Lois Larson
Gila River Memorial Airport is a private airport located in Maricopa County, Arizona, 4 miles southwest of Chandler's central business district. The airport, built in 1942, was owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community. It was used for crop-dusting and air charter operations, with no scheduled commercial services. The airport has not seen any aircraft operations since 1983 and is now an airplane boneyard, with various old aircraft slowly disintegrating on the site.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | 4 miles (3.5 nmi; 6.4 km) southwest of the central business district of Chandler, in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States |
| Owner | Gila River Indian Community |
| Usage | Private |
| Operations | Cropdusting and air charter operations, with no scheduled commercial services |
| Year Built | 1942 |
| Area | 1,345 acres (544 ha) |
| Runways | 2 (asphalt) |
| Last recorded aircraft operations | 12-month period ending November 16, 1983 |
| Average daily aircraft operations | 70 |
| Traffic composition | 98% general aviation aircraft, 2% military aircraft |
| Current status | Abandoned |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Gila River Memorial Airport is owned by the Gila River Indian Community
The Gila River Memorial Airport is a private airport located 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of Chandler, Arizona, in Maricopa County. It was previously known as Williams Auxiliary Army Airfield #5, then Goodyear Air Force Auxiliary Airfield, and later, Goodyear Airport, before it was renamed Gila River Memorial Airport in 2007. The airport is owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community, and it is located on the Gila River Indian Reservation.
The airport was built in 1942 and was used for military purposes during World War II. After the war, it was used for crop-dusting and air charter operations, with no scheduled commercial services. The airport covers 1,345 acres (544 hectares) and has two asphalt runways.
The last recorded aircraft operations at the Gila River Memorial Airport were in the 12-month period ending November 16, 1983. During this time, the airport saw about 25,550 aircraft operations, averaging 70 per day. The traffic consisted of 98% general aviation aircraft and 2% military aircraft.
By 2007, the Gila River Indian Community had taken over control of the airfield and evicted all commercial tenants with the aim of transforming the site into a casino. However, as of 2020, the airport remains operational but abandoned, serving as an "airplane boneyard" for older aircraft.
The Gila River Memorial Airport holds historical significance, especially for aviation enthusiasts and those interested in World War II history. It stands as a reminder of the area's past involvement in military aviation and its subsequent transition to civilian use.
Manchester Airport Currency: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The airport is located in Chandler, Arizona
The Gila River Memorial Airport is located in Chandler, Arizona, in the United States. It is situated 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of the central business district of Chandler, in Maricopa County. The airport is set in a remote area, providing a unique photo opportunity for those interested in alien-themed spots.
The airport is privately owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community. It was built in 1942 as Williams Auxiliary Army Airfield #5, serving as one of several satellite airfields for the Williams Army Airfield. Over the years, it underwent several name changes, including Goodyear Air Force Auxiliary Airfield and Goodyear Airport, before being renamed Gila River Memorial Airport in 2007.
The airport was used for crop-dusting and air charter operations, with no scheduled commercial services. It accommodated older piston-engined transport aircraft and played a role in aircraft training. The airport's last recorded aircraft operations were in the 12-month period ending in November 1983, with approximately 25,550 aircraft operations during that time, averaging 70 per day.
Despite its remote location, the airport is accessible for those wishing to visit. It covers 1,345 acres (544 hectares) and features two asphalt runways. While the airport is no longer active, it continues to be a fascinating attraction, drawing interest from those intrigued by abandoned places and aviation history.
Victoria Airport: What's Happening and What to Expect
You may want to see also
Explore related products
It was built in 1942
The Gila River Memorial Airport was built in 1942 as Williams Auxiliary Army Airfield #5, one of several satellite airfields for Williams Army Airfield. It was constructed during World War II, serving as a military airbase. The airport was likely a bustling hub of activity, with aircraft taking off and landing in support of the war effort.
During this time, the airport played a strategic role in military operations, providing a base for aircraft deployment and supporting logistics. The airfield was designed to accommodate the needs of military aircraft, with facilities tailored to their specific requirements.
After the war, the airport underwent a name change and became known as the Goodyear Air Force Auxiliary Airfield. This change reflected the transition in ownership and purpose. The original triangular configuration of the airfield was also modified during this period to cater to the early jet aircraft of the 1950s.
In the following decade, the airfield transitioned again as it passed into civilian hands and became known as Goodyear Airport. Later, it was renamed Memorial Airfield, marking a shift in its utilisation. The airport continued to evolve, and by the late 1970s, it began accommodating older piston-engined transport aircraft, some of which had been converted into air tankers.
