Roberta Aguirre
Kingman Airport (IATA: IGM, ICAO: KIGM, FAA LID: IGM) is a city-owned, public-use airport located in Kingman, Arizona, United States. The airport was built as a World War II United States Army Air Forces training field and founded at the start of the war. It was one of the nation's largest aerial training bases, training some 35,000 airmen. Today, the airport is used for civilian purposes, with many civilian airliners stored there and recycled into spare parts.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Kingman Airport's history as a World War II training field
Kingman Airport, located in Arizona, was built as a World War II training field for the United States Army Air Forces. Between 1942 and 1945, the US Army Air Forces acquired about 4,145 acres of land in Mohave County, outside of Kingman, and established the Kingman Army Airfield and the Kingman Aerial Gunnery School training facilities in 1942.
The Kingman Army Air Field, also known as KAAF, was built at the start of World War II as an aerial gunnery training base. It was located on approximately 4,145 acres in Mohave County, next to U.S. Route 66. Arizona was an ideal location due to its sparse population and wide-open spaces. The first classes were offered in January 1943, and the base was officially named the Kingman Army Air Field in May of the same year. The primary mission of the base was to train gunners for the B-17 Flying Fortress. The air field became one of the Army Air Corps' largest training bases, training 35,000 individuals, including 3,070 cadets. The base newspaper was known as the "Cactus", and "Bugs Bunny" became the base's official mascot due to the large number of rabbits in the area.
The gunnery ranges were used to train gunners in air-to-air firing, with five target flight lines and two auxiliary landing fields established within the range. Initially, gunnery trainees fired at targets towed along these target flight lines, but this technique was ineffective, and other methods were soon trialled. One such method was to place a gun camera on the machine gun, which would record the gunner's sight picture whenever the trigger was pulled. Another technique involved the use of frangible bullets, which were fired at armoured versions of the P-39 and P-63 aircraft. This was called Operation PINBALL.
After the war, the Kingman Airfield served as one of the nation's top reclamation sites for outdated military aircraft. The Reconstruction Finance Corporation established depots to store and sell surplus aircraft, and by the summer of 1945, at least 30 sales-storage depots and 23 sales centres were in operation. Kingman was chosen as one of the locations, and by October 1945, planes were being flown in, parked, and processed. As many as 150 airplanes a day were flying into Kingman, and the total aircraft inventory by the end of 1945 reached about 4,700. In 1946, the remaining aircraft, except those at Altus, were put up for scrap bid. The Sales-Storage No. Depot 41 completed its job in late 1948, and the airfield was turned over to Mohave County to be used as a civilian airport.
X-Ray Vision: Airport Security's Superpower
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kingman Airport's current status as a civil airport
Kingman Airport, also known as Kingman Army Airfield, is a civil airport located in Mohave County, Arizona, United States. It is situated about 9 miles (7.8 nautical miles or 14 km) northeast of the central business district of Kingman. The airport covers an area of 4,200 acres (1,700 hectares) and sits at an elevation of 3,449 feet (1,051 meters) above mean sea level.
The history of Kingman Airport dates back to World War II when it was established as a training base for the United States Army Air Forces. Between 1942 and 1945, the US Army Air Forces acquired approximately 4,145 acres of land in Mohave County and established the Kingman Army Airfield and the Kingman Aerial Gunnery School. It served as a training facility for Army Air Force aerial gunners and was one of the nation's largest aerial training bases during the war.
After World War II, the airfield transitioned to civilian use. In 1949, with the disposal of military aircraft completed, Kingman Airport officially became a civil airport. The Kingman Army Airfield Historical Society was established to preserve the history of the site and maintain records and artefacts from its time as a military airfield.
Today, Kingman Airport continues to serve civil aviation needs. It has two asphalt runways: 3/21, which is 6,827 feet by 150 feet (2,081 meters by 46 meters), and 17/35, which is 6,725 feet by 75 feet (2,050 meters by 23 meters). The airport accommodates a significant number of civilian aircraft, with a mix of single-engine, multi-engine, glider, and helicopter operations. It also serves as a storage and recycling site for civilian airliners, with some aircraft belonging to major companies such as DHL and Delta Air Lines.
