Frederick, Maryland: Airport Accessibility And Options

Yes, Frederick, Maryland, has an airport: the Frederick Municipal Airport (IATA: FDK, ICAO: KFDK, FAA LID: FDK). The airport is owned and operated by the City of Frederick and is located just outside the D.C. Special Flight Rules Area. It is a public general aviation airport that serves pilots and passengers for business, personal, and recreational flying activities. With over 90,000 aircraft operations annually, it is the second busiest airport in Maryland.

Frederick Municipal Airport's location and ownership

Frederick Municipal Airport: Location and Ownership

Frederick Municipal Airport (IATA: FDK, ICAO: KFDK, FAA LID: FDK) is a public airport located in Frederick, Frederick County, Maryland, United States. The airport is conveniently situated outside the D.C. Special Flight Rules Area, less than an hour's drive from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, making it the Preferred Executive Airport in the National Capital Region.

The airport is publicly owned by the City of Frederick and is classified as a general aviation airport. It is a full-service reliever airport, covering an area of 616 acres (249 ha) and currently operating two runways. The primary runway, Runway 5-23, measures 5,220 feet in length and 100 feet in width, while Runway 12-30 is 3,600 feet long and 75 feet wide. Both runways are paved with asphalt concrete.

Frederick Municipal Airport's construction commenced on March 26, 1946, as a replacement for Detrick Field, which later became Fort Detrick, losing its aeronautical function. The airport officially opened on April 17, 1946, with the landing of a Stinson aircraft, although it was not yet open for general use. It was dedicated on May 1, 1949, with the unveiling of two plaques honouring Frederick County residents' service in World War II and the late Lieutenant William T. Delaplaine III, the first Frederick County pilot to perish in the war.

The airport's runways and airfield

Frederick Municipal Airport (IATA: FDK, ICAO: KFDK, FAA LID: FDK) is a public airport located in Frederick, Maryland. The airport is owned by the City of Frederick and is designated as a reliever airport for Baltimore/Washington International. With over 90,000 aircraft operations annually, it is the second busiest airport in Maryland.

The airport maintains two paved runways. The primary runway, Runway 5-23, is 5,220 feet long and 100 feet wide. Runway 12-30 is 3,600 feet long and 75 feet wide. The runways are made of asphalt concrete and are in good condition. The airport covers an area of 616 acres and is located less than an hour's drive from both Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.

Frederick Municipal Airport offers a range of services, including aircraft maintenance, a pilot lounge, and an Airways Inn restaurant. The airport is also home to various aviation businesses, flying clubs, and the National Headquarters for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association.

There are plans to upgrade the existing runways and add a third turf runway. The proposed upgrades include extending Runway 5/23 to 6,000 feet and Runway 12/30 to 3,750 feet. These improvements aim to accommodate the increased growth of corporate and personal aircraft in the Frederick area.

The airport has a significant economic impact on the surrounding communities. A recent study found that the airport generates over 1,000 jobs and approximately $100 million in business revenue.

Aircraft operations and services

Frederick Municipal Airport (IATA: FDK, ICAO: KFDK, FAA LID: FDK) is a public airport located in Frederick, Maryland. The airport is publicly owned by the City of Frederick and is designated as a reliever airport for Baltimore/Washington International. With over 90,000 aircraft operations annually, it is the second busiest airport in Maryland.

Frederick Municipal Airport is a full-service airport that caters to a range of aircraft operations and services. The airport is equipped with two paved runways. The primary runway, Runway 5-23, has a length of 5,220 feet and a width of 100 feet. The second runway, Runway 12-30, is 3,600 feet long and 75 feet wide. There are plans to upgrade these runways to accommodate increased aircraft traffic in the Frederick area. Runway 5/23 is proposed to be extended to 6,000 feet, while Runway 12/30 will be expanded to 3,750 feet. Additionally, a third turf runway, measuring 2,400 feet, is also in the works.

The airport offers a variety of services to pilots and passengers. It serves as a base for business, personal, and recreational flying activities. Additionally, it provides charter and air taxi flights, crop dusting, emergency medical evacuation, and medical transport services. The airport is also home to the National Headquarters for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 524, and the Maryland State Police Aviation Detachment Trooper 3.

