Airport
History
In 1929, the U.S. Navy Air
Station opened as a training school, seaplane base and dirigible hangar. The
base operated until 1969, when it was closed and turned over to the Township in
1971 for operation as a general aviation airport.
The
original runway was a unique circular design that afforded 3,000-foot all-way
runways, which were lighted with flush, mounted lights.
The remnants of this runway can be seen in the aerial photo (above).
Today, the Airport has two runways. The primary runway is 4,978 feet long and
100 feet wide, and the secondary runway is 4,425 feet long and 75 feet wide.
Both runways are lighted for night operations.
The Airport has an automated weather observation system to generate
present weather reports for pilots and the community.
In addition, a ground communications outlet is available for pilots to
communicate with Detroit Clearance and Lansing FSS.
The Airport serves a broad
range of general aviation aircraft, business executives in modern corporate
jets, avid recreational flyers in single and multi-engine aircraft and special
event blimps. All are served by the
Airport and tenants located at the facility.
Grosse Ile Township offices
were relocated to Hangar One in November 2000.
The former Naval administrative offices in the west wing of this hangar
were renovated and were rededicated on November 13, 2000.
In addition, the Airport Administrative offices also relocated to the
second floor of this historic building.
A
memorial garden has been dedicated and sits directly behind Township Hall to
honor all the men and women who served in the armed forces here at the Grosse
Ile Naval Station.
From the Aircraft Development Corporation and
Curtiss Flying Service to the once famous Chateau Voyageurs Club and the ZMC-2
Metalclad Dirigible Factory, the Airport has always supported the business
interests and activities that make it one of the community’s most valuable
assets. This is evidenced by the variety of businesses and organizations based
at the Airport. This includes a fixed base operator, banquet and overnight
accommodations and a tennis center.
For
more history, visit the Museum in Township Hall or read the book, the
forty year hitch.
Click
here to download publications like this
Airport Brochure (157 KB, 227 KB MS Word.doc)
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