Lois Larson
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (IATA: CHO) is a public airport located 8 miles (12 km) north of Charlottesville, in Albemarle County, Virginia, USA. The airport has been serving airline flights since 1955 and provides services to the Charlottesville/Albemarle region and surrounding counties. The airport's code, CHO, is derived from its location in Charlottesville, Virginia.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport |
| IATA | CHO |
| ICAO | KCHO |
| FAA LID | CHO |
| Location | 8 miles (12 km) north of Charlottesville, in Albemarle County, Virginia, USA |
| Year of first airline flight | 1955 |
| Number of daily non-stop flights | 46 |
| Number of cities served | 6 |
| Number of airlines | 4 |
| Number of aircraft operations in 2020 | 90,555 (average 248 per day) |
| Number of aircraft based at the airport in January 2022 | 56 |
| Number of single-engine aircraft based at the airport in January 2022 | 40 |
| Number of multi-engine aircraft based at the airport in January 2022 | 8 |
| Number of jet aircraft based at the airport in January 2022 | 6 |
| Number of helicopters based at the airport in January 2022 | 1 |
| Number of ultralight aircraft based at the airport in January 2022 | 1 |
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What You'll Learn
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport's history
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) has a long and interesting history. The airport has been serving the Charlottesville area for many years and has seen several developments and improvements over time.
One of the most notable incidents in the airport's history occurred on October 30, 1959, when Piedmont Airlines Flight 349 crashed into Bucks Elbow Mountain while attempting to land. Sadly, 26 out of the 27 people on board were killed in the accident. Today, a tree at the site of the crash is included in Virginia Tech's Virginia Big Tree Database and the Remarkable Trees of Virginia Program. The tree, believed to be between 250 and 300 years old, stands as a solemn reminder of the tragic event.
Over the years, Charlottesville Albemarle Airport has continued to grow and expand its facilities and services. In 2019, the airport opened "The Founder's Lounge," a quiet and comfortable lounge area at Gate 5, offering complimentary beverages and snacks. That same year, the airport saw 90,555 aircraft operations, averaging 248 per day.
In terms of aircraft based at Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, as of January 2022, there were 56 aircraft: 40 single-engine, 8 multi-engine, 6 jet, 1 helicopter, and 1 ultralight. The airport offers a range of services, including non-stop flights to various destinations such as Chicago, Washington, D.C., New York, Atlanta, and Charlotte, NC.
The airport has also been committed to improving accessibility and compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). In 2022, two new elevator banks were installed in the long-term parking lot, replacing older elevators to enhance ADA compliance. Additionally, in 2023, the airport upgraded its airfield lighting to energy-efficient LED lighting, ensuring better visibility and sustainability.
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Piedmont Airlines Flight 349 crash
CHO airport stands for Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, which is located in Charlottesville, Virginia. On October 30, 1959, Piedmont Airlines Flight 349, a Douglas DC-3, crashed into Bucks Elbow Mountain while attempting to land at this airport. The aircraft struck the ground at 2,600 feet, killing 26 of the 27 people on board. The sole survivor, Phil Bradley, recalled his experience, including a vision of Christ at the moment of impact and his subsequent rescue. The accident was attributed to a navigational error that led the aircraft to deviate from its prescribed path.
Piedmont Airlines Flight 349 departed Washington, D.C. at 7:49 p.m., 20 minutes behind schedule, en route to Roanoke, Virginia, with scheduled stops at Charlottesville and Lynchburg, Virginia. The flight encountered minor turbulence at its 4,000-foot cruising altitude, but all seemed normal for the 27 passengers and crew of three on board. As the flight approached Charlottesville, it deviated from its prescribed procedures near Casanova, southeast of Warrenton, likely already off-course when it made its next turn.
The subsequent investigation into the crash of Piedmont Airlines Flight 349 determined the cause to be a navigational omission, resulting in a lateral course error. During the approach to Charlottesville–Albemarle Airport, the aircraft's wing clipped the ground, leading to the crash on Bucks Elbow Mountain. This mountain, located near Crozet, Virginia, presented a challenging terrain for rescue efforts, requiring ropes and helicopters to access the site.
The Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport continues to operate today, offering convenient connections to various destinations. The airport features amenities such as "The Founder's Lounge," which provides a quiet and comfortable space for travellers.
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The Founder's Lounge
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (IATA: CHO) is a public airport located about 8 miles (12 km) north of Charlottesville, in Albemarle County, Virginia, USA. The airport has been serving the region since 1955 and offers 46 daily non-stop flights to six cities through four airlines.
