Hanscom Field: Difference between revisions

Coordinates: 42°28′12″N 071°17′20″W / 42.47000°N 71.28889°W / 42.47000; -71.28889
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
SAE flights now year round per carrier web site
 
(36 intermediate revisions by 16 users not shown)
Line 6: Line 6:
| image = File:Hanscom Field Logo.png
| image = File:Hanscom Field Logo.png
| image-width = 150
| image-width = 150
| image2 = Hanscom Air Force Base - MA.jpg
| image2 = Hanscom Air Force Base - MA.jpg
| image2-width = 300
| image2-width = 250
| caption2 = [[USGS]] 2006 [[orthophoto]]
| caption2 = [[USGS]] 2006 [[orthophoto]]
| IATA = BED
| IATA = BED
| ICAO = KBED
| ICAO = KBED
Line 17: Line 17:
| opened = {{start date and age|1941|06|26|df=n|p=yes|br=yes}}
| opened = {{start date and age|1941|06|26|df=n|p=yes|br=yes}}
| focus_city = [[Tailwind Air Service]]
| focus_city = [[Tailwind Air Service]]
| timezone = EST
| timezone = EST
| utc = UTC-05:00:00
| utc = UTC-05:00:00
| summer = EDT
| summer = EDT
| utcs = UTC-04:00:00
| utcs = UTC-04:00:00
| elevation-f = 132
| elevation-f = 132
| elevation-m = 40
| elevation-m = 40
| website = [http://www.hanscomfield.com www.hanscomfield.com]
| website = [http://www.hanscomfield.com www.hanscomfield.com]
| coordinates = {{coord|42|28|12|N|071|17|20|W|region:US-MA|display=inline,title}}
| coordinates = {{coord|42|28|12|N|071|17|20|W|region:US-MA|display=inline,title}}
| image_map = BED_FAA_Diagram.pdf
| image_map = BED_FAA_Diagram.pdf
| image_mapsize = 275
| image_mapsize = 275
| image_map_caption = FAA airport diagram as of January 2021
| image_map_caption = FAA airport diagram as of January 2021
| pushpin_map = USA Massachusetts
| mapframe = yes
| pushpin_mapsize = 250
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of airport in Massachusetts
| pushpin_label = '''BED'''
| pushpin_label_position = right
| r1-number = 5/23
| r1-number = 5/23
| r1-length-f = 5,107
| r1-length-f = 5,107
Line 41: Line 37:
| r2-length-m = 2,137
| r2-length-m = 2,137
| r2-surface = Asphalt
| r2-surface = Asphalt
| stat-year = 2017
| stat-year =
| stat1-header = Aircraft operations
| stat1-header = Aircraft operations (2021)
| stat1-data = 128,598
| stat1-data = 99,961
| stat2-header = Based aircraft
| stat2-header = Based aircraft (2022)
| stat2-data = 262
| stat2-data = 252
| footnotes = Source: [[Federal Aviation Administration]]<ref name="FAA">{{FAA-airport|ID=BED|use=PU|own=PU|site=08750.*A}}. Federal Aviation Administration. Effective March 31, 2019.</ref>
| footnotes = Source: [[Federal Aviation Administration]]<ref name="FAA">{{FAA-airport|ID=BED|use=PU|own=PU|site=08750.*A}}. Federal Aviation Administration. effective April 21, 2022.</ref>
}}
}}


'''Laurence G. Hanscom Field''' {{airport codes|BED|KBED|BED}}, commonly as '''Hanscom Field''', is a public use [[airport]] operated by the [[Massachusetts Port Authority]], located {{convert|14|mi|nmi km|abbr=on}} outside [[Boston]] in [[Bedford, Massachusetts|Bedford]], [[Massachusetts]], [[United States]].<ref name="FAA" />
'''Laurence G. Hanscom Field''' {{airport codes|BED|KBED|BED}}, commonly known as '''Hanscom Field''', is a public use [[airport]] operated by the [[Massachusetts Port Authority]], located {{convert|14|mi|nmi km|abbr=on}} outside [[Boston]] in [[Bedford, Massachusetts|Bedford]], [[Massachusetts]], [[United States]].<ref name="FAA" />


