Ruth Haines
Waukegan National Airport is a public airport in Waukegan, Illinois, that has been operational since 1956. It is a general aviation facility categorized as a Reliever Airport for Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. The airport has two runways, with the main runway being 6,000 feet long. Due to its convenient location and efficient operations, Waukegan National Airport is an important aviation hub for business and corporate travelers in the region. However, there have been concerns about the airport's safety standards, particularly regarding the length and strength of its runways, which may impact its ability to accommodate larger aircraft like the 747. Runway upgrades and replacement programs have been proposed to address these issues and ensure the airport meets FAA safety criteria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Runway Length | 6,000 feet |
| Runway Width | 150 feet |
| Elevation | 727 feet (222 m) |
| Area | 600 acres (240 ha) |
| Runway Type | Asphalt surfaces over concrete pavements |
| Runway Replacement Cost | $186 million |
| Annual Aircraft Operations | 50,500 |
| Annual Aviation Fuel Dispensed | 3 million gallons |
| Annual Economic Output | $181 million |
| Jobs Supported | 900 |
| Annual Tax Revenue | $11 million |
| Distance from Chicago | 35-40 miles |
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What You'll Learn
Runway length and safety
Runway length is a critical factor in the safe takeoff and landing of aircraft. The length of a runway can significantly impact flight operations, as takeoff and landing are the most critical phases of flight. In the case of Waukegan National Airport, the runway length is a key consideration for aircraft safety.
The airport has two runways: runway 5/23 and runway 14/32. Runway 5/23 is 6,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, while runway 14/32 is 3,751 feet long and 75 feet wide. These runway lengths are important for the safe operation of aircraft at the airport.
For aircraft like the Boeing 747, runway length is a significant factor in ensuring safe takeoff and landing. The massive size and weight-carrying capacity of the 747 mean that it requires a substantial runway length to achieve safe landings and takeoffs. While the 747 can land on shorter runways in emergency situations, regular runway lengths must adhere to specific standards to accommodate this aircraft.
The minimum landing distance for any aircraft, including the 747, depends on various factors such as aircraft weight, wind speed, precipitation, runway conditions, and altitude. A safe runway length allows an aircraft to speed up for takeoff and slow down for landing effectively. Insufficient runway length can result in failed takeoffs or unsafe landing incidents, such as overshooting the runway. Therefore, runway length and associated factors play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of aircraft operations, especially for large aircraft like the Boeing 747.
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Waukegan's airport status
Waukegan National Airport is a full-service public airport located in Lake County, Illinois, 35-40 miles north of Chicago. It covers 600 acres of land at an elevation of 727 feet. The airport has been operational since 1956 and is owned by the Waukegan Port District. It is professionally managed by F3 Aviation and has been recognised for its excellent customer service.
The airport has two runways: runway 5/23 and runway 14/32. Runway 5/23 is 6,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, while runway 14/32 is 3,751 feet long and 75 feet wide. The airport's centralised location makes it convenient for business travellers and it is also close to popular retailers and entertainment spots.
In terms of its status, Waukegan National Airport is an important hub for various aircraft, serving the needs of Lake County businesses, the military, the medical community, humanitarian organisations, flight schools, and emergency preparedness. It is also a significant economic generator for the region, supporting nearly 900 jobs and contributing $11 million in annual tax revenue.
However, the airport has been flagged for safety concerns. Its 6,000-foot runway has been deemed inadequate for existing aircraft activity and does not meet FAA design and safety standards. There are plans for a runway replacement program to address these issues and ensure the airport can continue operations. The proposed cost of the safety improvement project is $186 million, with funding coming from federal and state capital grants, as well as airport users.
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Accidents and incidents
Waukegan National Airport is a public airport in Waukegan, Lake County, Illinois, around 40 miles north of Chicago. The airport has two runways: runway 5/23, which is 6,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, and runway 14/32, which is 3,751 feet long and 75 feet wide.
The airport has been the site of several accidents and incidents over the years. Here is a detailed description of some of these incidents:
2000 Zion Mid-Air Collision
On February 8, 2000, two private aircraft attempting to land at Waukegan National Airport collided in mid-air. This crash killed three people and injured five, including broadcaster Bob Collins.
