Hartwell-Rogers Field

Hartwell-Rogers Field is a public-use airport located three nautical miles southwest of the central business district of Hartwell, a city in Hart County, Georgia. Owned by the City of Hartwell, the airport is included in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2023–2027, where it is categorized as a local general aviation facility. It primarily serves private and corporate aircraft, supporting the aviation needs of the local community and the broader Lake Hartwell region.

History

The origins of the airport trace back to the 1940s, when it was established to serve the growing Hartwell area. Initially a basic grass strip, the facility was developed over subsequent decades, with significant improvements funded through federal programs administered by the Federal Aviation Administration and the Georgia Department of Transportation. The airport was named in honor of local aviation advocates and community leaders who were instrumental in its development and sustained operation. Its growth paralleled the economic and recreational expansion around Lake Hartwell, which was created by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers with the completion of the Hartwell Dam on the Savannah River in the early 1960s. This period saw the transition from unpaved to paved runways, marking its evolution into a modern aviation asset for Northeast Georgia.

Facilities

Hartwell-Rogers Field covers an area of 85 acres at an elevation of 800 feet above mean sea level. It has one asphalt paved runway designated 4/22, which measures 3,700 by 75 feet. The airport does not have an air traffic control tower; operations are conducted under visual flight rules, using a Common Traffic Advisory Frequency. Available services include aircraft parking, a terminal building for pilots, and facilities for aircraft refueling. The airport is home to several based aircraft, consisting primarily of single-engine models, and supports activities ranging from flight training to business travel. Fixed-base operator services are available to assist visiting pilots and passengers.

Operations

The airport functions as a vital general aviation hub for Hart County and the surrounding Lake Hartwell area. It facilitates a variety of aviation activities, including private recreational flying, corporate travel for local businesses, and flight instruction. The airport also plays a role in supporting emergency services, law enforcement operations by agencies like the Georgia State Patrol, and medical transport when coordinated with services such as Air Methods. It hosts occasional community events and fly-ins, contributing to local tourism and economic activity tied to the lake region. Flight operations are predominantly during daylight hours, utilizing the airport's single runway and navigational aids.

Accidents and incidents

Like many general aviation airports, Hartwell-Rogers Field has been the site of aviation accidents, typically involving minor incidents such as runway excursions or landing gear failures. These events are investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations. Records from the Federal Aviation Administration and the NTSB detail occurrences where aircraft sustained substantial damage but, historically, without resulting in fatalities. These incidents underscore the importance of pilot proficiency, proper aircraft maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols at non-towered airports.

See also

* List of airports in Georgia (U.S. state) * Lake Hartwell * General aviation in the United States

Category:Airports in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Buildings and structures in Hart County, Georgia Category:Transportation in Hart County, Georgia