Hanscom Field

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For other uses, see Bed (disambiguation).

For the U. S. Air Force use of this facility, see Hanscom Air Force Base

Hanscom Field
Hanscom Air Force Base

IATA: BED – ICAO: KBED – FAA: BED
Summary
Airport type Public / Military
Owner Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport)
Location Bedford, Massachusetts
Elevation AMSL 133 ft / 41 m
Coordinates 42°28′12″N 071°17′21″W / 42.47, -71.28917
Website www.massport.com/hansc/
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
5/23 5,106 1,556 Asphalt
11/29 7,001 2,134 Asphalt
Statistics (2006)
Aircraft operations 117,792
Based aircraft 411
Source: Federal Aviation Administration[1]

Hanscom Field (IATA: BED, ICAO: KBED, FAA LID: BED), also known by its full name Laurence G. Hanscom Field, is a public airport located in Bedford, in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, United States. It is operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority.[1]

Hanscom is primarily a general aviation facility, the largest in New England. Both of the airport's two runways can accommodate jet aircraft, and are also used by Hanscom Air Force Base, a defense-research facility located directly adjacent to Hanscom Field.

It is a popular training airport, with more than 40 rental aircraft on the field. The Civil Air Terminal building is home to two flight schools, East Coast Aero Club and Executive Flyers. East Coast Aero Club offers helicopter and airplane instruction and rental. Executive Flyers offers airplane and aerobatics instruction. Transient general aviation planes are served by two FBOs: Jet Aviation and Signature Flight Support.

Hanscom is a critical part of the air transportation infrastructure for Massachusetts and the rest of New England. As T. F. Green Airport in Warwick, Rhode Island and Manchester-Boston Regional Airport in New Hampshire have become viable alternatives to Logan International Airport (the region's main commercial airport), Hanscom has emerged as one of the most important airports serving the region's business and general aviation needs.

The field serves a wide diversity of aviation, from Piper Cubs to Gulfstream V jets. The events of September 11 caused a number of changes to general aviation in the US. Hanscom Field saw changes implemented by Massport that included large security fees, identification cards, and a requirement for propeller locks.

The Massachusetts Air and Space Museum is looking at Hanscom Field as a future place to be located[2].

Contents

[edit] Facilities and aircraft

Hanscom Field covers an area of 1,125 acres (455 ha) which contains two paved runways: 5/23 measuring 5,106 x 150 ft (1,556 x 46 m) and 11/29 measuring 7,001 x 150 ft (2,134 x 46 m).[1]

For 12-month period ending August 31, 2006, the airport had 117,792 aircraft operations, an average of 322 per day: 83% general aviation, 14% air taxi, scheduled commercial and 1% military. There are 411 aircraft based at this airport: 66% single engine, 17% multi-engine, 13% jet aircraft and 3% helicopters.[1]

[edit] Former commercial service

From 1999 until 2003, Shuttle America, a Connecticut-based regional airline, operated a scheduled business commuter service from the airfield, carrying more than 10,000 passengers each month to airports in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. While there was some community opposition, it created a media frenzy spreading awareness of both the airline and the airport's usefulness as a gateway for Boston-area travellers.

[edit] Airlines and destinations

[edit] Ground transportation

Hanscom can be reached by car by following Route 2A west from exit 30B on I-95/Route 128. It is serviced by the MBTA's Route 76 bus from Alewife Station.

[edit] Notable events at Hanscom Field

In September 1964, The Beatles arrived at Hanscom Field aboard a chartered aircraft during one of their American concert tours. They were making an appearance at Boston Garden the following day. It was felt that the immense popularity of the British singing group would cause congestion at Boston-Logan International Airport, so this alternative airport was selected.

In April 1975, President Gerald Ford used Hanscom Field after making a speech in Concord, Massachusetts to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battles of Lexington and Concord.

In February 2006, NBA player Sebastian Telfair was questioned after a handgun registered to his girlfriend was found in his pillowcase aboard the Portland Trail Blazers team plane. [3]

A scene from the 2001 film What's The Worst That Could Happen? was filmed on location at Hanscom Field.

In 2006, Neil Entwistle was flow from London to Hanscom by U.S. Marshals to face murder charges. [4]

In December of 2006, pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka held negotiations with the Boston Red Sox onboard a private jet owned by John Henry. The plane was seen landing at Hanscom by news channels from all over Boston as well as some Japanese news outlets.

A scene from the 2009 film The Pink Panther Deux was filmed on location at Hanscom Field.

In May 2008, Paul Blart: Mall Cop was filmed at Hanscom. [5]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d FAA Airport Master Record for BED (Form 5010 PDF), retrieved 2007-03-15
  2. ^ Massachusetts Air and Space Museum: Learn about the Massachusetts Air & Space Museum Concept
  3. ^ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/24/AR2007042401347.html
  4. ^ http://wbztv.com/topstories/Neil.Entwistle.Hopkinton.2.576573.html
  5. ^ http://news.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1093154&srvc=home&position=recent

[edit] External links

Languages