Delaware Airpark

Delaware Airpark
Summary
Airport typePublic
OwnerDelaware Dept of Transportation
OperatorDelaware River and Bay Authority
ServesDover, Delaware
LocationCheswold, Delaware
Time zoneUTC−05:00 (-5)
 • Summer (DST)UTC−04:00 (-4)
Elevation AMSL55 ft / 17 m
Coordinates39°13′06″N 075°35′48″W / 39.21833°N 75.59667°W / 39.21833; -75.59667
Websitewww.DelawareAirpark.com
Map
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
9/27 4,201 1,280 Asphalt
Statistics (2020)
Aircraft operations16,425
Based aircraft48

Delaware Airpark (FAA LID: 33N) is a public use airport serving the Dover area.[1] It is owned by the Delaware Department of Transportation and operated by the Delaware River and Bay Authority and located one nautical mile (2 km) west of the central business district of Cheswold, a town in Kent County, Delaware, United States.[1] It is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2017–2021, in which it is categorized as a local general aviation facility.[2]

33N is home to Delaware State University's flight training program, providing its students with year-round flying capability. Every May, Dover plays host to NASCAR racing events at the Dover International Speedway. Many race teams, drivers, and fans use Delaware Airpark because of its proximity to the track.[3]

History

In 2015, the airport received nearly $6 million to work towards a 13-stage project to bring the airport to proper FAA code. This included lengthening the runway, paving the entire taxiway system, and upgrading other facilities. The project was completed in 2017.[4][5][6]

In 2020, the airport embarked on a 10-year mission to develop the airport further. This included updating the airport's master plan and potential for expanding and upgrading the airport's facilities further.[5]

Facilities and aircraft

Delaware Airpark covers an area of 319 acres (129 ha) at an elevation of 55 feet (17 m) above mean sea level. It has one runway designated 9/27 with an asphalt surface measuring 4,201 by 75 feet (1,092 x 18 m).[1][7][8]

The airport has a fixed-base operator that sells avgas. It offers other services such as general maintenance, a conference room, a crew lounge, and more.[9]

For the 12-month period ending December 1, 2020, the airport had 16,425 aircraft operations, an average of 45 per day. It was all general aviation. For the same time period, there were 48 aircraft based at the airport, all airplanes: 43 single-engine and 5 multi-engine[1][7][8]

Accidents and incidents

  • On October 12, 2003, a Piper PA-28 Cherokee was substantially damaged while landing at the Delaware Airpark. The passenger reported that, on final approach, she noticed there was a tree above them, and she subsequently felt a bump. She then saw powerlines, noticed a bright flash, and did not remember anything further. The probable cause of the accident was found to be the pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path to the runway, and his failure to maintain obstacle clearance which resulted in an in-flight collision with an unlit utility pole.
  • On March 20, 2009, a Piper PA-28 Cherokee crashed after touchdown at the Delaware Airpark. The pilot had executed a go-around on his first attempt. On the second attempt, upon nearing touchdown, the aircraft began a turn to the left. It touched down 75 feet off the edge of the runway and continued to diverge from the runway. It struck two parked airplanes, at which point its right wing separated from the fuselage, and the aircraft came to rest. The probable cause of the accident was found to be the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e FAA Airport Form 5010 for 33N PDF. Federal Aviation Administration. Effective September 7, 2023.
  2. ^ "List of NPIAS Airports" (PDF). FAA.gov. Federal Aviation Administration. 21 October 2016. Retrieved 27 November 2016.
  3. ^ "Cheswold's Airport - Town of Cheswold - Kent County, Delaware". Town of Cheswold. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
  4. ^ "Del. Airpark receives 5-million dollar boost". 47abc. 2015-09-03. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
  5. ^ a b Lytle, Emily. "Delaware Airpark plans for next decade. Here's how you can tune in". The News Journal. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
  6. ^ "Delaware Senators Carper, Coons announce $5 million grant to expand Delaware Airpark - Additional money will be used to expand runway, improve safety for pilots". Cape Gazette. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
  7. ^ a b "AirNav: 33N - Delaware Airpark". www.airnav.com. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
  8. ^ a b "33N - Delaware Airpark Airport | SkyVector". skyvector.com. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
  9. ^ "Delaware River & Bay Authority FBO Info & Fuel Prices at Delaware Airpark (33N)". FlightAware. Retrieved 2023-04-26.
  10. ^ "Piper PA28-151 crash in Delaware (N41568) | PlaneCrashMap.com". planecrashmap.com. Retrieved 2023-04-26.