The Historic Legacy of University Park Airport: America's Oldest Continuously Operating Airfield

The Origins of University Park Airport

The story of University Park Airport begins with the Wright Brothers, whose famous flight at Kitty Hawk in 1903 is well-documented. However, it was not until 1908, after attempting to garner European interest in their flying machine, that they began to see significant interest in their homeland. The Wright Model A Military Flyer, designed to meet the U.S. Army Aeronautical Division’s requirements for a "powered, heavier-than-air flying machine," first took to the skies at nearby Fort Myer, Virginia. Unfortunately, a tragic crash during these tests resulted in injuries to Orville Wright and the death of a passenger.

Despite this setback, the Wright Brothers rebuilt the aircraft, which successfully demonstrated its capabilities during a one-hour flight, meeting all military specifications including a capacity for two people, a speed of 40 mph, and a range of 125 miles. The aircraft was officially handed over to the military on June 2, 1909.

The Need for a New Airfield

The initial test site at Fort Myer proved too small and attracted large crowds of onlookers, necessitating a move to a more suitable location. The search led to a 160-acre tract of flat land in Maryland, near the Maryland Agricultural College (now the University of Maryland). This site was chosen for its accessibility via train and trolley, yet it was remote enough to deter large public gatherings. This new site was christened University Park Airport.

Development and Historical Significance

In preparation for continued use, the site was cleared of trees in July 1909, and a small hangar along with a launching track for the wheel-less Military Flyer was constructed. The aircraft itself was transported in pieces to the new location. Flight training for Lieutenants Frank P. Lahm and Frederick Humphreys began on July 8, and both officers managed to solo after just over three hours of instruction. Humphreys, achieving this milestone first, became the world’s first military officer to become a pilot and the first to fly a government aircraft.

University Park Airport Today

Today, University Park Airport stands as a testament to the early days of aviation and continues to operate, preserving its historic legacy. It serves not only as a functional airport but also as a historical landmark, offering insights into the early 20th-century advancements in aviation technology and training.

Interesting Stats and Facts

• University Park Airport is recognized by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics for its historical significance.
• It has been operational for over a century, making it a pivotal site in U.S. aviation history.

For more detailed information on the history of aviation, readers might find the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum's online archives a valuable resource. Additionally, the University of Maryland provides insights into the local history surrounding the airport, accessible here.

University Park Airport not only highlights the technical achievements of the Wright Brothers but also underscores the enduring nature of aviation's early landmarks in the fabric of American history.