Mustang Aviation Serves as the Front Door to South Dakota
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Every fall, the ramp at Mustang Aviation transforms into one of the busiest aviation scenes in South Dakota. Aircraft arrive from across the country, including Texas, Florida, and California, bringing hunters to Pierre Regional Airport (KPIR) for pheasant hunting season. What is typically a steady flow of general aviation traffic becomes a fast-moving operation, with aircraft lined across the ramp.
The annual influx reflects the role Mustang Aviation, a fixed-base operator (FBO), has played for more than three decades, serving as a reliable gateway in central South Dakota for business aviation, government travel, medical transport, and recreational flying. Located near the geographic center of the United States, Pierre offers operators an efficient refueling and overnight stop for coast-to-coast travel.
Founded in 1990 as Capital City Air Carriers by Jim Peitz, the operation was rebranded in 2011 as Mustang Aviation to better reflect the character of the region it serves. Today, the company operates under the tagline “Where the Midwest Meets the Wild West,” which captures the broad mix of activity moving through the airport.
“We’re a central stop in the middle of the country. We take care of people and get them where they need to go, regardless of whether they’re traveling for business, visiting for hunting season, or arriving as medical transport,” said Steve Anderson, general manager of Mustang Aviation.
Built for Efficient Stops in the Middle of the Country
Mustang Aviation operates in an environment built for efficiency. The airport’s two 7,000-foot runways, unrestricted airspace, and minimal delays allow aircraft to arrive and depart quickly, making them stand out in business aviation.
Pilots frequently receive Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) clearances while taxiing, reducing wait times and simplifying arrivals and departures for cross-country operators. Another advantage is that there are no published Standard Instrument Departures (SID) or Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STAR) at the airport, and pilots can contact Minneapolis Center from the ground to obtain their clearance.
“We’re an uncomplicated airport. Our team communicates well, and we focus on getting aircraft in and out safely,” said Anderson.
That operational focus extends across Mustang Aviation’s full-service capabilities, which include Phillips 66 Jet A with Prist, 100LL Avgas, heated hangar space, deicing services, maintenance coordination and charter support. The FBO regularly accommodates everything from piston aircraft and turboprops to light jets, government aircraft, and Challenger 600-class operations. Mustang Aviation also routinely handles aircraft larger than a Challenger 300, and Global Express and Gulfstream G-V type aircraft make regular appearances at the FBO.
Inside the terminal, pilots and crews have access to a lounge, refreshments, rest areas and rental car service with the goal of supporting quick, seamless stops.
The evolution of Mustang Aviation is reflected not only in its services but also in the steady expansion of its hangar facilities. The growth began in 2000, when Capital City Air Carrier expanded its original 60-by-60-foot hangar with a 115-by-115-foot hangar, which now serves as Mustang Aviation’s maintenance shop. In 2011, the company completed its new FBO building and that same year changed its name to Mustang Aviation. Most recently, in 2024, the FBO added another 115-by-115-foot hangar, further increasing storage capacity and providing additional hangar space for aircraft.
Reliability and Consistency are Key to Success
Reliability is a key reason operators continue returning to Mustang Aviation. As part of the Phillips 66® branded network, Mustang Aviation pairs local, independent service with the confidence of refiner-backed infrastructure. With Phillips 66® Aviation as the only branded aviation fuel supplier backed by a refiner, operators stopping in Pierre know they can expect consistent, reliable fuel quality and supply while still receiving personalized service.
“For pilots, fuel is not something they want to think twice about. Being part of the Phillips 66® branded network gives operators confidence because they know what to expect when they arrive. At the same time, we’re still able to provide the service that comes from being a locally operated FBO,” said Anderson.
Supporting a Diverse Mix of Aviation Traffic
Mustang Aviation serves a wide range of operators, including business aviation, charter flights, military helicopters and general aviation travelers.
Pheasant hunting season remains one of the busiest periods of the year, bringing aircraft from across the United States. During peak periods, more than 20 aircraft may occupy the ramp at once.
The FBO also supports government travel tied to South Dakota’s capital city. During major aviation events such as EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, Pierre often serves as a convenient mid-continent stop for crews traveling across the country.
Beyond business and recreational aviation, Mustang Aviation plays an important role in supporting emergency medical transportation across central South Dakota. Care Flight operates 24/7 from Pierre Regional Airport, transporting NICU patients, cardiac cases and other critical emergencies to advanced care facilities in Sioux Falls, which is approximately a three-hour drive away.
“It’s one of the most important services connected to Mustang Aviation. Knowing we help support that level of care matters a lot to our entire team,” said Anderson.
Looking Ahead
For Anderson, continued growth isn't measured only by the number of aircraft on the ramp, but by the relationships that bring pilots back year after year.
Looking ahead, Mustang Aviation plans to further strengthen line service operations and improve efficiency during peak demand. Even as its community footprint expands, the mission remains to be a dependable stop that operators choose intentionally.
“We want to continue operating and be known as a practical stop in the center of the country, and a familiar front door to Pierre, South Dakota. More importantly, we don’t want to be a place people stop by coincidence. We want Mustang Aviation to be a planned and preferred stop because they know they’ll get reliable service,” said Anderson.
To learn more about Mustang Aviation, visit www.mustangaviation.aero.
