Lois Larson
Reno Stead Airport is a large public and military general aviation airport located in the North Valleys area, 10 nautical miles (19 km) northwest of the central business district of Reno, in Washoe County, Nevada, United States. The airport covers an area of 5,000 acres (2,023 ha) at an elevation of 5,050 feet (1,539 m) above sea level. It has been used for various purposes, including survival training for aircrews, hosting the National Championship Air Races, and serving as a launch site for the Earthwinds balloon system. The airport is also involved in community initiatives, such as the Food Bank's Mobile Harvest program, which distributes fresh food to community members in need.
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What You'll Learn
- The Reno Stead Airport is a former military installation
- It has been used for survival training and advanced helicopter training
- The airport is now a public and military general aviation hub
- It is home to the National Championship Air Races, held annually
- The Food Bank's Mobile Harvest distributes food to community members at the airport
The Reno Stead Airport is a former military installation
The airport has a long history of flight training and instruction. In 1954, Stead AFB became part of the Air Training Command (ATC), with a focus on preparing aircrews for survival situations. This included training astronauts in desert survival techniques in the 1960s. The base was also involved in helicopter pilot training, with a crew from Randolph AFB, Texas, assessing the feasibility of advanced helicopter training in the area's mountains in 1958.
In the following years, the airport continued to be a hub for aviation education. The AG Aviation Academy, which offered various flying courses and ground schools, moved to Stead in 1966. Notable alumni include actress and race pilot Susan Oliver, who obtained her multi-engine pilot license there in 1968. Bill Lear, the founder of Learjet, also set up operations at Stead Airport during this decade.
Today, the airport's military presence is limited to an Army Aviation Support Facility and the 189th General Support Aviation Battalion of the Nevada Army National Guard. The airport continues to serve as a significant aviation hub, hosting the National Championship Air Races (also known as the Reno Air Races) every September. With approximately 200 aircraft based at the facility and its designation as an FAA UAS test range, Reno Stead Airport plays a crucial role in northern Nevada's economy.
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It has been used for survival training and advanced helicopter training
The Reno Stead Airport, formerly known as Stead Air Force Base, has a long history of aviation use, including for survival training and advanced helicopter training.
In September 1954, Stead AFB became part of the Air Training Command (ATC), with a focus on training aircrews in survival techniques. The survival training school underwent several name changes before becoming the 3637th Combat Crew Training Squadron. In 1960 and 1962, this squadron trained astronauts in desert survival techniques, after which the astronauts were helicoptered to a location near Carson Sink for further training.
In January 1958, a group of instructor pilots from Randolph AFB, Texas, assessed the feasibility of advanced helicopter training in the area's mountains. This led to the relocation of the USAF Helicopter Pilot School to Stead in July 1958, further solidifying the airport's role in helicopter training.
Today, the airport continues to have a military presence, with the Army Aviation Support Facility and the Nevada Army National Guard's 189th General Support Aviation Battalion, which operates CH-47 Chinook helicopters, still based there. Additionally, approximately 200 aircraft are based at the airport, and it serves as an FAA-designated UAS test range, showcasing its ongoing significance in aviation and military activities.
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The airport is now a public and military general aviation hub
Reno Stead Airport (ICAO: KRTS, FAA LID: RTS, formerly 4SD) is a large public and military general aviation airport located in the North Valleys area, 10 nautical miles (19 km) northwest of the central business district of Reno, in Washoe County, Nevada, United States. Covering an area of 5,000 acres (2,023 ha) at an elevation of 5,050 feet (1,539 m) above sea level, the airport has two runways: 14/32, which is 9,000 by 150 feet (2,743 x 46 m), and 8/26, which is 7,608 by 150 feet (2,319 x 46 m). The airport is owned and operated by the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority and is quickly becoming a major economic hub in northern Nevada.
Reno Stead Airport was formerly known as Stead Air Force Base until 1966, honouring 1st Lt. Croston Stead, who died during a training exercise in 1949. The airport's military presence today consists of an Army Aviation Support Facility and the 189th General Support Aviation Battalion of the Nevada Army National Guard, operating CH-47 Chinook helicopters. In 2020, the airport recorded 49,800 aircraft operations, averaging 136 per day, with 86% general aviation and 14% military.
The airport has a rich history in aviation training. In 1954, Stead AFB became part of the Air Training Command (ATC), and the 3904th Composite Wing was redesignated as the 3635th Combat Crew Training Wing. The base was used to train aircrews in survival techniques, with the survival training school eventually becoming the 3637th Combat Crew Training Squadron. In 1958, the 3635th Crew Training Wing was redesignated as the 3635th Flying Training Wing (Advanced), coinciding with the relocation of the USAF Helicopter Pilot School to Stead. Astronauts were trained in desert survival by the 3637th Combat Crew Training Squadron in 1960 and 1962, before being helicoptered to the Carson Sink for further training.
