Master Plan Update (pdf) - Lansing/Capital City Airport

1.1 Introduction
CHAPTER 1
INVENTORY
Capital Region Airport Authority
Capital City Airport Master Plan Update
The inventory chapter is a collection of data pertaining to the present day condition of Capital City
Airport and the area it serves. The inventory includes data pertaining to items such as airport
location, airport access, navigation and airspace, area meteorological conditions, airport tenants,
airport services, and runway and taxiway facilities. The material collected and identified in this
chapter provides essential background information and updates the information provided in the last
master planning effort. A glossary of terms is provided in Appendix A.
1.2 Background
Background information regarding Capital City Airport is provided in the following sections. The
history section provides a brief overview from the original dedication of the Airport through the
present day conditions by highlighting key events in the historical record. The Airport setting
section provides geographic and meteorological data for the Airport and the surrounding area.
Finally, the role discussion provides an overview of the Airport’s placement in the national system
of airports and a generalized description of the size and level of air service provided.
1.2.1 History
Lansing’s first official airport was founded on a 300-acre site northwest of the City of Lansing. A
joint effort began in 1927 to develop the Airport’s first facilities. The Chamber of Commerce
provided funds for the establishment of a city hangar. Soon afterwards, the Michigan Highway
Department graded and leveled land for the Airport and the Consumers Power Company built a
tower for the airport beacon. The Board of Water and Light and area construction companies
donated additional lighting and building materials. The Airport was officially opened on July 14,
1928 in a two-day celebration that attracted over 70,000 people.
Transamerican Airlines began airmail service on July 17, 1928 and Kohler Airlines began
passenger service on September 1, 1929. In 1934, Pennsylvania Airlines and Transport, Inc.
absorbed Kohler Airlines and began providing airmail and passenger service to Detroit, Muskegon,
Grand Rapids, and across Lake Michigan.
Passenger demand for air service grew so much that by 1959 the current airport terminal building
was constructed to replace the original terminal building built in 1940. The terminal building was
initially built to accommodate three airlines, a restaurant, and a gift shop. In addition, the terminal
building housed the FAA Air Traffic Control Tower, the offices of the Michigan Aeronautics Division,
the National Weather Service, and a flight service station.
In 1970 the State of Michigan passed Public Act Number 73, which provided for the creation of
airport authorities within certain limitations of state-owned airports. Following the passage of
Public Act Number 73, ownership and authority of the Airport passed to the Capital Region Airport
Authority. In 1977, Mason Jewett Field, a general aviation facility located approximately 12 miles
southeast of the City of Lansing, was also added to the Authority’s jurisdiction.
Steady development of the Airport continued with the construction of a new aircraft rescue and fire
fighting (ARFF) building in 1972. During the following years, terminal building expansion and
Inventory 1-1 Final