Frederick Municipal Airport boasts a range of facilities to support aircraft operations. These include aircraft maintenance services, a pilot lounge, and flight training and rental options. The airport also features an on-site restaurant, the Airways Inn, and several aviation businesses and flying clubs.

The airport has played a significant role in the aviation industry and the local community. It has been featured in films, such as the 1996 action movie "Executive Decision" starring Kurt Russell. Additionally, it serves as a critical economic driver for the surrounding communities, generating over 1,000 jobs and approximately $100 million in business revenue, according to a 2023 economic study.

Development and upgrades

Frederick Municipal Airport (IATA: FDK, ICAO: KFDK, FAA LID: FDK) is a public airport located in Frederick, Maryland, United States. The airport is owned by the City of Frederick and is designated as a reliever airport for Baltimore/Washington International. With over 90,000 aircraft operations annually, it is the second busiest airport in Maryland.

Frederick Municipal Airport has undergone several developments and upgrades since its construction began on March 26, 1946. The airport opened on April 17, 1946, and was dedicated on May 1, 1949, with the unveiling of two commemorative plaques.

In 2010, the airport received $4.8 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 to build and staff a control tower. The tower, along with Class D airspace, was commissioned on May 1, 2012.

The airport currently maintains two paved runways: the primary Runway 5-23, which is 5,220 feet long and 100 feet wide, and Runway 12-30, which is 3,600 feet long and 75 feet wide.

There are plans to upgrade the existing runways to increase their length and add a third turf runway of 2,400 feet. These upgrades aim to accommodate the increased growth of corporate and personal aircraft in the Frederick area. Additionally, the airport has planned for increased hangar storage to meet the rising demand.

Frederick Municipal Airport is home to over 200 based aircraft, the Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 524, the Maryland State Police Aviation Detachment Trooper 3, the National Headquarters for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, seven aviation businesses, and numerous flying clubs.

The airport is more than just a transportation hub; it is a symbol of pride for the City of Frederick and its citizens, representing the city's longstanding tradition of progress.

The airport's role in the community

Yes, Frederick, Maryland, is served by the Frederick Municipal Airport (IATA: FDK, ICAO: KFDK, FAA LID: FDK). The airport is located just outside the D.C. Special Flight Rules Area and is less than an hour's drive from Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.

Airports play a crucial role in the communities they serve, offering much more than just aviation services. While the primary function of an airport is to facilitate the movement of aircraft, it also serves as an integral part of the local community, providing various economic, social, and developmental benefits.

Economic Gateway

The Frederick Municipal Airport, as a general aviation airport, provides fast and efficient transportation, connecting the community to other cities and states. This accessibility serves as a magnet for businesses, attracting new companies, trade, and commerce to the region. The airport's presence boosts economic activity, creating job opportunities and generating local revenue, which can be reinvested into improving infrastructure and the overall quality of life for residents.

Tourism and Hospitality

The airport also plays a vital role in stimulating tourism. Aviators and their networks actively promote attractive destinations, leading to increased visitation. This, in turn, benefits local hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, and other hospitality businesses.

Emergency Response and Disaster Relief

The local airport is essential for emergency services, providing rapid response capabilities for disaster relief, aeromedical services, and law enforcement. Its role in emergency management cannot be understated, as it enables the swift deployment of resources and personnel during critical situations.

Community Development

The airport also contributes to the community's social fabric and development. Airports often become subjects of land redevelopment, leading to the creation of housing, offices, and retail spaces. They can drive urban development and enhance the overall attractiveness of an area, encouraging new opportunities and a vibrant local economy.

Educational and Recreational Opportunities

Additionally, airports can serve educational purposes, providing flight training and aviation-related courses. They also facilitate recreational flying, offering individuals the chance to explore new places and engage in aviation as a hobby.

In summary, the Frederick Municipal Airport plays a multifaceted role in the community of Frederick, Maryland, impacting economic growth, tourism, emergency response, community development, and recreational opportunities. Its presence enhances the region's connectivity, accessibility, and overall standard of living.

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