November 14, 2006, Collision
A Czech Aircraft Works Sport Cruiser collided with the runway during takeoff from Waukegan. The pilot lost control, causing the aircraft to drift right and start "banking hard right." Despite the pilot's efforts to correct the course, the aircraft lost altitude, and the right wing struck the runway. The probable cause was the pilot's failure to ensure that all tools were accounted for before the flight.
August 9, 2008, Collision
A Bellanca 17-30A Viking collided with construction material during landing at Waukegan due to a loss of directional control. The pilot discovered a failure in the right brake, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and hit a taxiway light and concrete pillar. The probable cause was the pilot's inability to maintain control after the brake failure.
June 15, 2018, Crash
A Boeing B75 crashed while landing at Waukegan due to a bounced landing caused by an improper landing flare by the flight instructor. This resulted in a loss of directional control, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway.
These incidents highlight the importance of adhering to safety protocols and maintaining proper control during critical phases of flight, such as takeoff and landing. Waukegan National Airport, like any other airport, is subject to various factors that can contribute to accidents and incidents, and it is crucial for pilots and ground staff to remain vigilant to ensure the safety of aircraft operations.
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Economic impact
Waukegan National Airport is a significant economic generator for the area. The airport currently supports nearly 900 jobs and generates $11 million in annual tax revenue for the state and local government. It has a total annual economic output of $181 million. The airport's centralised location between Chicago and Milwaukee is convenient for business travellers and is in close proximity to large retailers and family entertainment destinations. The airport is also home base to a variety of aircraft that support businesses, the military, the medical community, humanitarian organisations, flight schools, and emergency preparedness.
The airport has been recognised for its efficient handling of private, corporate, business, executive, and governmental aircraft. It has the infrastructure to accommodate large corporate jets through land lease or second-party build-to-suit arrangements. The airport has a total of 188 based aircraft and approximately 50,500 annual aircraft operations, with over 3 million gallons of aviation fuel dispensed annually.
The airport's two runways are asphalt surfaces over concrete pavements. Runway 5/23 is 6,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, while runway 14/32 is 3,751 feet long and 75 feet wide. In 2022, runway upgrades began, and there are plans to build a longer, extended runway parallel to runway 5/23. The proposed runway replacement program is expected to cost $186 million and will meet the required safety standards, allowing for continued operations at the airport.
The economic impact of the airport is significant, and its closure or reduction in operations would negatively affect the region. The airport's ability to efficiently handle a variety of aircraft and its convenient location make it an important asset for the local economy. The proposed safety improvements and runway extensions are expected to further enhance the airport's economic impact and ability to serve the region.
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Location and access
Waukegan National Airport is located in Lake County, Illinois, 35 to 40 miles north of Chicago and south of Milwaukee. The airport is owned by the Waukegan Port District and has been operational since 1956. It covers 600 acres of land at an elevation of 727 feet.
The airport has two runways with asphalt surfaces over concrete pavements. Runway 5/23 is 6,000 feet long and 150 feet wide, while runway 14/32 is 3,751 feet long and 75 feet wide. In 2022, runway upgrades began, and there are plans to build a longer runway parallel to runway 5/23. The proposed runway expansion project will meet the required safety standards and allow continued operations at the airport.
Waukegan National Airport is easily accessible by road, with close proximity to large retailers such as Gurnee Mills and Pleasant Prairie Premium Outlets. It also offers convenient access to family entertainment destinations like the Waukegan Marina on Lake Michigan, Six Flags Great America, and Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Water Park.
The airport is well-equipped to handle a variety of aircraft, including large corporate jets, and has the necessary infrastructure to accommodate these aircraft through land lease or second-party build-to-suit arrangements. It has been recognised for its efficient handling of private, corporate, business, executive, and governmental aircraft serving Northeast Illinois and Southeast Wisconsin.
Waukegan National Airport also provides free overnight parking, tie-down anchors, and landside access. Visitors are advised to bring their own chocks and tie-downs.
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Frequently asked questions
No, a 747 cannot land at Waukegan Airport. The airport's runways are 6,000 feet and 3,751 feet long, which is not long enough for a 747 to land.
The two runways at Waukegan Airport are 6,000 feet and 3,751 feet long.
Waukegan Airport is a public airport that serves Lake County, Illinois, and is categorized as a "Reliever Airport" for Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.
Waukegan Airport is located at an elevation of 727 feet.
Waukegan Airport generates an annual economic output of $181 million.
