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Woolsey Memorial Airport is a publicly owned, public-use airport located in Northport, Michigan, United States. It has two runways, both made of turf, and six planes call the airport home. The airport was named after Clinton F. Woolsey, a pioneer aviator who died in a plane crash near Buenos Aires in 1927. The airport hosts several events, including a poker night and a short takeoff-and-landing competition. While there is limited information on the types of planes that can land at Woolsey Memorial Airport, its turf runways and pilot-activated landing lights suggest that it can accommodate small aircraft.
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What You'll Learn
Woolsey Memorial Airport history
Woolsey Memorial Airport, located in Northport, Michigan, has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The airport is named after Clinton F. Woolsey, a pioneer aviator and native of Northport, who tragically died in a plane crash near Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1927. Woolsey was a highly regarded pilot and engineer for the U.S. Army Air Service, and his story is closely tied to the airport's origins.
Clinton F. Woolsey was born in 1894 and enlisted in the Indiana National Guard in 1916 before transferring to the Air Service in 1917. He served as a pilot during World War I and later became a flight instructor. In 1926, he was chosen as one of ten pilots to participate in the Pan-American Goodwill Flight, a historic endeavour involving five two-seater planes aiming to land in 23 Central and South American countries. Unfortunately, Woolsey's journey ended prematurely when his plane crashed in February 1927, cutting short his dream of flying solo across the Atlantic.
In honour of Clinton F. Woolsey, his father, Byron Woolsey, donated 80 acres of his land to Leelanau Township in 1934. This donation was made with the condition that it be used for an airport dedicated to his late son. The township contributed an additional 120 acres, and together, they converted the farmland into a functional airport. Byron Woolsey himself constructed the original terminal, which was previously a creamery and milk transfer station on his farm, built in 1874 when he was just a teenager.
The Woolsey Memorial Airport officially opened in 1935 and has been a unique landmark ever since. It features two turf runways and an unmanned terminal with picnic tables and restroom facilities. The airport has hosted various events, including poker nights and short takeoff-and-landing competitions. In 2021, a Michigan Historical Marker was dedicated to Woolsey and his family, recognising the airport's historical significance. Today, the airport operates from March to November (weather permitting) and continues to honour the memory of Clinton F. Woolsey and his contributions to aviation.
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Aircraft and crew
Woolsey Memorial Airport, located in Northport, Michigan, is a historic airport with a rich aviation history. The airport was founded in honour of Clinton F. Woolsey, a pioneer aviator and engineer for the U.S. Army Air Service. Woolsey Memorial Airport features two runways, both made of turf, with the East-West runway being 3,663 feet long and the North-South runway measuring 2,670 feet.
The airport accommodates a variety of aircraft, from small private planes to larger commercial jets. The exact types of aircraft that can land at the airport depend on the specific characteristics of the runways and facilities available. The airport has pilot-activated landing lights and a lighted windsock, ensuring safe landings for a range of aircraft.
The airport has a fascinating history that began in 1934 when Byron Woolsey, Clinton's father, donated 80 acres of land to Leelanau Township. An additional 120 acres were added by the township, and the airport was converted from a farm, with the original terminal being a farm creamery and milk transfer station. The airport was dedicated on July 14, 1935, and has been in operation since, bearing the name of Clinton F. Woolsey and honouring his contributions to aviation.
Clinton F. Woolsey was a distinguished aviator and engineer. He served as a pilot in World War I and later became a flight instructor. Woolsey was also one of ten pilots chosen for the Pan-American Goodwill Flight, a historic endeavour that involved flying across Central and South America. Unfortunately, Woolsey's life was cut short during this flight when he crashed near Buenos Aires in 1927. Despite his tragic end, Woolsey left a lasting legacy in aviation, and his memory is honoured through the Woolsey Memorial Airport.
The airport hosts various events, including poker nights and competitions such as short takeoff-and-landing contests. These events bring together pilots and aviation enthusiasts, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie. The airport also serves as a reminder of the heroic and pioneering days of early aviation, with its history spanning over a century.
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Airport facilities
Woolsey Memorial Airport, located 3 miles northeast of Northport, Michigan, United States, is a publicly owned, public-use airport. It was founded in 1935 and named after Clinton F. Woolsey, a pioneer aviator who died in a plane crash near Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1927. The airport is known for its rich history and unique architecture, serving as a reminder of the early days of aviation.
The airport facilities at Woolsey Memorial Airport include:
Runways
The airport features two runways, including the East-West runway and the North-South runway. The East-West runway is 3,663 feet long and is equipped with pilot-activated landing lights and a lighted windsock. It is designated as Runway 9/27 and measures 3663 feet by 120 feet (1116 meters by 37 meters). The North-South runway is slightly shorter at 2,670 feet in length. These runways are surrounded by scenic landscapes, offering a unique flying experience.
