Phoenix Airfield

Phoenix Airfield is a private airport located near Cartersville in Bartow County, Georgia. It serves as the primary base of operations for Phoenix Air Group, Inc., a company specializing in aerial surveillance, special mission operations, and air charter services. The airfield has gained recognition for its role in high-profile government contracts and unique aviation support roles.

History

The airfield was originally constructed in 1969 as a private facility. Its development accelerated after its acquisition by Phoenix Air Group, Inc., which was founded by Mike G. Smith and has grown into a significant provider of specialized aviation services. Throughout the late 20th century, the airfield supported growing operations in aircraft maintenance and modification. A key historical moment involved supporting NASA during the Space Shuttle program, where it provided emergency response and shuttle crew training capabilities. The airfield's infrastructure was notably expanded in the 1990s to accommodate larger aircraft and more complex mission profiles, coinciding with increased contracts from agencies like the Department of Defense and the Federal Aviation Administration.

Facilities

The airfield features a single asphalt runway, designated 04/22, which measures 6,600 feet in length. A network of taxiways connects the runway to several large hangars and maintenance facilities operated by Phoenix Air Group, Inc.. These facilities include advanced workshops for avionics upgrades and structural modifications on aircraft such as the Gulfstream III and Cessna Citation series. The site also houses a dedicated operations center for mission planning and a secure area for handling sensitive government equipment. Support infrastructure includes fuel storage managed by World Fuel Services and facilities for hosting personnel from client organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Operations

Primary operations are conducted by Phoenix Air Group, Inc., focusing on special mission flights for various U.S. government agencies. These missions often involve aerial surveillance for the Customs and Border Protection and electronic warfare training support for the Navy and Air Force. The airfield is a base for the unique Airborne Biological Containment System, used for transporting patients with highly infectious diseases in cooperation with the U.S. State Department and the World Health Organization. Other regular operations include air charter services for corporate clients, flight training, and aircraft modification projects for international customers from nations like Germany and Saudi Arabia.

Accidents and incidents

In March 2005, a Cessna 208 Caravan operating from the airfield experienced a hard landing at Macon Downtown Airport, resulting in substantial damage but no fatalities. A more notable incident occurred in October 2011, when a Gulfstream G100 jet, performing a training flight for Phoenix Air Group, Inc., crashed during approach to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport, tragically killing both pilots on board. The subsequent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board cited spatial disorientation as a contributing factor. There have been no major accidents directly at the airfield itself, though several minor ground incidents involving taxiing aircraft have been reported to the Federal Aviation Administration.

In popular culture

The airfield and its parent company gained widespread public attention during the 2014 Western African Ebola virus epidemic, when its specially modified Gulfstream III aircraft were used to transport American aid workers infected with the Ebola virus from West Africa to the United States. This operation was covered extensively by media outlets like CNN and BBC News. The airfield's role in high-stakes medical evacuations has been referenced in documentaries, including programs on the National Geographic Channel. Furthermore, the specialized aircraft based here have appeared in several Hollywood films and television series depicting biothrillers and government operations, though the airfield itself is rarely identified by name.

Category:Airports in Georgia (U.S. state) Category:Buildings and structures in Bartow County, Georgia Category:1969 establishments in Georgia (U.S. state)