Fergus Falls Municipal Airport Explained

Fergus Falls Municipal Airport
Nativename:Einar Mickelson Field
Iata:FFM
Icao:KFFM
Type:Public
Operator:City of Fergus Falls
Location:Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Elevation-F:1,182
Elevation-M:360.3
Pushpin Map:USA Minnesota#USA
Pushpin Relief:yes
Pushpin Map Caption:Location of airport in Minnesota/United States
Pushpin Label:FFM
Pushpin Label Position:right
R1-Number:13/31
R1-Length-F:5,639
R1-Length-M:1,719
R1-Surface:Asphalt
R2-Number:17/35
R2-Length-F:3,301
R2-Length-M:1,006
R2-Surface:Asphalt
Stat-Year:2008
Stat1-Header:Aircraft operations
Stat1-Data:8,550
Stat2-Header:Based aircraft
Stat2-Data:42

Fergus Falls Municipal Airport, also known as Einar Mickelson Field, is a public airport located three miles (5 km) west of the central business district (CBD) of Fergus Falls, a city in Otter Tail County, Minnesota, United States. It covers 731acres and has two runways. It is primarily used for general aviation. The airport was formerly served by Northwest Airlink and United Express.

History

Initial plans for an airfield in Fergus Falls began in 1927.[1] In 1928, a tract of land west of the city of Fergus Falls was leased for use as a municipal airport.[2] When the farmer who owned that land decided to grow wheat there in 1934, the city was forced to relocate the airport.[3]

After World War II, plans were developed for construction of a new airport dedicated in honor of Flying Tiger Einar Mickelson and, "all the other Fergus Falls airmen who lost their lives in the Second World War."[4] The airport and airfield were formally dedicated on September 19, 1948.[5] [6] The first airliner landed there in 1953. It was a DC-3 from North Central Airlines.[7]

A new 4,800 foot runway was added in 1980.[8] A new arrival-departure building at the airport opened up in 1983.[9]

Aircraft operations

As of July 31, 2011 there were 47 aircraft based at the airport with an average 23 aircraft operations per day. 85% were general aviation, 13% were air taxi and 1% was military. There were 41 single engine aircraft, 3 multi-engine and 3 ultralight aircraft based at the airport.

Cargo

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. News: October 18, 1927 . To Arrange For Landing Field . 7 . Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
  2. News: August 28, 1928 . Land Is Leased By City For Municipal Airport . 4 . Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
  3. News: April 9, 1934 . NEW AIRPORT IS PROPOSED . Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
  4. Broschat . Myron . 1996 . A "Flying Tiger" . Otter Tail Record . 15 . 1 . 4.
  5. News: September 20, 1948 . Attending Dedication of Einar Mickelson Field at Fergus Falls Airport . Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
  6. News: March 25, 1983 . Airport named after 'Hump' flyer . 6 . Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
  7. News: January 2, 1953 . 1,500 Witness First Airliner Arrival Here . Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
  8. News: July 30, 1980 . New runway . Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
  9. News: Walkup . Pat . September 6, 1983 . New airport facility is motive for two-day aircraft extravaganza . 21 . Fergus Falls Daily Journal.