Hanscom is mainly a [[general aviation]] airport, the largest in New England. Both runways can accommodate jets, and are used by [[Hanscom Air Force Base]], a defense-research facility next to Hanscom Field. It is a popular training airport, with more than 40 rental aircraft on the field. The Civil Air Terminal building hosts two flight schools. Transient general aviation planes are served by three [[Fixed base operator|FBO]]s: [[Jet Aviation]], [[Rectrix Aviation]], and [[Signature Flight Support]].
Hanscom is mainly a [[general aviation]] airport, the largest in New England. Both runways can accommodate jets, and are used by [[Hanscom Air Force Base]], a defense-research facility next to Hanscom Field. It is a popular training airport, with more than 40 rental aircraft on the field. The Civil Air Terminal building hosts two flight schools. Transient general aviation planes are served by three [[Fixed base operator|FBO]]s: [[Jet Aviation]], [[Rectrix Aviation]], and [[Signature Flight Support]].


It is also used sometimes by the [[Boston Bruins]], [[Boston Celtics]] and [[Boston Red Sox]], instead of [[Logan International Airport]], for their charter flights to and from away contests.
⚫
[[Federal Aviation Administration]] records say the airport had 10,956 passenger boardings (enplanements) in [[calendar year]] 2017,<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/passenger_allcargo_stats/passenger/media/cy17-commercial-service-enplanements.pdf | title = Enplanements for CY 2017 | format = PDF, 1.0 MB | work = CY 2017 Passenger Boarding and All-Cargo Data | publisher = Federal Aviation Administration | date = 2018-11-07 }}</ref> It is in the [[National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems]] for 2011–2015, which [[FAA airport categories|called]] it as a ''non-primary commercial service'' airport (between 2,500 and 10,000 enplanements per year).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/npias/reports/media/2011/npias_2011_appA.pdf | title = 2011–2015 NPIAS Report, Appendix A | format = PDF, 2.03 MB | work = National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems | publisher = Federal Aviation Administration | date = 2010-10-04 }}</ref>

⚫
[[Federal Aviation Administration]] records say the airport had 10,956 passenger boardings (enplanements) in [[calendar year]] 2017.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/passenger_allcargo_stats/passenger/media/cy17-commercial-service-enplanements.pdf | title = Enplanements for CY 2017 | format = PDF, 1.0 MB | work = CY 2017 Passenger Boarding and All-Cargo Data | publisher = Federal Aviation Administration | date = 2018-11-07 }}</ref> It is in the [[National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems]] for 2021–2025, in which the FAA categories it as a ''non-primary commercial service'' airport (between 2,500 and 10,000 enplanements per year).<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/npias/reports/media/2011/npias_2011_appA.pdf | title = 2011–2015 NPIAS Report, Appendix A | format = PDF, 2.03 MB | work = National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems | publisher = Federal Aviation Administration | date = 2010-10-04 }}</ref>


The field serves aircraft from [[Piper Cub]]s to [[Gulfstream V]] jets. The events of [[September 11 attacks|September 11]] caused a number of changes to general aviation in the US (see [[Airport security repercussions due to the September 11 attacks]]). Hanscom Field saw changes implemented by Massport that included security fees, identification cards, and a requirement for propeller locks.
The field serves aircraft from [[Piper Cub]]s to [[Gulfstream V]] jets. The events of [[September 11 attacks|September 11]] caused a number of changes to general aviation in the US (see [[Airport security repercussions due to the September 11 attacks]]). Hanscom Field saw changes implemented by Massport that included security fees, identification cards, and a requirement for propeller locks.
Line 61: Line 59:
Hanscom Field covers {{convert|1125|acre|ha km2|abbr=on}} at an [[elevation]] of {{convert|132|ft|m|abbr=on}} above [[mean sea level]].
Hanscom Field covers {{convert|1125|acre|ha km2|abbr=on}} at an [[elevation]] of {{convert|132|ft|m|abbr=on}} above [[mean sea level]].


