Lynchburg Regional Airport: Understanding Its Airspace Classification

Lynchburg Regional Airport (IATA: LYH, ICAO: KLYH, FAA LID: LYH) is a public airport in Campbell County, Virginia, United States. The airport is located 6 miles (9 km) southwest of Lynchburg's central business district, which owns the airport. Mostly used for general aviation, the airport also has one commercial airline, American Airlines, which flies to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in North Carolina. In this response, we will explore the airspace of Lynchburg Regional Airport, including its runways, air traffic, and expansion plans.

Lynchburg Regional Airport is a public airport in Campbell County, Virginia

Lynchburg Regional Airport (IATA: LYH, ICAO: KLYH, FAA LID: LYH), also known as Preston Glenn Field, is a public airport in Campbell County, Virginia. It is located at the intersection of Route 29 South and Route 460, about six miles (9 km) southwest of Lynchburg's central business district, which owns the airport. The airport opened in 1931 as Preston Glenn Airport, named after Lt. Preston Glenn, a Lynchburg native and Army Air Corps pilot who died during World War I.

Lynchburg Regional Airport covers 872 acres (353 ha) at an elevation of 938 feet (286 m) above sea level. It features two asphalt runways: 4/22, measuring 7,100 by 150 feet (2,164 x 46 m), and 17/35, at 3,386 by 75 feet (1,032 x 23 m). The airport is mainly used for general aviation, with a small percentage of air taxi, military, and commercial flights. As of 2022, it accommodated 99,513 aircraft operations annually, averaging 272 per day. There were 92 aircraft based at the airport, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, and helicopter varieties.

Historically, Lynchburg Regional Airport experienced a decline in passenger traffic after the 2001 terrorist attacks, with United's regional carrier Atlantic Coast Airlines discontinuing its service to Washington-Dulles (IAD) in 2002. However, traffic increased after 2007 when Delta offered low-fare tickets, and the airport received grants to improve facilities and expand air service to key destinations. In 2019, the Regional Airport Commission proposed transitioning to an independent authority to improve management and attract more carriers or destinations.

Today, Lynchburg Regional Airport is served by American Airlines, offering flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina. The airport is included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011–2015, designated as a primary commercial service facility. It continues to play a vital role in the economic development of Central Virginia, encouraging growth in the region.

It is managed by the municipal government of Lynchburg

Lynchburg Regional Airport, also known as Preston Glenn Field, is a public airport located in Campbell County, Virginia. It is owned by the City of Lynchburg and was opened in 1931. The airport is named after Lt. Preston Glenn, a Lynchburg native who lost his life while serving as an Army Air Corps pilot in World War I.

The Lynchburg Regional Airport is managed by the municipal government of Lynchburg. In 1990, the Lynchburg City Council established the Regional Airport Commission to oversee the management and operations of the airport. The commission consists of nine members, five of whom are citizens of Lynchburg, while the remaining three represent the Central Virginia region. The ninth member is either the Lynchburg City Manager or their appointed representative. This structure ensures that the interests of both Lynchburg and the surrounding region are considered in the airport's management.

Being managed by the municipal government means that the airport operates as a department of the city rather than as an independent business entity. This management structure has been in place since the airport's inception, making it the last commercial service airport in Virginia to be managed in this way. However, in recent years, there have been discussions and proposals to transition the airport's management to an independent authority.

The municipal government's management of the airport involves overseeing its day-to-day operations, infrastructure development, and financial aspects. They are responsible for maintaining the airport's facilities, including the runways, terminals, and support services. Additionally, the government works to attract airlines and promote the airport as a convenient travel option. Their management aims to balance the operational efficiency of the airport while serving the needs of the local community.

The City of Lynchburg has demonstrated its commitment to the airport's development by providing funding for improvements. In June 2023, the airport received a $600,000 grant from the federal government, which was matched by a $400,000 grant from the City of Lynchburg. This funding is intended to enhance the airport's facilities and expand air service options for the community.