Terminal
The terminal building at Woolsey Memorial Airport has a fascinating history. It was originally built by Byron Woolsey, Clinton's father, in 1874 as a creamery for his dairy farm. Over the years, it has been expanded and converted into an airport terminal. Today, it serves as a functional and historic landmark, welcoming pilots and visitors alike. The terminal provides essential amenities and services for those utilising the airport.
Hangars and Storage
Woolsey Memorial Airport offers four hangars for aircraft storage and maintenance. These hangars provide shelter for planes based at the airport and those visiting temporarily. Additionally, the airport has a commercial aircraft storage facility, where a TWA 747 can be spotted.
Visitor Amenities
The airport caters to visitors with various amenities. Picnic tables are available for those who wish to enjoy a meal or a leisurely day outdoors. Restroom facilities ensure comfort and convenience for all guests. An open observation area allows visitors to watch aircraft take off and land, providing a unique viewing experience. Additionally, the airport hosts events like poker nights and short takeoff-and-landing competitions, fostering a sense of community and engagement.
Emergency Services
Woolsey Memorial Airport prioritises safety with the provision of an emergency telephone on-site. This vital resource ensures that prompt assistance is readily available in the event of an emergency. The airport's commitment to safety enhances its overall accessibility and reliability.
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Events and competitions
Woolsey Memorial Airport, located in Northport, Michigan, is a historic airport with a rich past. Named after Clinton F. Woolsey, an aviator and engineer for the U.S. Army Air Service, the airport was founded in 1935 and has been the site of numerous events and competitions over the years.
One of the most popular events hosted by the airport is poker night, which also includes a short takeoff-and-landing competition. This event combines the thrill of aviation with the excitement of friendly competition, attracting pilots and enthusiasts alike.
The airport also has a unique history of pioneering aviation. Clinton F. Woolsey, a native of Northport, was a daring aviator who dreamed of making a solo transatlantic flight. While he unfortunately perished in a plane crash near Buenos Aires in 1927 during the Pan-American Goodwill Flight, his legacy lives on at the airport that bears his name.
To honour Woolsey's memory and celebrate the airport's history, the Woolsey Memorial Airport occasionally hosts fly-ins and gatherings. These events attract aviation enthusiasts and historians, providing an opportunity to remember Woolsey's contributions to aviation and his impact on the local community.
Additionally, the airport has been the site of fundraising efforts to preserve its historic terminal. The SWAT! (Save Woolsey Airport Terminal) group has worked diligently to raise funds for the rehabilitation and preservation of the terminal, which was originally built by Woolsey's father, Byron Woolsey, in 1874 as a creamery for his dairy farm.
The Woolsey Memorial Airport, with its quaint charm and historical significance, continues to be a hub for aviation enthusiasts and the local community, hosting a variety of events and competitions that honour the past while celebrating the present.
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Renovation and preservation
The Woolsey Memorial Airport, located in Northport, Michigan, is named after Clinton F. Woolsey, a pioneer aviator and native of Northport who died in a plane crash near Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 1927. The airport was founded in 1935 by Woolsey's father, Byron Woolsey, who donated 80 acres of land to the township on the condition that it be used as an airport to commemorate his son.
The airport terminal, known as the Clinton F. Woolsey Memorial Airport terminal, was originally built by Byron Woolsey in 1874 as a creamery for his Golden Rod Dairy Farm. After nearly 150 years, the terminal is in need of rehabilitation and preservation to ensure its longevity and ability to continue welcoming visitors. A dedicated group called SWAT! (Save Woolsey Airport Terminal) has been formed to raise funds for this important work.
The SWAT! group has partnered with the Leelanau Township Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that will manage and distribute the funds raised for the renovation project. The project has the support of the Leelanau Township, which owns the airport. Together, they aim to restore and preserve the historic terminal, ensuring it remains a landmark for years to come.
The Woolsey Memorial Airport is a unique piece of aviation history and a tribute to Clinton F. Woolsey's legacy. The airport features two runways, the longer one being 3,663 feet long and equipped with pilot-activated landing lights and a lighted windsock. It is a popular site for aviation enthusiasts and hosts events such as poker nights and short takeoff-and-landing competitions. With its rich history and dedicated community support, the renovation and preservation of the Woolsey Memorial Airport terminal will ensure that Clinton F. Woolsey's memory and contributions to aviation are honoured for generations to come.
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Frequently asked questions
The airport is named after Clinton F. Woolsey, a pioneer aviator who died in a plane crash in 1927 during the first Pan-American Goodwill Flight. The airport was founded in 1935 by Woolsey's father, who donated 80 acres of land to the township of Northport, Michigan, to commemorate his son.
The airport has two runways, both made of turf. The East-West runway is 3,663 feet long and is equipped with pilot-activated landing lights and a pilot-activated lighted windsock. The North-South runway is 2,670 feet long.
One of the most popular events hosted at the airport is poker night, which features competitions such as a short takeoff-and-landing competition.
Six planes call the airport home, and an average of 42 flight operations take place each month from April through October.
Yes, Woolsey Memorial Airport is a publicly owned, public-use airport. Visitors can climb up to the open observation area or have a picnic near the terminal.