It has two [[asphalt]] [[runway]]s:
It has two [[Asphalt concrete|asphalt]] [[runway]]s:


*Runway 11/29 is {{convert|7011|x|150|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="FAA" />
*Runway 11/29 is {{convert|7011|x|150|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="FAA" />
*Runway 5/23 is {{convert|5107|x|150|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="FAA" />
*Runway 5/23 is {{convert|5107|x|150|ft|m|abbr=on}}<ref name="FAA" />


In 2017 the airport had 128,598 aircraft operations, average 352 per day: 82% [[general aviation]], 17% [[air taxi]], <1% [[military aviation|military]], and <1% [[airline|scheduled commercial]]. 262 aircraft were then based at this airport: 141 single-[[aircraft engine|engine]], 25 multi-engine, 83 [[jet aircraft|jet]], and 13 [[helicopter]].<ref name="FAA" />
In the year ending September 30, 2021 the airport had 99,961 aircraft operations, an average of 274 per day: 81% [[general aviation]], 18% [[air taxi]], less than 1% [[military aviation|military]] and less than 1% [[airline|scheduled commercial]]. In April 2022, there were 252 aircraft based at this airport: 146 single-engine, 20 multi-engine, 75 [[jet aircraft|jet]] and 11 [[helicopter]].<ref name="FAA" />


In 2008, and many years prior, Hanscom has handled the second most aircraft movements of any airport in New England ([[Boston-Logan]] is number one). On a nice weekend day the traffic pattern gets so busy the tower is known to close the traffic pattern and only allow full stop landings.
In 2008, and many years prior, Hanscom had handled the second most aircraft movements of any airport in New England after [[Boston-Logan]]. On a nice weekend day the traffic pattern gets so busy the tower is known to close the traffic pattern and only allow full stop landings.


Hanscom Field's traffic is primarily business jets and general aviation aircraft. The airport is served by a FAA control tower which operates between the hours of {{Format time|07|00|timezone=-05:00|hour_format=g}} to {{Format time|23|00|timezone=-05:00|hour_format=g}}. Massport assesses a nighttime field use fee for takeoffs or landings conducted outside of the tower operating hours.
Hanscom Field's traffic is primarily business jets and general aviation aircraft. The airport is served by a FAA control tower which operates between the hours of {{Format time|07|00|timezone=-05:00|hour_format=g}} to {{Format time|23|00|timezone=-05:00|hour_format=g}}. Massport assesses a nighttime field use fee for takeoffs or landings conducted outside of the tower operating hours.
Line 75: Line 73:
Under Massport regulations adopted in 1980 (Part F of the General Rules and Regulations for Laurence G. Hanscom Field), scheduled commercial operations are limited to aircraft with up to 60 seats.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.massport.com/media/2012/stateofhanscom-2016.pdf |title=The State of Hanscom, March 2017 |access-date= 2018-05-13 }}</ref>
Under Massport regulations adopted in 1980 (Part F of the General Rules and Regulations for Laurence G. Hanscom Field), scheduled commercial operations are limited to aircraft with up to 60 seats.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.massport.com/media/2012/stateofhanscom-2016.pdf |title=The State of Hanscom, March 2017 |access-date= 2018-05-13 }}</ref>


