General Aviation Center (GAC)

The General Aviation Center (GAC) is a dedicated area or facility at an airport that serves the needs of general aviation (GA) — non-commercial, non-scheduled flights such as private pilots, flight schools, aero clubs, business aviation, and air taxis. It acts as the terminal and operations hub for GA users, separate from the commercial passenger terminals.

• Provide infrastructure and ground services tailored to GA operations
• Streamline handling, customs, and immigration for private and business flights
• Offer a quiet and efficient alternative to busy passenger terminals
• Centralize services like briefing, fueling, and hangar access

• Check-in and briefing room for flight planning
• Customs and immigration (at international-capable airports)
• Pilot lounges and rest areas
• Crew briefing terminals with access to NOTAMs, AIP, weather
• Hangar space and apron access
• Office space for handling agents and GA operators

• Most international and regional airports have a GAC or GA terminal
• Some small airports serve only GA and are functionally a GAC in themselves
• GACs may be marked on VFR charts or referenced in the AIP (AD section)

Flights using the GAC still require clearances, ATC communication, and standard procedures. Taxi instructions will usually specify routing to/from the GAC apron or stand. Ground control or tower may refer to “General Aviation Apron” or “GA parking”.

• “Taxi to General Aviation Apron via Taxiway Golf”
• “Parking at GAC, request start-up”
• “Cleared to taxi to holding point via GAC apron”

• GACs are often managed by fixed-base operators (FBOs) who provide ground services
• Services like fuel, catering, de-icing, and slot coordination may be arranged through the GAC
• In some countries, landing fees and handling for GA are processed via the GAC office