Italian Airport Staff Strike: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kingman Airport's soil contamination and rehabilitation
Kingman Airport, also known as Kingman Army Airfield, was founded at the start of World War II as one of the nation's largest aerial training bases. The base was used for training soldiers in shooting clay pigeons made with coal tar pitch, which contained polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
In 2010, an inspection of the site revealed soil contamination from the debris of targets and lead from projectiles. The soil samples showed PAH concentrations 1,000 times higher than permitted under 2007 Arizona residential risk-based screening levels and 10,000 times higher than the updated 2012 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency residential risk-based screening levels. Lead from the projectiles could travel nearly 900 feet, affecting a significant area.
From 2013 until July 2014, rehabilitation efforts were undertaken to remediate the contaminated soil. The top two feet of soil on 55 residential lots were removed and replaced, ensuring the safe removal of PAHs from the soil. The land was rehabilitated for safe use, addressing the health and environmental risks posed by the contamination.
The Phase I Site Investigation Report for the affected soils was approved by the ADEQ in May 2018. Site characterization activities were completed in October 2019, and the Waste Determination Report was submitted in March 2021. Following a public comment period, the Phase III Work Plan was approved in November 2021. The remedial work, which includes the excavation, removal, and transportation of affected soils to an applicable landfill, was anticipated to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Navigating Newark Airport: My Commute Experience
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kingman Airport's cafe and its views of American history
The Kingman Airport Cafe in Arizona is located right on the runway, offering a unique dining experience with a view of the planes up close. The cafe serves American-style breakfast, lunch, and brunch all day, every day, with a menu featuring classic dishes such as burgers, fries, and sandwiches. It is a popular spot for aviation enthusiasts and those seeking a nostalgic ambience.
The cafe is situated within the Kingman Airport, which has a rich history dating back to World War II. Known then as the Kingman Army Airfield, it served as a training base for aerial gunners and played a significant role in the war effort. Established in 1942, it was one of the nation's largest aerial training bases, with a vast expanse of land spanning about 4,200 acres. After the war, the airfield was returned to civilian use in 1949, and it was redeveloped into a civil airport and industrial park.
Today, the Kingman Airport continues to be a bustling aviation hub, with civilian airliners stored, remarketed, or recycled on-site. The Kingman Army Airfield Historical Society was established to preserve the field's history, and a museum was created to showcase artefacts, photos, and displays that honour the site's past and recognise all conflicts in which Americans have served.
Dining at the Kingman Airport Cafe offers a glimpse into this historical context. Patrons can enjoy their meals while witnessing the airport's current operations, including the storage and recycling of aircraft, as well as the occasional landing of light aircraft and helicopters. The cafe's proximity to the runway provides a unique perspective on the airport's activities and contributes to its nostalgic atmosphere.
In addition to its historical significance, the Kingman Airport Cafe is also known for its delicious food and friendly service. Reviews highlight the cafe as a pleasant surprise, with tasty meals and a charming environment. The cafe's location makes it a convenient stop for travellers en route to the Grand Canyon or other destinations in the American Southwest. Whether it's for the food, the views, or a break from the journey, the Kingman Airport Cafe offers a unique experience that combines aviation, history, and American cuisine.
Airport Fueling: Safety Checks for Travelers
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kingman Airport's IATA, ICAO and FAA LID codes
Kingman Airport, located in Mohave County, Arizona, United States, has the following codes:
- IATA code: IGM. IATA, or the International Air Transport Association, is a trade association that represents airlines globally. Its 3-letter codes are used for airport identification, ticketing, and travel itineraries.
- ICAO code: KIGM. ICAO, or the International Civil Aviation Organization, is a United Nations body that represents aviation authorities and regulates civil aviation. Its 4-letter codes are used for official purposes such as air traffic control and flight plans.
- FAA LID code: IGM. The FAA, or the Federal Aviation Administration, is the governing body for aviation in the United States. Its codes are often the same as IATA codes, except they lack the first letter, which is usually 'K'.
Kingman Airport, also known as Kingman Municipal Airport or Kingman Army Airfield, was founded during World War II as a training base for aerial gunners. After the war, it became a reclamation site for outdated military aircraft before opening to civilian use in 1949. Today, it is a city-owned, public-use airport located 9 miles northeast of Kingman's central business district.
Closest Airport to Naples, Florida: All You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, there is an airport in Kingman, Arizona.
The Kingman Airport was built as a World War II United States Army Air Forces training field. It was founded at the start of the war and was one of the nation's largest aerial training bases. After the war, the airport served as a reclamation site for outdated military aircraft and was returned to civilian use in 1949.
Today, the Kingman Airport is a city-owned, public-use airport. Large numbers of civilian airliners are stored there and are remarketed or recycled into spare parts and base metals.