In 2019, the airport introduced "The Founders Lounge", a quiet and comfortable lounge area located at Gate 5. The lounge is accessible to all travellers for a nominal fee and offers a range of amenities, including comfortable seating, a conference room, tables, and décor showcasing local artists and craftsmen. Complimentary beverages and snacks are also provided.
The Founders Lounge is an excellent place for travellers to relax or get some work done before their flight. The lounge features local artwork, providing a taste of Charlottesville culture. With its conference room and tables, it is also well-suited for business travellers who need a quiet space to work or meet with clients.
In addition to The Founders Lounge, Charlottesville Albemarle Airport has undergone several improvements over the years to enhance the travel experience. The airport offers a variety of services and amenities, including rental cars, ground transportation, and food options such as "The Market" Gourmet Deli & Gift Shop. The airport also provides convenient connections to major cities, with non-stop flights to destinations like Chicago, New York, and Washington, D.C.
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport is committed to the safety and comfort of its passengers. In 2023, the airport upgraded its airfield lighting to LED, and it continues to invest in improvements to ensure a modern and efficient travel experience.
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Daily non-stop flights
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport, also known as CHO Airport, offers 46 daily non-stop flights to six cities across the United States. The airport is located in Albemarle County, Virginia, approximately eight miles (12 km) north of Charlottesville. Four airlines currently service the airport, providing convenient travel options for passengers.
CHO Airport has a substantial history, with airline flights operating since 1955. Over the years, the airport has undergone several improvements to enhance its facilities and services. In 2019, the airport introduced "The Founder's Lounge," a quiet and comfortable lounge area accessible to all passengers for a nominal fee. The following year, in 2020, the airport recorded an impressive 90,555 aircraft operations, averaging 248 flights per day.
The airport's 60,000-square-foot terminal offers a range of amenities, including rental car services, ground transportation options, and food and gift options such as "The Market" Gourmet Deli & Gift Shop. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the airport also provides access to general aviation services through Landmark Aviation, which offers flight schools, plane rentals, and maintenance and fuelling services.
In terms of accommodation, CHO Airport is surrounded by several business-friendly hotels, including the Staybridge Suites Charlottesville Airport, which offers complimentary breakfast, WiFi, and parking. Other notable options include the Comfort Inn & Suites and the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Charlottesville, both of which have received excellent reviews from guests.
With its daily non-stop flights to multiple destinations, CHO Airport serves as a convenient gateway to the Charlottesville/Albemarle region and its surrounding counties. The airport's continuous improvements and dedication to passenger comfort and convenience contribute to a positive travel experience for all who pass through its gates.
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Airport facilities
Charlottesville Albemarle Airport (CHO) offers a range of facilities to cater to the needs of its passengers and visitors. The airport features a 60,000-square-foot terminal with various amenities and services to enhance the travel experience.
One notable facility at CHO is the "Founder's Lounge", a quiet lounge area located at Gate 5. This lounge offers comfortable seating, a conference room, and décor showcasing local art and craftsmanship. Access to the Founder's Lounge is available through a day pass, providing a relaxing and convenient space for travellers.
The airport also provides a variety of dining and beverage options. Food service is offered by Tailwind Concessions, with brands such as Turbo Grill, Radar Bar, and Copilot Coffee ensuring a range of culinary choices. Additionally, there is a gift shop located at Gate 5, offering grab-and-go food items and local souvenirs, providing last-minute shopping convenience for travellers.
CHO also provides on-site rental car services from companies such as Enterprise, Avis, Budget, Hertz, and National, offering convenience and flexibility for passengers' transportation needs.
In terms of general aviation facilities, CHO includes an executive terminal managed by the fixed-base operator, Signature Flight Support. This terminal caters to private and business aviation needs, providing full-service support. The airport also accommodates flight schools, aircraft charter firms, and emergency medical transportation provided by the UVA Hospital's Pegasus service.
Furthermore, CHO has made continuous improvements to enhance its facilities and operations. In 2023, the airport upgraded its airfield lighting to LED, improving visibility, reducing maintenance, and lowering electric costs. Additionally, the airport has plans to construct a new terminal and parking garage by the end of the decade, demonstrating its commitment to expanding and improving its infrastructure.
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Frequently asked questions
Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport.
The airport is located 8 miles (12 km) north of Charlottesville, in Albemarle County, Virginia, USA.
As of 2022, the airport has 46 daily non-stop flights to six cities.
The CHO airport has a quiet lounge area called "The Founder's Lounge", rental cars, ground transportation, and food and gift options.
On October 30, 1959, Piedmont Airlines Flight 349 crashed into Bucks Elbow Mountain while attempting to land, resulting in 26 fatalities out of 27 people on board.
