, or if you prefer to fly inland, other destinations include Orlando and the Florida Keys.

VNC has two 5000 foot runways with 4 directions of approach, allowing light to medium turboprops and jets to land here. Both runways are 150 feet wide and have medium intensity runway lighting (MIRL), runway end identifier lights (REIL) and precision approach path indicators (PAPI). VNC has has an automated weather observing system (AWOS). Runway 13/31 was updated in 2006, and VNC's management is currently working with federal authorities to obtain a grant to complete work on Runway 4/22 within a year or so, and after that to increase hangar space on the airport. VNC is vital to Venice and surrounding communities--recent estimates show that the airport brings at least $22 million in revenues yearly. FFTC is part of the force urging renovation processes forward not only to accomodate its own growth, but also to insure the quality of service available to its customers.

For your convenience, we have included the Airport/Facility Directory information (above) and noise abatement procedures here to help you learn more it. We, recommend, however, that you retrieve this information from an official source should you be planning to fly on or to the airport.