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Montgomery County Airpark is a public airport in Montgomery County, Maryland, located three miles northeast of Gaithersburg. The airport was built in 1960 by Silver Spring developer William E. Richardson, who planned to operate charter flights to nearby airports. The airport covers 125 acres and has one runway. It is one of three major airports within easy driving distance of Montgomery County, with DCA and IAD airports also providing convenient access to the county.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Montgomery County Airpark |
| Location | 3 miles northeast of Gaithersburg, Maryland, US |
| Area | 125 acres (51 ha) |
| Year of Construction | 1960 |
| Owner | Montgomery County |
| Operator | William E. Richardson |
| Manager(s) | James E. Richardson, Richard T. Kreuzburg |
| Runway | 14/32: 4,202 x 75 ft. (1,281 x 23 m), surface: asphalt |
| Airports with Direct Flights | Charleston International Airport, The Eastern Iowa Airport, Craig-Moffat Airport, Arthur N Neu Airport, Cairo Regional Airport, etc. |
| Closest Airport | DCA, located about 20 miles from Montgomery County |
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What You'll Learn
Montgomery County Airpark is located in Gaithersburg, Maryland
Montgomery County Airpark is a public airport located in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in the United States. It is situated about three miles northeast of the city of Gaithersburg and covers 125 acres of land. The airport was built in 1960 by Silver Spring developer William E. Richardson, who planned to operate charter flights and an air taxi service to nearby airports. Richardson deeded the land to Montgomery County, which leased it back to him to operate the airport. The airport was initially managed by Richardson's son, James E. Richardson, and Richard T. Kreuzburg, a former Capital Airlines pilot.
Montgomery County Airpark has one runway, Runway 14/32, which is 4,202 feet long and 75 feet wide. The airport has a rich history, including notable events such as the September 11 hijacker, Hani Hanjour, using it for a practice flight in 2001. Additionally, there have been several crashes involving aircraft approaching the airport, including a 2014 crash into houses that tragically killed six people.
The airport is well-connected to the surrounding area, with easy access to Gaithersburg and other parts of Montgomery County. It is also within driving distance of several major airports, including DCA, IAD, and BWI, which offer a range of domestic and international flight options. These airports provide convenient access to Montgomery County and beyond, ensuring flexible and accommodating travel plans.
Montgomery County Airpark is an important facility for the local community and the region. It contributes positively to the economy and provides operational data and support for numerous in-house charities. The airport is governed by the MCRA, a public corporation dedicated to projects for the public good, use, and general welfare. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates aviation operations, including noise, flight paths, and altitude, and community concerns are strongly emphasized in the airport's operations.
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The airport is 3 miles northeast of the city
The Montgomery County Airpark (IATA: GAI, ICAO: KGAI, FAA LID: GAI) is located 3 miles northeast of Gaithersburg, in Montgomery County, Maryland. The airport was built by Silver Spring developer William E. Richardson in 1960, on 125 acres of land that was then rural. Richardson planned to operate charter flights and an air taxi to National Airport, Baltimore's Friendship Airport, and Dulles Airport. The airport was initially managed by Richardson's son, James E. Richardson, and Richard T. Kreuzburg, a former Capital Airlines pilot.
Montgomery County Airpark is a public airport that has been the site of several notable incidents. In 2001, one of the hijackers in the September 11 attacks, Hani Hanjour, flew to the airport from Fairfield, New Jersey, on a practice flight. More recently, in 2014, a plane crashed into houses while approaching Runway 14, resulting in six fatalities. The airport covers 125 acres and has a single runway, Runway 14/32, which is 4,202 feet by 75 feet and surfaced with asphalt.
The airport is subject to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) authority regarding aviation operations, including noise, flight path, and altitude. The FAA's regulations take precedence over state and local regulations, and the Airpark's voluntary restrictions are not legally enforceable. However, community concerns are emphasised in meetings and internal memos. The MCRA, a public corporation that governs the Airpark, offers a community information page with a video library addressing common questions.
Montgomery County Airpark is well-connected to other airports, with Linear Air offering charter flights to various destinations across the United States. These include Charleston International Airport, Chicago O'Hare International Airport, and Norfolk International Airport. The airport is also easily accessible from Montgomery County, with the Red Line Metro providing convenient transportation options to and from the area.
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It was built in 1960 by developer William E. Richardson
The Montgomery County Airpark (IATA: GAI, ICAO: KGAI, FAA LID: GAI) is a public airport in Montgomery County, Maryland, located northeast of Gaithersburg. The airport was built in 1960 by Silver Spring developer William E. Richardson. Richardson's original plan was to build an airport, a 9-hole golf course, and a hotel on 388 acres of land. At the time, the area was rural, and the Montgomery County Planning Board voted 3-2 in favour of rezoning the land to allow the airport's construction. Richardson argued that the county "desperately" needed an airport, and the additional industry would bring in tax revenue.
