Buchanan Field Airport

Buchanan Field Airport
Name	Buchanan Field Airport
Nativename	Buchanan Field
Iata	CCR
Icao	KCCR
Faa	CCR
Type	Public
Owner	Contra Costa County
City-served	Concord, California
Elevation-ft	24
R1-number	1L/19R
R1-length-ft	6,000
R1-surface	Asphalt
R2-number	1R/19L
R2-length-ft	3,500
R2-surface	Asphalt

Buchanan Field Airport Buchanan Field Airport is a public airport serving the Contra Costa County area in Concord, California. Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, the airport functions as a general aviation reliever to San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and San Jose International Airport. It supports flight training, corporate aviation, air ambulance services, and limited commercial operations, integrating with regional transportation such as Interstate 680, BART, and the California State Route 4 corridor.

History

Opened in 1942, the airport began as a United States Army Air Forces training field during World War II before transitioning to civilian use under Contra Costa County ownership. Postwar development followed patterns seen at Oakland Airport and Marin County Airport (Gnoss Field), with growth during the Jet Age and the expansion of Bay Area Rapid Transit. The facility was named for Hon. William M. Buchanan, reflecting local political ties similar to dedications at Mineta San José International Airport and Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport. Over decades Buchanan Field hosted air shows linked to aviation organizations like the Experimental Aircraft Association and drew attention during controversies over airport expansion akin to disputes at Los Angeles International Airport and Santa Monica Municipal Airport. Notable historical moments include involvement in Northridge earthquake relief flights, emergency medical missions coordinated with American Medical Response and cooperation with federal agencies such as the Federal Aviation Administration and the Transportation Security Administration.

Facilities and operations

The airport features multiple asphalt runways, fixed-base operators similar to Atlantic Aviation and services provided by operators like Signature Flight Support. Facilities include hangars used by flight schools comparable to Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University affiliates, maintenance shops modeled after those at Paine Field, and avionics shops linked in practice to manufacturers such as Garmin and Honeywell Aerospace. Air traffic control services are coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration and approach handled in concert with Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center. Ground access connects to Contra Costa County Public Works Department infrastructure and regional transit hubs including Concord BART station. The airport supports emergency services such as Cal Fire air tanker staging and medevac operations with providers like REACH Air Medical Services.

Airlines and destinations

Commercial service at Buchanan Field has historically been limited and intermittent, with commuter and regional carriers operating routes similar to services once provided by Pacific Southwest Airlines, Horizon Air, and commuter branches of American Airlines and United Airlines in other regional fields. Scheduled intrastate and regional flights have linked to hubs at San Francisco International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Sacramento International Airport, and seasonal services reminiscent of patterns at Santa Barbara Municipal Airport and Sonoma County Airport. Corporate and charter operators, including firms like NetJets and regional charter companies, regularly use the field for point-to-point service to destinations across the Western United States and Nevada.

Accidents and incidents

The airport has experienced several incidents over its operational history reflecting trends in general aviation safety documented by the National Transportation Safety Board. Investigations have involved entities such as National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration inspectors, and have led to safety recommendations echoed in FAA advisories used at airports like Burbank Bob Hope Airport and Van Nuys Airport. Responses have involved coordination with Concord Police Department, Contra Costa Fire Protection District, and California Highway Patrol air operations for scene management.

Governance and ownership

Owned and operated by Contra Costa County, Buchanan Field falls under county-level jurisdiction similar to arrangements at Napa County Airport and Solano County Airport. Policy decisions involve the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and coordination with state agencies including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Division of Aeronautics. Local community advisory committees have engaged with county staff much like advisory processes seen for San Francisco Board of Supervisors deliberations over regional transportation assets, and litigation or planning efforts have occasionally involved law firms and advocacy groups analogous to those active around San Francisco International Airport expansions.

Economic and community role

Buchanan Field contributes to the regional economy by supporting aviation businesses, flight training comparable to FlightSafety International affiliates, aircraft maintenance similar to operations at McClellan Airfield, and corporate aviation for firms headquartered in the East Bay such as technology and manufacturing companies. The airport's role in emergency response, medical transport, and business travel mirrors functions of airports like Fresno Yosemite International Airport and Stockton Metropolitan Airport, while community outreach involves partnerships with institutions including local school districts, the Contra Costa County Library, and regional chambers such as the Contra Costa Chamber of Commerce. Recreational and historical aviation organizations, including chapters of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association and the Commemorative Air Force, use the field for events that link regional heritage sites like the California State Railroad Museum and cultural venues in San Francisco and Walnut Creek.

Category:Airports in Contra Costa County, California