The airport has two asphalt runways, with the longest being 7,100 feet

Lynchburg Regional Airport (IATA: LYH, ICAO: KLYH, FAA LID: LYH) is a public airport in Campbell County, Virginia, United States. It is located five nautical miles (six miles or nine kilometres) southwest of Lynchburg's central business district and is owned by the city.

The airport covers an area of 872 acres (353 hectares) and sits at an elevation of 938 feet (286 metres) above mean sea level. It is mostly used for general aviation, with 94% of its aircraft operations falling into this category. The airport is also served by one commercial airline, American Airlines, which operates flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Lynchburg Regional Airport has seen fluctuations in passenger numbers over the years, with a notable increase in demand for additional flights and routes in 2019. The airport has been working to expand its services and improve facilities, receiving grants from both the federal government and the City of Lynchburg to achieve these goals.

Passenger traffic has fluctuated, with a peak in 1994, a decline after 2001, and an increase in 2019

Lynchburg Regional Airport, also known as Preston Glenn Field, is a public airport in Campbell County, Virginia. It is mostly used for general aviation, but it is also served by American Airlines, which operates Embraer ERJ-145 flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Passenger traffic at the airport has indeed fluctuated over the years, with notable peaks, declines, and recoveries. In 2010, the airport saw its highest annual passenger traffic, with over 185,000 passengers. However, the departure of Delta Airlines in 2011 and the events of 9/11 impacted the airport's traffic, leading to a decline. Despite these setbacks, the airport has shown resilience and a commitment to growth.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on aviation cannot be overstated. In April 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Lynchburg Regional Airport experienced a staggering 94% decline in boardings. However, as the country began to reopen, the airport saw a remarkable 905% increase in monthly passenger traffic by August 2020. This recovery showcases the airport's ability to adapt and rebound from crises.

In 2019, before the pandemic, the airport was experiencing an increase in passenger traffic and demand for additional flights and routes. Local media reported on negotiations with major airlines to expand their presence at the airport. This included discussions with United Airlines to restart the Lynchburg to Washington-Dulles route and talks with Spirit Airlines to introduce flights to vacation destinations in Florida.

The airport's growth is also reflected in its infrastructure. In 2007, a new extended runway was opened, increasing the airport's capacity and enhancing its capabilities. The airport covers an area of 872 acres, with two asphalt runways, and is included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011-2015, categorized as a primary commercial service facility.

Looking forward, the airport director, Andrew LaGala, anticipates a cautious recovery to pre-pandemic levels, estimating it could take a year or two to return to normal. Despite the challenges, the airport's resilience, government grants, and increasing demand bode well for its future.

The airport has received grants for improvements and to attract new carriers

Lynchburg Regional Airport, also known as Preston Glenn Field, is a public airport in Campbell County, Virginia. It is located at the intersection of Route 29 South and Route 460, approximately six miles southwest of Lynchburg's central business district, which owns the airport. The airport is primarily used for general aviation, but it also has commercial flights to Charlotte Douglas International Airport in Charlotte, North Carolina, operated by American Airlines.

The airport has received several grants for improvements and to attract new carriers. In June 2023, the airport director, Andrew LaGala, announced that the airport had been awarded a $600,000 grant from the federal government, with an additional $400,000 grant from the City of Lynchburg. The federal funding was provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) under the Small Community Air Service Development Program. The grants were intended for facility improvements, specifically targeting the expansion of air service between Lynchburg and key destinations like Chicago. This funding was seen as a significant step towards enhancing air travel options for the community.

In September 2024, it was announced that the airport would receive $14,603,435 in federal funding as part of a larger $18,707,787 allocation for airport improvements across Virginia. This funding was awarded through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program. The money was earmarked for rehabilitating runway lighting and pavement at the airport, ensuring structural integrity, and minimising foreign object debris to prolong the runway's lifespan.

Additionally, in June 2023, Lynchburg Regional Airport secured $1,229,342 in federal funding for further airport improvements. This funding was allocated for the construction of an apron at the airport, enhancing aircraft operations and safety. The airport has also been included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011–2015, underscoring its importance as a primary commercial service facility.

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