From 1964 onwards, the airport has been home to the National Championship Air Races, also known as the Reno Air Races, held annually in September. The airport has also been a base for various aviation schools and businesses, including the AG Aviation Academy, which offered a range of flying courses and ground schools, and Learjet, founded by Bill Lear.
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It is home to the National Championship Air Races, held annually
Reno Stead Airport, formerly known as Stead Air Force Base, is located in the North Valleys area, 10 nautical miles (19 km) northwest of Reno, in Washoe County, Nevada, United States. Covering an area of 5,000 acres, the airport has been home to the National Championship Air Races, also known as the Reno Air Races, every September since 1964.
The National Championship Air Races are an annual event that attracts thousands of spectators and participants from around the world. The races feature a variety of aircraft, including jets, propeller planes, and helicopters, competing in various categories such as speed, agility, and endurance. The event also includes aerial demonstrations, stunt flying, and other aviation-themed activities.
The Reno Air Races have a rich history, with the first official race taking place in 1966. Over the years, the event has grown in popularity and has become a significant attraction for aviation enthusiasts and pilots alike. The races have also played a crucial role in the development of aircraft technology and have served as a testing ground for innovative designs and advancements in aviation.
The National Championship Air Races held at Reno Stead Airport have left an indelible mark on the world of aviation. They have been a platform for showcasing the skills of pilots and the capabilities of aircraft. Many notable pilots and aircraft have competed in the races over the years, with some achieving legendary status within the aviation community. The event has also been a catalyst for technological advancements, with participants pushing the boundaries of aircraft performance and design.
The annual National Championship Air Races at Reno Stead Airport continue to be a highly anticipated event, attracting a diverse range of participants and spectators. The races not only offer thrilling competition and entertainment but also contribute significantly to the advancement of aviation technology and the celebration of flight.
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The Food Bank's Mobile Harvest distributes food to community members at the airport
The Reno Stead Airport, formerly known as Stead Air Force Base, is located in the North Valleys area, about 10 nautical miles northwest of Reno, Nevada. Covering 5,000 acres of land at an elevation of 5,050 feet, the airport caters to both public and military general aviation. The airport has a rich history, initially serving as a military installation and training ground for aircrews in survival techniques. Over time, it has hosted various flight schools and aviation academies, including the AG Aviation Academy, which moved to Stead in 1966. The airport has also been associated with notable figures in aviation, such as fighter pilot Robert E. Schricker and actress-turned-race-pilot Susan Oliver.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Reno Stead Airport played a crucial role in supporting the community. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada (FBNN) utilised the airport as a Mobile Harvest food distribution site to aid those impacted by the pandemic. Following CDC guidelines, individuals could drive through and pick up pre-packaged boxes of shelf-stable food items and bags of fresh produce while adhering to social distancing and hygiene protocols. This no-contact approach ensured the safety of those receiving aid, with food being placed directly into their vehicles to minimise exposure.
The Mobile Harvest food distribution program at the airport was designed to be accessible and efficient. Clients were instructed to arrive no earlier than one hour before the designated distribution time to avoid overcrowding. Additionally, to maintain a streamlined and touchless intake process, recipients were requested to stay inside their vehicles and follow the instructions provided by signs and staff members. For those without vehicles, strict social distancing guidelines were enforced to ensure the safety of all community members utilising the food bank services.
Through this initiative, the Reno Stead Airport, in collaboration with the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, was able to address the pressing needs of the community during challenging times. By providing a central and easily accessible location for food distribution, the airport played a vital role in ensuring that individuals and families affected by the pandemic had access to essential food supplies. This partnership exemplified how different organisations can come together to provide support and assistance to those in need.
The Reno Stead Airport's transformation into a food distribution hub during the COVID-19 crisis highlights the adaptability and community-oriented nature of the facility. By temporarily shifting its focus from aviation operations to humanitarian relief, the airport demonstrated its commitment to serving the people of Reno and the surrounding areas. This initiative not only provided practical support but also symbolised hope and unity during a period of uncertainty and struggle for many.
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Frequently asked questions
Stead Airport is a large public and military general aviation facility. It is also used for the National Championship Air Races, also known as the Reno Air Races, held every September.
Stead Airport was formerly a military installation known as Stead Air Force Base until 1966. It was then renamed after 1st Lt. Croston Stead, who died during a training exercise in 1949. In 1964, the airport was operated by the AG Aviation Academy, which moved totally up to Stead in 1966.
Stead Airport is divided into six City Council wards, each with its own representative. One such ward includes the Food Bank's Mobile Harvest program, which distributes fresh food to community members in need.
