| Barnes Municipal Airport Westfield-Barnes Airport |
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|---|---|---|---|
| IATA: BAF – ICAO: KBAF – FAA LID: BAF | |||
| Summary | |||
| Airport type | Public / Military | ||
| Owner | Public | ||
| Operator | City of Westfield | ||
| Location | Westfield, Massachusetts | ||
| Elevation AMSL | 271 ft / 83 m | ||
| Website | |||
| 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 joint civil-military 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.
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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.
Following the entry of the United States into World War I, however, the expansive plain was heavily utilized by the federal government in August-September 1917 as Camp Bartlett, a mobilization and training camp for the 103rd and 104th Infantry Regiments of the 26th "Yankee" Division, prior to deployment in France.[2]
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 (110,000 m2) 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 (110,000 m2) 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.
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 (1,500 m). 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.
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.
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]
Barnes Municipal Airport has two fixed base operators (FBOs).
AirFlyte, Inc. is the newest FBO, operating in the new terminal building which includes a conference room, weather facilities, and comprehensive pilot services. They sell Shell fuel and provide all typical FBO services.
Five Star Jet Center, at one time the most popular FBO at Barnes, offering services such as fuel, maintenance, hangar storage, catering, and transportation, to charter flights.
Barnes Municipal Airport has two FAA-approved flight schools.
The largest program is an official part 141 flight school named Five Star Flight Academy, (a separate business from Five Star Jet Center mentioned above). The flight school offers instruction in 3 Cessna 172's, a Cessna 150, a Cessna 172 Cutlass RG and a Piper Seneca. It is run by a current DHL Airbus A300 pilot and a Springfield attorney.
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.
The former Flight Deck restaurant was replaced with The Runway Restaurant and Lounge when the new terminal opened. The Runway is operated by the owner of the now-closed B'Sharas Restaurant[3] of West Springfield. It features a full menu and bar. The Runway, like most of the terminal, is open to the public. Special events at the Runway have planned to coordinate with airshows and other important airport activities.[4]
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