From 1999 until 2003, [[Shuttle America#History|Shuttle America]], a [[Connecticut]]-based [[regional airline]], operated scheduled service from the airfield, carrying more than 10,000 passengers each month to airports in [[New York City|New York]], [[New Jersey]], and [[Pennsylvania]] using [[De Havilland Dash 8]] and [[Saab 340]] aircraft. Soon after [[US Airways Express]] pulled out, [[Boston-Maine Airways|Pan Am Clipper Connection]] began servicing the airport using [[Jetstream 31]] aircraft. Clipper flights connected Hanscom Field with [[Portsmouth International Airport at Pease|Pease Airport]] in [[Portsmouth, New Hampshire]], and [[Trenton–Mercer Airport]] in New Jersey.
[[Shuttle America#History|Shuttle America]], a [[Connecticut]]-based [[regional airline]], operated scheduled service from the airfield from 1999 until 2004, carrying more than 10,000 passengers each month to Buffalo, New York; Hartford, Connecticut; New York LaGuardia; Trenton, New Jersey; and Greensboro, North Carolina, using [[De Havilland Dash 8-300]] aircraft. In 2001 Shuttle America became a [[US Airways Express]] feeder carrier on behalf of [[US Airways]] providing service to Philadelphia and Trenton until service ended in 2004. [[De Havilland Dash 8]] and [[Saab 340]] aircraft were used in the latter years.


In its final years, Clipper added flights from Hanscom to [[Ithaca Tompkins International Airport|Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport]] in [[Central New York]]. Even with this new route, Clipper could never draw the numbers it needed to remain profitable. The airline was forced to cease operation in 2008 by the FAA for lack of funding and management. That left Hanscom Field without scheduled airline service for the first time in a decade. In 2011, [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]]-based airline [[Streamline Air]] began its first public charter route to Hanscom using 30-seat [[Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia]] aircraft, beginning with two daily round trips on weekdays. Streamline ceased operations on September 15, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iflystreamline.com/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=March 22, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322052605/http://iflystreamline.com/ |archive-date=March 22, 2012 }}</ref>
[[Boston-Maine Airways]], dba [[Boston-Maine Airways|Pan Am Clipper Connection]] began servicing the airport in 2002 using [[Jetstream 31]] aircraft. Clipper flights connected Hanscom Field with [[Portsmouth International Airport at Pease|Pease Airport]] in [[Portsmouth, New Hampshire]], and [[Trenton–Mercer Airport]] in New Jersey. In its final years, Clipper added flights from Hanscom to [[Ithaca Tompkins International Airport|Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport]] in [[Central New York]]. Even with this new route, Clipper could never draw the numbers it needed to remain profitable. The airline was forced to cease operation in 2008 by the FAA for lack of funding and management. That left Hanscom Field without scheduled airline service for the first time in a decade.


In 2011, [[Trenton, New Jersey|Trenton]]-based airline [[Streamline Air]] began its first public charter route to Hanscom using 30-seat [[Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia]] aircraft, beginning with two daily round trips on weekdays. Streamline ceased operations on September 15, 2012.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://iflystreamline.com/ |title=Streamline |access-date=March 22, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322052605/http://iflystreamline.com/ |archive-date=March 22, 2012 }}</ref>
⚫
In Spring 2021, [[Southern Airways Express]] announced that they were replacing their [[Barnstable Municipal Airport|Hyannis]]-[[Nantucket Memorial Airport|Nantucket]] route with a Bedford/Hanscom Field-[[Nantucket Memorial Airport|Nantucket]] route beginning May 26, 2021. This will be the first scheduled passenger services out of Hanscom Field in almost a decade.


