The History Of Chatham Municipal Airport: Its Age And Story

The Chatham Municipal Airport (IATA: CQX, ICAO: KCQX, FAA LID: CQX) is a public airport located in Chatham, Massachusetts, United States. Owned by the Town of Chatham, the airport is situated approximately two miles from downtown Chatham and covers an area of 105 acres. While the exact age of the airport is unclear, sources indicate that it has been operational since at least 2015, with recent updates to its facilities as of 2025.

The airport is owned by the Town of Chatham

The Town of Chatham owns the Chatham Municipal Airport (IATA code: CQX), which is a public airport. The airport is located at 240 George Ryder Road in Chatham, Massachusetts, around two miles from downtown Chatham.

The airport is situated in a coastal community on the southern shore of Cape Cod, approximately 86 miles southeast of Boston and 90 miles east of Providence, Rhode Island. It is accessible via U.S. Route 6 from the east or west. The airport is on municipal land, with the surrounding areas being a mix of general business and residential use.

The Town of Chatham ensures the airport's efficient operation through a dedicated Airport Commission. This seven-member commission is tasked with the care, custody, and management of the airport, operating under the Massachusetts General Laws. The day-to-day operations are overseen by the Airport Manager, ensuring smooth functionality.

The Chatham Municipal Airport is an integral part of the southeastern Massachusetts region's transportation system. It is designated as a non-primary, local, general aviation airport by the National Plan for Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). This categorisation is due to the airport not having scheduled service or having fewer than 2,500 passenger boardings annually.

The airport boasts a full-service Fixed Base Operator (FBO) with the Cape Cod Flying Circus and a maintenance facility, Stick N Rudder Aero Maintenance, in their main building. The airport covers an area of 105 acres, offering a range of facilities and aircraft services.

It is located 2 miles from downtown

The Chatham Municipal Airport (IATA code: CQX) is located approximately two miles from downtown Chatham, in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. The airport is owned by the Town of Chatham and is situated in a coastal community on the southern shore of Cape Cod. It is about 86 miles southeast of Boston and 90 miles east of Providence, Rhode Island.

Chatham Municipal Airport is a public-use airport that can be accessed via U.S. Route 6 from the east or west. The airport is served by the Cape Cod Flying Circus, a full-service fixed-base operator (FBO). The airport covers an area of 105 acres and has a single runway designated as Runway 6-24. The airport is open 24 hours a day, year-round, and the airport desk is manned from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The airport is represented by a seven-member Chatham Airport Commission, which is responsible for the management, safety, and security of the airport. The day-to-day operations of the airport are overseen by the Airport Manager, who, as of 2025, is Tim Howard. The Commission ensures that the airport serves as a vital transportation hub in the region and is part of the National Plan for Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS).

Within the NPIAS, the airport is categorised as a non-primary, local, general aviation airport with fewer than 2,500 passenger boardings per year. As such, the airport primarily serves piston aircraft supporting business and personal needs, including flight training, emergency services, and charter passenger services. The airport averaged 55 aircraft operations per day for the year ending December 31, 2015, with 37 aircraft based at the airport.

Chatham Municipal Airport covers 105 acres

Chatham Municipal Airport (IATA: CQX, FAA LID: CQX, ICAO: KCQX) is a public airport located two miles (3 km) northwest of the central business district of Chatham, Massachusetts, United States. The airport covers 105 acres (42 hectares) and is owned by the Town of Chatham. It is situated in a coastal community on the southern shore of Cape Cod, approximately 86 miles southeast of Boston and 90 miles east of Providence, Rhode Island.

The airport is easily accessible via U.S. Route 6 from the east or west. The single-runway airport, designated Runway 6-24, is located on municipal land, surrounded by areas designated for general business and residential use. The runway is 3001 feet by 100 feet (915 metres by 30 metres) and is made of asphalt. It is in good condition and has a basic weight-bearing capacity. The airport is well-equipped with visual slope indicators and runway edge lights to ensure safe operations.

