WELCOME TO THADEN FIELD, BENTONVILLE ARKANSAS (VBT)

Who are we? We’re a basecamp for your next aerial adventure, a portal to backcountry flying in the Ozarks, and a gathering place for all that love aviation. Based at Louise M. Thaden Field in Bentonville, Arkansas, ICAO Identifier (VBT), Thaden Field is the hub of Arkansas’ FLY OZ network, Summit Aviation’s fixed base operation, home of Game Composites, and FLY OZ Club’s “hideout”. 

The FIELDHOUSE shelters a flight school, an exhibition hangar, an FAA knowledge testing center, scenic flights, discovery flights, lawn games, fuel, provisions, and a full service, all day menu at cafe LOUISE. In spring you’ll be able to rent a canoe and paddle out on Lake Bentonville.

DINE WITH LOUISE

Born in Bentonville in 1905, Louise M. Thaden took to the skies in 1927. By 1928 she was setting records in the air and breaking barriers for women on the ground. Louise was the first woman to win a National Air Race, the first to take a Bendix Trophy. Now you can dine in her honor at LOUISE.

LOUISE is a modern all-day cafe located in the Fieldhouse at Thaden Field that serves diner-style breakfast, brunch, and lunch. LOUISE has both indoor and outdoor seating facing the runway, providing great views of planes taking off and landing as you enjoy great food! 

DISCOVER BACKCOUNTRY AVIATION WITH FLY OZ

If you're interested in recreational aviation and backcountry flying, this is the place for you. We’ve created an Airfield Guide to share information about airfields not generally available to the public. We expect the geographic region this site covers to grow as more airfields are added.

BEGIN YOUR FLYING ADVENTURES WITH THADEN FIELD’S FLIGHT SCHOOL

Whether you’ve been flying for years or wanting to learn, our flight school is here to help you achieve your aviation goals.