⚫
In the spring of 2021, [[Southern Airways Express]] announced that they were replacing their [[Barnstable Municipal Airport|Hyannis]]-[[Nantucket Memorial Airport|Nantucket]] route with a Bedford/Hanscom Field-[[Nantucket Memorial Airport|Nantucket]] route beginning May 26, 2021. This was the first scheduled passenger service out of Hanscom Field in almost a decade.
===Passenger===
{{Airport-dest-list|3rdcoltitle = Refs
| [[Southern Airways Express]] |[[Nantucket Memorial Airport|Nantucket]] | <ref>{{cite web|title=Southern Airways Express banner headline|url=https://iflysouthern.com/|access-date= 2021-04-29}}</ref>
}}

{| class="collapsible collapsed" style="border:1px #aaa solid; width:25em; margin:0.2em auto"
! Destinations map
|-
|{{Location map+ |Massachusetts |width=500 |float=center
|caption=All destinations from Hanscom Field
{{font color | red |• Red}} represents year-round destinations. <br />
{{font color | green |• Green}} represents seasonal destinations. <br />
{{font color | blue |• Blue}} represents future destinations. <br />
|places=
{{Location map~ |Massachusetts |lat=42.47|long=-71.288889|position=bottom|label='''<b>Bedford</b>'''|caption=|mark=Airplane_silhouette.svg |label_size=90|marksize=20}}
{{Location map~ |Massachusetts |lat=41.2569516|long=-70.0670398274787|position=left|label='''{{nowrap|[[Nantucket Memorial Airport|Nantucket]]}}'''|label_size=90|marksize=7|mark=Green pog.svg}}
}}
|}


===Cargo===
===Cargo===
Line 106: Line 87:


==Notable events at Hanscom Field==
==Notable events at Hanscom Field==
On {{date|1962-08-08}}, a US Air Force KC-135, a modified former tanker, crashed on approach to Hanscom Field's runway 11, destroying the aircraft and killing all three members of the flight crew.
On 8 August 1962, a [[U.S. Air Force]] [[Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker]], a modified former tanker, crashed on approach to Hanscom Field's runway 11, destroying the aircraft and killing all three members of the flight crew.<ref>[https://www.masslive.com/news/2015/04/from_the_archives_westover_kc-.html "From the Archives: Westover KC-135 crash remembered 57 years ago"] – [[Mass Live]], April 15, 2015</ref>


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 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.<ref>[https://boston.cbslocal.com/2014/09/12/beatlemania-arrived-in-boston-50-years-ago/ "Beatlemania Arrived In Boston 50 Years Ago"] – WBZ-4, September 12, 2014</ref>


On {{date|1988-11-24}}, [[George Koskotas]], who fled [[Greece]] after being indicted on five counts of forgery and embezzlement, was apprehended by the [[FBI]] at Hanscom Field after landing in a private jet with his family.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fulham|first1=Dana|title=US Detains Man Sought by Greece in Scandal|work=The Boston Globe|date=November 25, 1988}}</ref>
On 24 November 1988, [[George Koskotas]], who fled [[Greece]] after being indicted on five counts of forgery and embezzlement, was apprehended by the [[FBI]] at Hanscom Field after landing in a private jet with his family.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Fulham|first1=Dana|title=US Detains Man Sought by Greece in Scandal|work=The Boston Globe|date=November 25, 1988}}</ref>