Richardson deeded the title to the land to Montgomery County, which then leased it back to him to operate the airport. The airport was initially managed by Richardson's son, James E. Richardson, and Richard T. Kreuzburg, a former Capital Airlines pilot. Richardson planned to operate charter flights and an air taxi service to nearby airports, including National Airport and Baltimore's Friendship Airport. During its first four years of operation, the airport had a simple hangar, and a terminal building was constructed in 1964.
Today, the Montgomery County Airpark covers 125 acres of land and has one runway. The airport continues to be a busy aviation hub, offering charter flights to various destinations across the United States. The airport has also faced some challenges, including a tragic plane crash in 2014 that resulted in multiple fatalities. Despite this, the airport remains an important facility for the region, providing economic benefits and contributing to the county's mobility access initiatives.
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It covers 125 acres of land and has one runway
The Montgomery County Airpark (IATA: GAI, ICAO: KGAI, FAA LID: GAI) is a public airport located in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It is situated northeast of the city of Gaithersburg, covering 125 acres of land. The airport was established in 1960 by Silver Spring developer William E. Richardson, who envisioned a 9-hole golf course, a hotel, and an airport on the original 388 acres of land. Despite opposition from those wishing to preserve the rural nature of the area, the Montgomery County Planning Board voted in favour of the airport, citing the need for an airport in the county and the potential for increased tax revenue. Richardson transferred ownership of the land to Montgomery County, who then leased it back to him to operate the airport.
The Montgomery County Airpark has a long and interesting history. Initially, it operated with a simple hangar for the first four years, and in 1964, a terminal building was constructed. The airport has witnessed several notable incidents, including the tragic crash of a plane into houses during its approach in 2014, resulting in the deaths of six individuals. Another incident in 2022 involved a Mooney M20J-201 crashing into a power line while approaching Runway 14.
Despite these incidents, the airport remains a busy aviation hub. With its single runway, Runway 14/32, measuring 4,202 by 75 feet and surfaced with asphalt, the airport caters to a range of aircraft. The airport is also home to the TSS Flying Club, one of the largest flying clubs in the Washington-Baltimore region.
The Montgomery County Airpark plays a significant role in the community. The airport's operations have a positive economic impact, and community concerns are emphasised in meetings and internal communications. The airport is easily accessible, located just three miles from Gaithersburg, and offers convenient access to Montgomery County and beyond.
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Three major airports are within easy driving distance of Montgomery County
Montgomery County, Maryland, is easily accessible by air, with three major airports within driving distance. The closest airport to Montgomery County is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), which is located just 20 miles from the county. This airport is conveniently situated near downtown Washington, D.C., making it a great option for those planning to visit the nation's capital. DCA offers a mix of domestic and international flights and is well-connected to public transportation, including the Metro.
Another major airport near Montgomery County is Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), located about 30 miles west of the county. IAD is one of the busiest airports in the region, offering a wide range of domestic and international flights, making it a convenient choice for long-haul travellers. This airport is easy to drive to, with ample parking and rental car facilities available. It also features various amenities, including dining, shopping, and an on-site hotel.
Baltimore/Washington Thurgood Marshall International Airport (BWI) is the third major airport serving Montgomery County, situated approximately 35 miles northeast of the county. BWI is a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers due to the presence of several low-cost airlines. Amtrak services this airport, providing a convenient travel option for those travelling by train. From BWI, visitors can take the Ride On Bus 201 or use the Washington metro area's extensive network for a smooth journey to Montgomery County.
In addition to these three major airports, Montgomery County is also home to the Montgomery County Airpark (GAI), a public airport located just three miles northeast of Gaithersburg, Maryland. This airport was built in 1960 and covers 125 acres, featuring one runway. While it may not be as large as the major airports in the region, it nonetheless plays an important role in serving the aviation needs of the community.
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Frequently asked questions
The Montgomery County Airpark (IATA: GAI, ICAO: KGAI, FAA LID: GAI) is located 3 miles northeast of Gaithersburg, in Montgomery County, Maryland.
The airport codes for Montgomery County Airpark are GAI (IATA), KGAI (ICAO), and GAI (FAA LID).
Some airports near Montgomery County, Maryland, include DCA, IAD, and BWI.
Some hotels near Montgomery County Airport include Holiday Inn Gaithersburg and DoubleTree by Hilton Washington DC North/Gaithersburg.
