Ohio State University Airport

Ohio State University Airport. It is a public-use airport owned by The Ohio State University and located in the Don Scott Field area of Columbus, Ohio. Primarily serving general aviation, it is a vital hub for flight training, aerospace research, and university-related air travel. The facility is named for Don Scott, a university alumnus and World War II pilot who was killed in action.

History

The airport's origins trace to 1942 when the United States Navy established it as a training facility during World War II. Following the war, the property was transferred to The Ohio State University, which formally dedicated it in 1943 in memory of Don Scott. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, it evolved from a basic training field into a modern aviation center, with significant development of its infrastructure. Key milestones included the establishment of the university's Center for Aviation Studies and ongoing partnerships with entities like the Federal Aviation Administration and NASA.

Facilities

The airport resides on approximately 1,300 acres and features three asphalt runways: 9R/27L, 9L/27R, and 5/23. A modern air traffic control tower, operated in conjunction with the Federal Aviation Administration, oversees all operations. The main terminal building houses administrative offices for the Center for Aviation Studies, flight planning facilities, and conference spaces. Additional infrastructure includes extensive aircraft hangars for both university and based tenant aircraft, maintenance facilities, and dedicated areas for flight training and aerospace engineering research projects.

Operations

As a reliever airport for John Glenn Columbus International Airport, it handles a significant volume of general aviation traffic for the Columbus, Ohio region. It is a base for over 200 aircraft and sees approximately 70,000 annual operations, ranging from single-engine training flights to corporate jet movements. Fixed-base operator services are provided by Executive AirShare, offering fuel, maintenance, and concierge services. The airport does not host scheduled commercial airline service but is frequently used by NetJets and other fractional ownership programs for crew training and positioning flights.

Role in education and research

It is the primary flight training laboratory for students in the College of Engineering's aviation programs. The Center for Aviation Studies coordinates academic curriculum with hands-on flight instruction, preparing students for careers with major airlines like Delta Air Lines and American Airlines. Research initiatives are conducted in partnership with the NASA Glenn Research Center and the Federal Aviation Administration, focusing on areas such as unmanned aerial systems integration, advanced avionics, and sustainable aviation fuels. The airport also hosts outreach programs for organizations like the Civil Air Patrol and Boy Scouts of America.

Accidents and incidents

Notable accidents include the 1966 crash of a Douglas DC-3 operated by Henson Airlines during a training flight, which resulted in fatalities. In 1992, a Beechcraft Baron experiencing engine failure crashed near the airport following departure. A 2007 incident involved a Cessna 172 used for flight training that made a forced landing in a field after a power loss, with minor injuries reported. The National Transportation Safety Board investigated each event, leading to safety recommendations that influenced local training procedures and airspace policies.

Category:Airports in Ohio Category:The Ohio State University Category:Buildings and structures in Columbus, Ohio