Barnes Municipal Airport

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Barnes Municipal Airport
Westfield-Barnes Airport
IATA: BAF – ICAO: KBAF – FAA: BAF
Summary
Airport type Public / Military
Owner Public
Operator City of Westfield
Location Westfield, Massachusetts
Elevation AMSL 271 ft / 83 m
Coordinates 42°09′28″N 072°42′56″W / 42.15778, -72.71556
Website www.BarnesAirport.com
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
2/20 9,000 2,743 Asphalt
15/33 5,000 1,524 Asphalt
Statistics (2005)
Aircraft operations 60,855
Based aircraft 149
Source: Federal Aviation Administration[1]

Barnes Municipal Airport (IATA: BAF, ICAO: KBAF, FAA LID: BAF), also known as Westfield-Barnes Airport, is a tower-controlled public airport located three miles (5 km) north of the central business district of Westfield, a city in Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. This airport is owned by City of Westfield. The airport is also northwest of the larger city of Springfield and the FAA lists the location as "Westfield/Springfield".[1]

Barnes is one of Massachusetts' largest airports with a strong flight training, general aviation, and military presence.

Contents

[edit] History

July 13, 1914 can be the date where aviation in Westfield is traced back to. Jack McGee of Pawtucket, Rhode Island flew a Wright biplane over Westfield and the flight originated on a strip of land near Southampton Road and the Holyoke Rail Bridge. McGee was hired by local merchants to drop tickets from his airplane which could have been claimed for prizes.

During World War I however, the strip of land would become known as Camp Bartlett. This camp was used as the last stop for troops of the 26th division before leaving for France.

In 1923, citizens of Westfield, and nearby Holyoke set out to build an airport. A group of influential local businessmen was charged to convince the owner of the land where the airport is now, Vincent E. Barnes, to sell his land to the City of Westfield for an airport. Barnes agreed to give up his land and he didn't ask for a mere penny from the city or the businessmen. The 27 acre plot was named Westfield Aviation Field and was dedicated on October 12, 1923. However as the field gained in popularity, Vincent Barnes leased the city another 27 acre plot, with only a fee of $1 per year starting in 1927. In 1936, Mrs. Barnes and her daughter Saddie Knox donated an additional 297 acres (1.2 km²) to the city of Westfield. Shortly thereafter, the City Council voted to name the airport after the family who made it possible, Barnes.

Between 1939 and 1940, the administration building, hangar, and the beacon light were built with grant money totaling near $90,000. Soon, a passenger service was started out of the airport. on October 28, 1937, a 10 passenger Stinson Trimotor aircraft began flying between Westfield and Newark, New Jersey. Later American Airlines began to operate out of Westfield using DC-3 aircraft in 1938.

During World War II young men from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst received flight training at the airport before being shipped off to various war sites. Soon after, the Air National Guard was formed and its presence was soon established at Barnes. The Air National Guard first began using P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft, but soon began using the P-51 Mustang after Runway 2/20 was extended from 5,000 to 7,000 feet. Barnes received jet aircraft when the Air National Guard began to operate F-94 Starfire aircraft. Up until September 2007, the 131st Fighter Squadron, 104th Fighter Wing, Massachusetts Air National Guard at Westfield operated the A-10 Thunderbolt II. There were 25 A-10's based at Barnes until they were realigned through the DoD's Base Realignment and Closure of 2005. As a result of BRAC, the 104th changed it's mission from Close Air Support to Air Superiority. It has now received 15 F-15's from the 102nd Intelligence Wing at Otis ANGB.

Over the last 50 years, the airport has added numerous infrastructure improvements including another runway, 15/33 which has a length of 5,000 feet. Also a VORTAC and an ILS system have been put in making the airport more attractive for General Aviation pilots as well. Most importantly in 1974, the airport's Air Traffic Control Tower was opened easing traffic congestion at the airport.

[edit] Facilities

Barnes Municipal Airport covers an area of 1,200 acres (5 km²) which contains two paved runways: 2/20 measuring 9,000 x 150 ft. (2,743 x 46 m) and 15/33 measuring 5,000 x 100 ft. (1,524 x 30 m). The airport has recently opened a new administration and terminal which replaced an aging terminal building that used to house the original control tower.[1]

The airport is also the site of a major Massachusetts Air National Guard fighter jet wing and support installation.

[edit] Aircraft

For 12-month period ending December 31, 2005, the airport had 60,855 aircraft operations, an average of 166 per day: 86% general aviation, 13% military, 1% air taxi and <1% scheduled commercial.[1]

There are 149 aircraft based at this airport: 71% single engine, 7% multi-engine, 5% jet aircraft and 17% military.[1]

[edit] Fixed Base Operators

Barnes Municipal Airport has two fixed base operators (FBOs).

Five Star Jet Center is a full functioning FBO that also offers services, such as fuel, maintenance, hangar storage, catering, and more, to charter flights throughout the Northeast and the country, and international business flights. It also owns two Learjet 31A Business Jets. They sell Philips 66 fuel. Five Star also operates a flight school (see below).

AirFlyte, Inc. is an FBO that also operates in the new admin building which includes a conference room, weather facilities, and comprehensive pilot services. They sell Shell fuel and provide typical FBO services such as tie-downs.

[edit] Flight Schools

Barnes Municipal Airport has two FAA-approved flight schools.

The largest program is an official part 141 flight school named Five Star Flight Academy, affiliated with Five Star Jet Center (see above). The flight school offers instruction in 2 Cessna 172's, a Cessna 150, a Cessna 172 Cutlass RG and a Piper Seneca. It is run by a current DHL cargo pilot who is type-rated in larger aircraft.

In addition, AD-UP Aviation operates a part 61 flight school out of the new terminal building. The school is run by a Master Certified Flight instructor, one of fewer than a dozen in Massachusetts. Instruction is given in high-wing, tail-dragger, and spin training. AD-UP Aviation also offers aerial advertising by towing banners.

[edit] Restaurant & Bar

The former Flight Deck restaurant was replaced with The Runway when the new terminal opened. The Runway is affiliated with the legendary B'Sharas Restaurant of West Springfield. It features a full menu and bar. The Runway, like most of the terminal, is open to the public. Parking is free.

[edit] Restaurants and Dining

The Runway Restaurant and Lounge - A new cozy dining experience in Westfield, MA. "The Runway" will open in January 2008 on the grounds of Barnes Airport. Overlooking the airport scenery, the restaurant will be a destination to experience! The Runway will feature a full bar and menu, restaurant seating, and outdoor observation dining! Special events will be planned to coordinate with airshows and special arrivals! Website

The Runway will be owned and operated by B'shara's.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e FAA Airport Master Record for BAF (Form 5010 PDF), retrieved 2007-03-15

[edit] External links