On {{date|2014-05-31}}, a private [[Gulfstream IV]] [[business jet]] crashed and caught fire beyond the end of runway 11 following an aborted take off from Hanscom Field, killing all seven people on board. A preliminary [[NTSB]] report suggests that the [[Gust lock|flight controls were locked]], preventing the aircraft from rotating to take off.<ref>[http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-04-08/ntsb-docket-reveals-cockpit-warning-giv-crash NTSB data published]</ref> [[Lewis Katz]], co-owner of the ''[[Philadelphia Inquirer]]'', the ''[[Philadelphia Daily News]]'', and [[Philly.com]], was among the dead.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-massachusetts-crash-katz-idUSKBN0EC1JQ20140601 Cavaliere, Victoria, Chris Michaud, Jon Herskovitz, and Dave Warner, "Philadelphia Inquirer co-owner among seven dead in Massachusetts plane crash," Reuters, June 1, 2014, 2:33pm EDT.]</ref><ref>
On 31 May 2014, a private [[Gulfstream IV]] [[business jet]] [[2014 Bedford Gulfstream IV crash|crashed and caught fire]] beyond the end of runway 11 following an aborted take off from Hanscom Field, killing all seven people on board. A preliminary [[NTSB]] report suggests that the [[Gust lock|flight controls were locked]], preventing the aircraft from rotating to take off.<ref>[http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-04-08/ntsb-docket-reveals-cockpit-warning-giv-crash NTSB data published]</ref> [[Lewis Katz]], co-owner of the ''[[Philadelphia Inquirer]]'', the ''[[Philadelphia Daily News]]'', and [[Philly.com]], was among the dead.<ref>[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-massachusetts-crash-katz-idUSKBN0EC1JQ20140601 Cavaliere, Victoria, Chris Michaud, Jon Herskovitz, and Dave Warner, "Philadelphia Inquirer co-owner among seven dead in Massachusetts plane crash," Reuters, June 1, 2014, 2:33pm EDT.]</ref><ref>
{{cite web
{{cite web
| url = http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20140531-0
| url = http://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20140531-0
Line 118: Line 99:
| publisher = Aviation Safety Network | date = 2014-06-01
| publisher = Aviation Safety Network | date = 2014-06-01
}}</ref>
}}</ref>

On June 2, 2017, actor [[Harrison Ford]] landed at Hanscom prior to spending the weekend in Boston.<ref>[https://people.com/movies/harrison-ford-presents-teen-high-school-diploma-aviation-event/ "Harrison Ford Presents Teen with High School Diploma at Aviation Event Honoring Actor's Dedication to Flying"] – [[People.com]], June 5, 2017</ref>


===Movies/scenes filmed at Hanscom Field===
===Movies/scenes filmed at Hanscom Field===
Line 124: Line 107:
* ''[[Paul Blart: Mall Cop]]'' (2009) <ref>[http://news.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1093154&srvc=home&position=recent Tracked Down: - BostonHerald.com<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613081816/http://news.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1093154&srvc=home&position=recent | date= 2011-06-13 }}</ref>
* ''[[Paul Blart: Mall Cop]]'' (2009) <ref>[http://news.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1093154&srvc=home&position=recent Tracked Down: - BostonHerald.com<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110613081816/http://news.bostonherald.com/track/inside_track/view.bg?articleid=1093154&srvc=home&position=recent | date= 2011-06-13 }}</ref>
* ''[[Edge of Darkness (2010 film)|Edge of Darkness]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Edge of Darkness (2010 film)|Edge of Darkness]]'' (2010)

==See also==
* [[List of airports in Massachusetts]]


==References==
==References==
Line 130: Line 116:
==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category}}
{{commons category}}
* [http://massport.com/hanscom-field/overview/ Massport: Hanscom Field]
* [http://massport.com/hanscom-field/ Massport: Hanscom Field]
* [http://msrmaps.com/map.aspx?t=1&s=12&lat=42.4699&lon=-71.289&w=900&h=700&lp=---+None+--- Aerial image as of March 1995] from [[USGS]] ''[[The National Map]]''
* [http://msrmaps.com/map.aspx?t=1&s=12&lat=42.4699&lon=-71.289&w=900&h=700&lp=---+None+--- Aerial image as of March 1995] from [[USGS]] ''[[The National Map]]''
* {{FAA-diagram|00626}}
* {{FAA-diagram|00626}}

Latest revision as of 18:20, 15 February 2024

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

Laurence G. Hanscom Field
USGS 2006 orthophoto
Summary
Airport typePublic / military
OperatorMassachusetts Port Authority (Massport)
LocationBedford, Massachusetts
OpenedJune 26, 1941
(82 years ago) (1941-06-26)
Focus city forTailwind Air Service
Time zoneEST (UTC-05:00:00)
 • Summer (DST)EDT (UTC-04:00:00)
Elevation AMSL132 ft / 40 m
Coordinates42°28′12″N 071°17′20″W / 42.47000°N 71.28889°W / 42.47000; -71.28889
Websitewww.hanscomfield.com
Maps
FAA airport diagram as of January 2021
FAA airport diagram as of January 2021
Map
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
5/23 5,107 1,557 Asphalt
11/29 7,011 2,137 Asphalt
Statistics
Aircraft operations (2021)99,961
Based aircraft (2022)252

