Yuma Airport Precision Runways: Fact Or Fiction?

Yuma International Airport is a joint civilian and military airport located 3.5 miles south of the central business district of Yuma, Arizona. The airport was first established in 1925 when the Yuma Chamber of Commerce secured 40 acres of land from the federal government. In the 1940s, the airport was used for advanced pilot and gunnery training, and it became active as a military facility during the Korean War. Today, the airport is primarily used for military aviation but also serves one commercial airline and one aeromedical Medevac company. While there is no specific mention of precision runways, the airport has undergone significant development and expansion over the years, including the construction of paved runways and additional funding for re-paving.

Yuma International Airport's history

Yuma International Airport, located in Yuma County, Arizona, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Here is a detailed account of the airport's evolution over the years:

In 1925, the Yuma Chamber of Commerce initiated efforts to secure an airport for Yuma. After two years of negotiations, they acquired 40 acres of land from the federal government, which was cleared, levelled, and had its first hangar constructed. This marked the beginning of Fly Field, named after Colonel Ben Franklin Fly. However, Fly Field faced challenges due to loose sand and inadequate facilities. Recognizing the need for expansion, the Chamber's Aviation Committee secured an additional 160 acres of land through negotiations and government support, including a promise for a steel frame hangar capable of housing 12 airplanes.

The development of Fly Field gained momentum with the passage of the Yuma Aviation Bill in 1928 by President Calvin Coolidge. The airport began hosting transcontinental and international air races, attracting aviation pioneers like Amelia Earhart. In 1939, with the looming threat of conflict, the Yuma County Board of Supervisors recommended Fly Field as a base for the Army Air Corps, marking the beginning of its military aviation history. During World War II, between 1941 and 1942, two paved runways were constructed, each measuring 4,200 by 150 feet. The field was used for advanced pilot and gunnery training, and it played a significant role during the Korean War as a highly active military facility.

In 1949, local pilots Bob Woodhouse and Woody Jongeward made aviation history at Yuma with their "Endurance Flight," staying airborne for 1,124 continuous hours. This successful mission ensured the permanent presence of the military in Yuma. The airport's association with the military continued, and in 1959, control of the base transitioned to the United States Navy and, later, to the U.S. Marine Corps. On July 20, 1962, the base was officially renamed Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (MCAS Yuma).

In 1965, the Yuma County Board of Supervisors established the Yuma County Airport Authority to oversee all airport functions. Over the years, the airport has been a site for flight testing of commercial jet airliners by companies like McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. In 2007, the board of directors reaffirmed the partnership between Yuma International Airport and MCAS Yuma, ensuring unrestricted civil aviation use of the airfield facilities. The airport continues to serve both civilian and military flight operations, reflecting its enduring significance in the region's aviation landscape.

Runway construction

The first step in runway construction is site preparation, which includes clearing vegetation and obstacles, and ensuring the soil meets the requirements to support heavy aircraft weight. Geological surveys and soil testing are conducted to determine the runway location and its stability. Once the site is selected, excavation begins to create a base layer capable of supporting aircraft weight.

The choice of runway materials depends on factors such as use, local ground conditions, and budget. Common materials include concrete, asphalt, and rubber. Concrete provides a smooth and consistent surface for aircraft landing and is often used for the runway surface. Asphalt is commonly used, especially in smaller airports, due to its cost-effectiveness. Rubber materials are used in areas with less wear and tear, such as taxiways and run-up pads. Other materials may include steel, timber, and composite materials like carbon fibre.

Runways must have excellent drainage capabilities to prevent aquaplaning. Gullies or drainage channels are constructed, with fuel and oil interceptors, to prevent watercourse pollution and reduce fire risk. Rigid pavements, such as reinforced or unreinforced pavement-quality concrete (PQC), are used for runway and taxiway junctions. Composite pavements, similar to road pavements, consist of continuously reinforced concrete with a bituminous topping, usually asphalt. Flexible pavements may be economical for light aircraft but are generally inappropriate for heavier aircraft.

