Airport Information
The Northampton Airport is a privately owned, public use airport located in Northampton, Massachusetts. It has been under new ownership since August, 2004.
History The airport was opened as a commercial airport on April 1, 1929. Charles Lindbergh, Ruth Nichols, and the Granville brothers (who were responsible for building the Geebee airplane) were among the historical aviators who flew into the airport. Records indicate that Lindbergh flew in multiple times to visit his then girlfriend, Anne Morrow, at Smith College. It is also said that Amelia Earhart studied airframe maintenance in downtown Northampton, and although not officially documented, probably did some flight training at the airport. In addition, President Calvin Coolidge, a Northampton native, would utilize the airport on visits home.
During World War II the airport was used as a naval training facility and trained many pilots for the war effort.
The airport has been in continuous operation since its inception in 1929. For several years prior to that, it had been used for barnstorming.
In 1997 the old runway received a facelift, including: a new runway, taxiways, lights, and a rotating beacon. The airport is surrounded by landmarks that make it easier to find, in spite of its size. The Holyoke Mountain range is located to the south, the Berkshires Mountain Range to the west, and the Connecticut River flows parallel to the runway.