Lois Larson
Jackson County Airport - Reynolds Field in Jackson, Michigan, has been serving the aeronautical needs of the greater Jackson area since 1928. The airport has witnessed several key events over the years, including the commencement of passenger services by American Airlines, the construction of new facilities, and the transfer of its operations from the City of Jackson to the County of Jackson. In recent years, the airport has received funding for modernisation and infrastructure upgrades, including the replacement of mechanical, electric, and lighting systems, as well as improvements to its control tower to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The airport has also experienced a decrease in aircraft operations, with an average of 72 per day in 2021, down from 139 daily operations in 2010.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Jackson County Airport - Reynolds Field |
| Location | Jackson, Michigan |
| Size | 950 acres |
| Aircraft operations (2021) | 26,300 (72 per day) |
| Aircraft based at the airport (2010) | 87 (67 single-engine, 15 multi-engine, 3 jet aircraft, 1 helicopter, 1 glider aircraft) |
| History | W. R. Reynolds donated 160 acres for the airport in 1927, with runway construction completed in 1928 |
| Services | Fuel, deicing, catering, lavatory services, a pilot lounge, showers, snooze rooms, a flight briefing station, courtesy transportation, and more |
| Incidents | Cessna 310 crash in 2002 due to pilot's improper management of the fuel system; Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche gear-up landing in 2002 due to electrical failure and improper emergency procedures |
| Modernization | In 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration awarded $2.2 million for modernizing the air traffic control tower and improving accessibility and efficiency |
| Nearest major airport | Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) |
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What You'll Learn
Jackson County Airport history
Jackson County Airport, also known as Reynolds Field, is a 950-acre airport located in Jackson, Michigan. The airport is dedicated to serving the aeronautical needs of the greater Jackson area and is equipped for all-weather operations.
The history of Jackson County Airport began in 1927 when Mr. and Mrs. Wiley R. Reynolds donated approximately 160 acres of land to the City of Jackson for use as a municipal airport. The dedication ceremony took place on June 3, 1928, and construction of two dirt runways was completed that year. The north-south runway was 1,800 feet long and 150 feet wide, while the east-west runway was 2,600 feet long and 150 feet wide.
In its early years, the airport was served by commercial airlines, with American Airlines providing passenger service from the 1920s until around 1952 as one of several stops on a route between Chicago and Detroit. Other airlines that served Jackson County Airport included North Central Airlines, Republic Airlines, and Simmons Airlines. However, by 1989, commercial airline service to the airport had ceased.
Over the years, the airport has undergone various improvements and expansions. A new airport terminal building and a four-story air traffic control tower were constructed, and Runway 5-23 was extended to 5,344 feet. In 2002, two incidents occurred at the airport: a Cessna 310 crashed during its approach, and a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche experienced a gear-up landing.
The airport holds an annual Aviation Day, featuring attractions such as meetings with flight schools, flights in vintage World War II aircraft, and tours of modern military aircraft. It also serves as an economic engine for the community, with an annual economic impact of $39 million (as of 2019).
In 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration awarded Jackson County $2.2 million to modernize its air traffic control tower and bring it into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This included the addition of new facilities such as restrooms, doors, and an elevator, as well as asbestos removal and system upgrades.
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Aviation Day and other attractions
Jackson County Airport – Reynolds Field in Jackson, Michigan, has been serving the aeronautical needs of the greater Jackson area since 1928. The airport is home to over 100 general aviation aircraft, ranging from single-engine planes to corporate jets. It offers a variety of services, including business aviation, recreational aviation, and flight instruction.
Every year, the airport holds an Aviation Day, which includes various attractions such as meetings with flight schools, flights in vintage World War II aircraft, tours of modern military aircraft, simulator flights, and aircraft maintenance tours. The event is sponsored by the Yankee Air Museum, the Jackson Tourism board, Aertech Manufacturing, local financial advisors, and a cookie company.
In addition to Aviation Day, Jackson County Airport offers other attractions and facilities for visitors and aviation enthusiasts. The airport is home to a locally-based flying club and a flight school, providing individuals the opportunity to earn their pilot's license. The airport also has a rich history, with a dedication ceremony taking place in 1928 after W. R. Reynolds donated 160 acres of land for a municipal airport. The original terminal building has served various purposes over the years, including housing the passenger terminal, airport manager's office, and weather monitoring devices.
The airport has also undergone several improvements and expansions over the years. A new four-story air traffic control tower and a one-story airport terminal building were constructed, and Runway 5-23 was extended to 5344 feet. More recently, in 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration awarded Jackson County $2.2 million to modernize its air traffic control tower, which included making it ADA-compliant and improving various systems.
While Jackson County Airport caters to recreational flyers and aviation enthusiasts, those travelling to Jackson, Michigan, by air might arrive at one of several airports, including Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), which is the only airport in Jackson itself, Capital Region International Airport (40 miles from downtown Jackson), or AZO (60 miles from downtown).
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Cessna 310 crash in 2002
On July 11, 2002, a Cessna 310 crashed while approaching Jackson County Airport in Michigan. The flight was relatively normal until the plane veered right when it was about one-third of the way down the runway. Despite attempts to keep the plane on the centreline, the aircraft did not straighten out when the pilot added power. The pilot then reduced power to both engines and attempted to bring the aircraft level, but it crashed into a grass area off the side of the runway.