Laurence G. Hanscom Field (IATA: BED, ICAO: KBED, FAA LID: BED), commonly known as Hanscom Field, is a public use airport operated by the Massachusetts Port Authority, located 14 mi (12 nmi; 23 km) outside Boston in Bedford, Massachusetts, United States.[1]

Hanscom is mainly a general aviation airport, the largest in New England. Both runways can accommodate jets, and are used by Hanscom Air Force Base, a defense-research facility next to Hanscom Field. It is a popular training airport, with more than 40 rental aircraft on the field. The Civil Air Terminal building hosts two flight schools. Transient general aviation planes are served by three FBOs: Jet Aviation, Rectrix Aviation, and Signature Flight Support.

It is also used sometimes by the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics and Boston Red Sox, instead of Logan International Airport, for their charter flights to and from away contests.

Federal Aviation Administration records say the airport had 10,956 passenger boardings (enplanements) in calendar year 2017.[2] It is in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2021–2025, in which the FAA categories it as a non-primary commercial service airport (between 2,500 and 10,000 enplanements per year).[3]

The field serves aircraft from Piper Cubs to Gulfstream V jets. The events of September 11 caused a number of changes to general aviation in the US (see Airport security repercussions due to the September 11 attacks). Hanscom Field saw changes implemented by Massport that included security fees, identification cards, and a requirement for propeller locks.

Facilities and aircraft[edit]

2015 aerial view of Hanscom Field

Hanscom Field covers 1,125 acres (455 ha; 4.55 km2) at an elevation of 132 ft (40 m) above mean sea level.

It has two asphalt runways:

  • Runway 11/29 is 7,011 ft × 150 ft (2,137 m × 46 m)[1]
  • Runway 5/23 is 5,107 ft × 150 ft (1,557 m × 46 m)[1]

In the year ending September 30, 2021 the airport had 99,961 aircraft operations, an average of 274 per day: 81% general aviation, 18% air taxi, less than 1% military and less than 1% scheduled commercial. In April 2022, there were 252 aircraft based at this airport: 146 single-engine, 20 multi-engine, 75 jet and 11 helicopter.[1]

In 2008, and many years prior, Hanscom had handled the second most aircraft movements of any airport in New England after Boston-Logan. On a nice weekend day the traffic pattern gets so busy the tower is known to close the traffic pattern and only allow full stop landings.

Hanscom Field's traffic is primarily business jets and general aviation aircraft. The airport is served by a FAA control tower which operates between the hours of 7:00 am (-05:00) to 11:00 pm (-05:00). Massport assesses a nighttime field use fee for takeoffs or landings conducted outside of the tower operating hours.

Airlines and destinations[edit]

Under Massport regulations adopted in 1980 (Part F of the General Rules and Regulations for Laurence G. Hanscom Field), scheduled commercial operations are limited to aircraft with up to 60 seats.[4]

Shuttle America, a Connecticut-based regional airline, operated scheduled service from the airfield from 1999 until 2004, carrying more than 10,000 passengers each month to Buffalo, New York; Hartford, Connecticut; New York LaGuardia; Trenton, New Jersey; and Greensboro, North Carolina, using De Havilland Dash 8-300 aircraft. In 2001 Shuttle America became a US Airways Express feeder carrier on behalf of US Airways providing service to Philadelphia and Trenton until service ended in 2004. De Havilland Dash 8 and Saab 340 aircraft were used in the latter years.