The airport has a rich history, reflecting the changing needs and purposes it served over the years. From its military origins during World War II to its subsequent civilian use, the airport has played a significant role in the region's aviation landscape. Today, the airport is located on the Gila River Indian Reservation, and while it is no longer operational for aircraft, it stands as a reminder of the past and continues to capture the interest of visitors and aviation enthusiasts alike.
Exploring KK Airport: Things to Do and See
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![4 Books Collection Set by Jocko Willink [Extreme Ownership; The Dichotomy of Leadership; Discipline Equals Freedom & Leadership Strategy And Tactics: Field Manual]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/819jg3yXaOL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
The airport has been abandoned since 1983
The Gila River Memorial Airport has been abandoned since 1983. The airport, located in Maricopa County, Arizona, was a private-use airport owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community. It was used for crop dusting and air charter operations, with no scheduled commercial services. The airport was built in 1942 as Williams Auxiliary Army Airfield #5, one of several satellite airfields for Williams Army Airfield.
After World War II, it was renamed the Goodyear Air Force Auxiliary Airfield, and its configuration was modified to accommodate early jet aircraft. In the 1960s, the airfield passed into civilian hands and was renamed Goodyear Airport and then Memorial Airfield. The airport began to host older piston-engined transport aircraft in the late 1970s, many of which had been converted into air tankers.
The last recorded aircraft operations at the airport took place in the 12-month period ending November 16, 1983, with about 25,550 aircraft operations recorded during that time, averaging 70 per day. The airport has been abandoned since then, and it has become an "airplane boneyard" for dozens of old aircraft slowly disintegrating over time.
Despite its abandonment, the airfield has seen some activity in recent years. In 2007, the Gila River Indian Community assumed control of the airfield, evicting all commercial tenants with the hope of turning the site into a casino. By 2019, the airport was being used for practice landing approaches, although pilots were legally prohibited from touching down on the runway.
Exploring Mauritius: Airport Access and Travel Options
You may want to see also
It was used for crop-dusting and air charter operations
The Gila River Memorial Airport was a private-use airport owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community. It was located 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of the central business district of Chandler in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. The airport was built in 1942 as Williams Auxiliary Army Airfield #5, one of several satellite airfields for Williams Army Airfield.
Over the years, the airport underwent several name changes and served various purposes. It was used for crop-dusting and air charter operations, with no scheduled commercial services. Crop-dusting, also known as aerial topdressing, is an agricultural practice where fertiliser, pesticides, or other chemicals are sprayed onto crops from an aircraft. This method allows for the efficient and precise application of these substances, ensuring that the crops receive the necessary treatments. The airport's runways and infrastructure facilitated the take-off and landing of aircraft involved in these operations.
Air charter operations, on the other hand, involve the hiring or renting of aircraft for personalised transportation services. Individuals or groups could charter a flight from Gila River Memorial Airport to travel to their desired destinations without relying on commercial flight schedules. This provided flexibility and convenience for those who required tailored travel arrangements. The airport's location, accommodating infrastructure, and proximity to Chandler and the surrounding areas made it a suitable choice for air charter operations.
The airport's history as a site for crop-dusting and air charter operations is an important aspect of its legacy. These functionalities contributed to the local agricultural and transportation industries, respectively. By serving these specific purposes, the airport played a unique role in the region's aviation landscape. However, it is important to note that the airport has been abandoned, and its last recorded aircraft operations were for the 12-month period ending November 16, 1983.
Despite its current state of abandonment, the Gila River Memorial Airport continues to hold significance. It stands as a reminder of the past and serves as a training ground for pilots-in-training, who practice landing approaches along its deserted runway. The airport's history, encompassing its construction during World War II, its role in accommodating jet aircraft in the 1950s, and its eventual transition to civilian control, contributes to its overall intrigue.
World Leaders Welcome Netanyahu at Airport
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The Gila River Memorial Airport is owned and operated by the Gila River Indian Community.
The airport is located 4 miles (6.4 km) southwest of the central business district of Chandler, in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States.
The airport was built in 1942 as Williams Auxiliary Army Airfield #5, one of several satellite airfields for Williams Army Airfield.
It was a private-use airport used for crop dusting and air charter operations, with no scheduled commercial services.
The airport is now abandoned and has not seen a plane fly off its runway since 1983. It is located on the Gila River Indian Reservation, and visitors might be asked to leave.