An essential aspect of runway construction is installing lighting and markings to ensure safe aircraft operations. Taxiway lights guide aircraft during taxi operations, approach lights guide aircraft towards the runway centreline, and landing lights provide additional guidance during landing. Markings include threshold markings, touchdown zone markings, centreline markings, and edge line markings, which provide clear visual cues to pilots during all phases of flight.

Additionally, blast pads, overrun areas, and stopways are constructed at the ends of runways to prevent ground erosion from jet blast and to provide emergency space for planes that overrun the runway or experience a rejected take-off. These areas are typically marked with yellow chevrons and are not to be used for taxiing, take-off, or landing, except in emergencies.

Airport control

During World War II, the airport underwent significant development, with the construction of two paved runways completed by 1942. In 1943, the field was used for advanced pilot and gunnery training, and it became a very active military facility during the Korean War. In 1946, the Yuma Army Air Field was scaled back, and the civilian portion was returned to Yuma County, who resumed the name Fly Field.

In 1959, control of the base shifted to the United States Navy and, subsequently, to the U.S. Marine Corps. This led to the base being renamed Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (MCAS Yuma) in 1962. The airport's association with the military continues to this day, with the Yuma County Airport Authority overseeing all airport functions since its creation in 1965.

Yuma International Airport is a unique joint-use airport, facilitating both civilian and military flight operations. It is located just 3.5 miles south of the central business district of Yuma, Arizona, and is primarily used for military aviation. However, it also accommodates a commercial airline, an aeromedical Medevac company, and general aviation activities. The airport's partnership with MCAS Yuma allows for unrestricted civil aviation use of the airfield facilities, promoting a secure aviation environment for all users.

Airport Authority

The Yuma County Airport Authority was created in 1965 by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors, in accordance with the Arizona Revised Statutes, to take over the airport and all associated activities. A board of directors was elected to oversee the Airport Authority and all airport functions.

The airport in question, Yuma International Airport, is a joint-use airport with civilian and military flight activity. It is operated in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps via the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (MCAS Yuma). The airfield is located 3.5 miles south of the central business district of Yuma, Arizona, and is mostly used for military aviation.

The history of the airport dates back to 1925 when the Yuma Chamber of Commerce secured 40 acres of land from the federal government to build an airport. This land was officially designated as Fly Field, named after Colonel Ben Franklin Fly. In the late 1930s, as the United States faced the threat of conflict with the German Reich, the War Department began planning for facilities to train combat pilots and crews. Money for the expansion of Fly Field arrived in 1941, and by 1942, two paved runways, each measuring 4,200 by 150 feet, were completed.

In 1959, control of the base was transferred to the United States Navy and then to the U.S. Marine Corps. In 2007, the board of directors passed a resolution declaring that Yuma International Airport was an "Aviation Partner" with MCAS Yuma, a partnership that continues to this day and allows for unrestricted civil aviation use of the airfield facilities.

Airport use

Yuma International Airport is a joint-use airport with both civilian and military flight operations. It is located 3.5 miles (5.6 km) south of the central business district of Yuma, Arizona, and 150 miles (240 km) east of San Diego International Airport. The airport is operated in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps via the Marine Corps Air Station Yuma (MCAS Yuma).

The history of the airport dates back to 1925 when the Yuma Chamber of Commerce secured 40 acres of land from the federal government to establish an airport for Yuma. The airport was named Fly Field after Colonel Ben Franklin Fly. In the late 1930s, as the United States faced the threat of conflict with the German Reich, the War Department began using Fly Field as a training base for combat pilots and crews. During this time, the north-south runway was re-paved and expanded.

In 1941, two paved runways, each measuring 4,200 by 150 feet (1,280 by 46 meters), were completed, and the field was used for advanced pilot and gunnery training. After the war, in 1946, the airport was scaled back and the civilian portion was returned to Yuma County, who resumed the name Fly Field. The airport gained prominence again during the Korean War, becoming active as a military facility.

Today, Yuma International Airport is primarily used for military aviation, but it also serves one commercial airline and one aeromedical Medevac company. Additionally, the airport facilities are available for unrestricted civil aviation use, including all runways and taxiways, as per the partnership between the airport and MCAS Yuma. This partnership also promotes the security of the United States.

Frequently asked questions