Chatham Municipal Airport is an integral part of the National Plan for Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) and is categorised as a non-primary, local, general aviation airport. This classification indicates that it does not have scheduled service or has fewer than 2,500 passenger boardings annually. As a local airport, it serves the local community by providing access to markets within the state or immediate region. The airport averaged 55 aircraft operations per day for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2015, with the majority being local and transient general aviation.

The airport is managed by the seven-member Chatham Airport Commission, who are responsible for its care, custody, management, safety, and security. Day-to-day operations are overseen by the Airport Manager, ensuring that the airport remains a safety-minded, community-based, and environmentally friendly aviation centre. The airport is open 24 hours a day, every day of the year, with the airport desk staffed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

The airport is open 24/7, 365 days a year

The Chatham Municipal Airport, located in Massachusetts, is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This means that pilots can land or take off at any time of day or night, and aviation enthusiasts can enjoy the thrill of flying whenever they choose. The airport is a public-use airport, owned by the Town of Chatham, and is situated in a coastal community on the southern shore of Cape Cod, approximately two miles from downtown Chatham.

Being open 24/7, 365 days a year, the airport provides flexibility and convenience for pilots and passengers alike. Whether it's an early morning departure or a late-night arrival, the airport's accessibility ensures that travellers can plan their journeys according to their schedules and preferences. This is particularly advantageous for those with time-sensitive itineraries or those who wish to avoid the peak travel times.

The airport's year-round availability also caters to the varying needs of different pilots and aviation enthusiasts. For instance, some pilots may prefer flying during the quieter night hours, while others might relish the challenge of navigating through varying weather conditions throughout the year. The airport's continuous operation enables pilots to gain experience in a diverse range of flying conditions, enhancing their skills and confidence.

Additionally, the 24/7 accessibility of the airport supports various aviation-related services. For instance, the full-service FBO (Cape Cod Flying Circus) and maintenance facilities are available to assist pilots and aircraft owners at any time. The flight school, operated by Cape Aerial Tours, can also provide flexible training schedules to accommodate students with different availability. The airport's restaurant, Hangar B, caters to those who might find themselves at the airport at unconventional hours, offering a convenient dining option.

While the airport itself is open around the clock, it's important to note that the airport desk is staffed during specific hours. The day-to-day operations of the airport are overseen by the Airport Manager, and the airport is represented by an Airport Commission that is responsible for its management, safety, and security. These dedicated individuals ensure that the airport functions smoothly and securely, providing travellers and aviation enthusiasts with a reliable facility.

Aircraft operations areas are off-limits to the public

Chatham Municipal Airport is a public airport located two miles northwest of the central business district of Chatham, Massachusetts. The airport is owned by the Town of Chatham and is situated in a coastal community on the southern shore of Cape Cod. It is a single-runway airport, designated as Runway 6-24, and is located approximately 86 miles southeast of Boston and 90 miles east of Providence, Rhode Island.

The airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, with an airport desk that is manned from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The day-to-day operations of the airport are overseen by the Airport Manager, who can be contacted via phone or email for any questions or concerns about ground operations.

When entering the airport property, it is important to be aware of signage indicating areas for public access. Aircraft operations areas are strictly off-limits to the general public. This is for the safety and security of both the public and the airport staff and pilots. These areas are designated as such due to the potential hazards associated with aircraft operations, including but not limited to, moving aircraft, fuel, and other airport vehicles.

Only authorised personnel and passengers are permitted in these areas, and they are clearly marked as off-limits to the general public. This is to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the airport and to minimise any potential disruptions or safety risks.

It is important to respect these boundaries and follow all signage and instructions when visiting or utilising the airport. For any concerns regarding aircraft operations, take-offs, or landings, the public can utilise the following contacts: reporting aircraft/airport concerns can be done online to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Regional Noise Ombudsman via email ([email protected]) or by calling 781-238-7400. For complaints about low-flying aircraft, drone/UAV, bird/wildlife strike, or other in-air operations, the FAA's Reporting Hotline can be used (https://hotline.faa.gov or 1-800-255-1111).

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