Boston-Maine Airways, dba Pan Am Clipper Connection began servicing the airport in 2002 using Jetstream 31 aircraft. Clipper flights connected Hanscom Field with Pease Airport in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Trenton–Mercer Airport in New Jersey. In its final years, Clipper added flights from Hanscom to Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport in Central New York. Even with this new route, Clipper could never draw the numbers it needed to remain profitable. The airline was forced to cease operation in 2008 by the FAA for lack of funding and management. That left Hanscom Field without scheduled airline service for the first time in a decade.

In 2011, Trenton-based airline Streamline Air began its first public charter route to Hanscom using 30-seat Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia aircraft, beginning with two daily round trips on weekdays. Streamline ceased operations on September 15, 2012.[5]

In the spring of 2021, Southern Airways Express announced that they were replacing their Hyannis-Nantucket route with a Bedford/Hanscom Field-Nantucket route beginning May 26, 2021. This was the first scheduled passenger service out of Hanscom Field in almost a decade.

Cargo[edit]

AirlinesDestinationsRefs
AirNet Baltimore-Martin State, Buffalo, Cleveland–Cuyahoga, Cincinnati, St. Louis–Spirit [6]

Notable events at Hanscom Field[edit]

On 8 August 1962, a U.S. Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker, a modified former tanker, crashed on approach to Hanscom Field's runway 11, destroying the aircraft and killing all three members of the flight crew.[7]

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.[8]

On 24 November 1988, George Koskotas, who fled Greece after being indicted on five counts of forgery and embezzlement, was apprehended by the FBI at Hanscom Field after landing in a private jet with his family.[9]

On 31 May 2014, a private Gulfstream IV business jet crashed and caught fire beyond the end of runway 11 following an aborted take off from Hanscom Field, killing all seven people on board. A preliminary NTSB report suggests that the flight controls were locked, preventing the aircraft from rotating to take off.[10] Lewis Katz, co-owner of the Philadelphia Inquirer, the Philadelphia Daily News, and Philly.com, was among the dead.[11][12]

On June 2, 2017, actor Harrison Ford landed at Hanscom prior to spending the weekend in Boston.[13]

Movies/scenes filmed at Hanscom Field[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ a b c d e FAA Airport Form 5010 for BED PDF. Federal Aviation Administration. effective April 21, 2022.
  2. ^ "Enplanements for CY 2017" (PDF, 1.0 MB). CY 2017 Passenger Boarding and All-Cargo Data. Federal Aviation Administration. November 7, 2018.
  3. ^ "2011–2015 NPIAS Report, Appendix A" (PDF, 2.03 MB). National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. Federal Aviation Administration. October 4, 2010.
  4. ^ "The State of Hanscom, March 2017" (PDF). Retrieved May 13, 2018.
  5. ^ "Streamline". Archived from the original on March 22, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2012.
  6. ^ "Ameriflight Routes". Retrieved December 5, 2017.
  7. ^ "From the Archives: Westover KC-135 crash remembered 57 years ago" – Mass Live, April 15, 2015
  8. ^ "Beatlemania Arrived In Boston 50 Years Ago" – WBZ-4, September 12, 2014
  9. ^ Fulham, Dana (November 25, 1988). "US Detains Man Sought by Greece in Scandal". The Boston Globe.
  10. ^ NTSB data published
  11. ^ Cavaliere, Victoria, Chris Michaud, Jon Herskovitz, and Dave Warner, "Philadelphia Inquirer co-owner among seven dead in Massachusetts plane crash," Reuters, June 1, 2014, 2:33pm EDT.
  12. ^ "Saturday 31 May 2014 Accident". Aviation Safety Network. June 1, 2014.
  13. ^ "Harrison Ford Presents Teen with High School Diploma at Aviation Event Honoring Actor's Dedication to Flying" – People.com, June 5, 2017
  14. ^ Tracked Down: - BostonHerald.com Archived 2011-06-13 at the Wayback Machine

External links[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Hanscom Field.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Hanscom_Field&oldid=1207782137"