The probable cause of the crash was the pilot's improper management of the fuel system, including a failure to reposition the fuel selectors to the main fuel tank. Additional causes were the pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during the engine failure and his delayed response to the uncommanded roll (VMC roll).
The Jackson County Airport, also known as Reynolds Field, is a 950-acre airport located just south of I-94 in Michigan. Equipped for all-weather operations, the airport serves the greater Jackson area and is home to over 100 general aviation aircraft. The airport has an average of 72 aircraft operations per day, including single-engine and multi-engine airplanes, jet aircraft, helicopters, and gliders.
In recent years, the airport has received funding for modernisation and improvements to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The air traffic control tower, which was 60 years old, will be updated with new facilities, including restrooms, doors, and an elevator. The airport has also received funding for asbestos removal and the replacement of mechanical, electrical, and lighting systems.
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Airport funding and development
Funding and developing an airport requires a comprehensive understanding of the aviation industry, the needs of the surrounding community, and the ability to navigate financial complexities. The Jackson County Airport in Michigan is a testament to the challenges and opportunities inherent in airport funding and development.
The history of the Jackson County Airport began in 1927 when W. R. Reynolds donated 160 acres of land for an "aviation field", with runway construction completed in 1928. The airport has a rich aviation history, serving as a stop for commercial airlines from the 1920s until 1989, with American Airlines being a notable carrier until 1952. Over the years, the airport has undergone various improvements, including the construction of a new terminal building, a municipal hangar, and the extension of Runway 5-23.
However, financial challenges have also plagued the airport. Community discussions around the airport's financial problems have highlighted the desire for townships to contribute financially. To address these issues, the airport has received funding from a variety of sources. In 2022, the Federal Aviation Administration awarded Jackson County $2.2 million to modernize its air traffic control tower and bring it into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. This funding came from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, demonstrating the importance of government support in airport development.
Additionally, the airport has sought to improve its financial stability by offering a diverse range of services. These include business aviation solutions, recreational aviation opportunities, and flight instruction through the JCC Flight Center. By catering to a wide range of aviation needs, the airport has positioned itself as an economic development engine for the community, with an annual economic impact of $39 million (as of 2019).
Furthermore, the airport has embraced its role in the community by hosting an annual aviation day, attracting sponsors and engaging local enthusiasts. This event includes attractions such as meetings with flight schools, vintage aircraft flights, and modern military aircraft tours. The airport has also undergone environmental assessments and construction projects to correct runway safety area (RSA) deficiencies, ensuring compliance with FAA standards and prioritizing safety.
In summary, the funding and development of an airport like Jackson County Airport involve a multitude of factors. These include historical context, community engagement, financial contributions from various sources, and a commitment to safety and economic growth. By navigating these complexities, airports can serve their communities and foster aviation dreams for years to come.
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Airlines that serve Jackson
The Jackson County Airport - Reynolds Field in Jackson, Michigan, is a 950-acre airport equipped for all weather operations. It is located just south of I-94 and is home to over 100 general aviation aircraft, ranging from single-engine planes to corporate jets. The airport serves as an economic engine for the community, with an annual economic impact of $39 million.
Historically, several airlines have served Jackson. American Airlines served the city until around 1952 as one of several stops on a route between Chicago and Detroit. Other stops on this route included South Bend, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, and Ann Arbor. After American Airlines, North Central Airlines took over the Chicago-Detroit route. In 1979, North Central merged with other carriers to become Republic Airlines, which continued to serve Jackson until 1981. Finally, Simmons Airlines was the last airline to offer services at Jackson County Airport.
Today, there are no airlines that fly directly into Jackson, Michigan. Travellers flying to Jackson typically arrive at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), about 55 miles from downtown Jackson. This airport is served by various airlines, including Delta Air Lines, Spirit Airlines, and United Airlines.
The Jackson County Airport still holds an annual Aviation Day, which includes meetings with flight schools, flights in vintage WWII aircraft, tours of modern military aircraft, simulator flights, and aircraft maintenance tours. The airport also has a fixed-base operator that offers services such as fuel, deicing, catering, lavatory services, a pilot lounge, and more.
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Frequently asked questions
The Jackson County Airport, also known as Reynolds Field, is a 950-acre airport located in Jackson, Michigan. It has been serving the aeronautical needs of the greater Jackson area since 1928. The airport offers a range of services, including business and recreational aviation, and is home to various aircraft, from single-engine planes to corporate jets.
Passenger services to Jackson County Airport were halted at some point in the past. Simmons Airlines was the last airline to provide services to the airport. However, the airport remains operational for other aviation needs, such as flight instruction and recreational flying.
Yes, there have been a few notable incidents at Jackson County Airport. On July 11, 2002, a Cessna 310 crashed during its approach due to the pilot's improper fuel management. Additionally, on December 15, 2002, a Piper PA-30 Twin Comanche aircraft experienced a gear-up landing due to electrical failure and the pilot's improper adherence to emergency procedures.
