Concord Buchanan Field Airport

Concord Buchanan Field Airport
Name	Buchanan Field Airport
Nativename	Buchanan Field
IATA	CCR
ICAO	KCCR
FAA	CCR
Type	Public
Owner	Contra Costa County
Location	Concord, California
Elevation-ft	53
Runway1	7L/25R
Runway1-length-ft	6,000
Runway1-surface	Asphalt
Runway2	7R/25L
Runway2-length-ft	3,500
Runway2-surface	Asphalt

Concord Buchanan Field Airport Buchanan Field Airport is a public-use airport located in Concord, California in Contra Costa County, California. It serves general aviation, air taxi, and limited scheduled service for the San Francisco Bay Area and acts as a reliever for San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and San Jose International Airport. The airport is owned and operated by the Contra Costa County, with significant interaction with regional agencies such as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Association of Bay Area Governments.

History

Buchanan Field opened in the 1940s and was developed through partnerships involving Contra Costa County, the Civil Aeronautics Administration, and local aviation businesses. The field was named after William J. Buchanan, a local advocate for aviation and a member of the County Board of Supervisors. During the postwar boom, Buchanan Field attracted flight schools, maintenance facilities, and the private operations of prominent Bay Area companies such as Bechtel and Chevron. In the 1960s and 1970s, debates involving the Federal Aviation Administration, California Department of Transportation, and local civic groups shaped runway expansions and noise abatement policies. High-profile incidents in the 1980s led to litigation involving the National Transportation Safety Board and changes in air traffic procedures coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration. In recent decades, Buchanan Field has been subject to land-use reviews by the Contra Costa County Planning Commission and proposals from developers such as Stonebridge Properties and regional transit advocates including the Bay Area Rapid Transit District.

Facilities and aircraft

Buchanan Field features two asphalt runways and a parallel taxiway complex supporting fixed-wing and rotorcraft operations. Fixed-base operators at the field have included firms tied to Signature Flight Support, Atlantic Aviation, and regional maintenance providers that have worked with manufacturers like Cessna, Piper Aircraft, and Beechcraft. The airport hosts flight training organizations associated with aviation programs at institutions such as Chabot College and maintenance apprenticeships tied to the National Institute for Aviation Research. Air traffic services coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration and regional approach control centers, and the field has instrument procedures published by the National Aeronautical Charting Office. Nearby aviation assets include Tracy Metropolitan Airport and Nut Tree Airport which factor into regional traffic flows.

Airlines and destinations

Scheduled passenger services at Buchanan Field have historically been limited and intermittent, with commuter operations linking to regional hubs. Past carriers that have served the field include commuter affiliates of Horizon Air and start-up regional airlines connected to Delta Air Lines and United Airlines codeshare partners. Charter and air taxi operators often tie into networks operated by companies like NetJets, Wheels Up, and regional cargo handlers such as FedEx Express and UPS Airlines for on-demand cargo movements. Service proposals are periodically reviewed by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors and regional planning bodies including the Alameda County Transportation Commission.

Accidents and incidents

Incidents at Buchanan Field have involved a range of general aviation aircraft, prompting investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board and coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration. Notable events prompted airspace and safety reviews involving stakeholders such as the California Public Utilities Commission when community concerns about noise and safety were raised. Several high-profile crashes in the late 20th century resulted in litigation involving local municipalities and aviation insurers represented by firms tied to the American Bar Association aviation section. Responses included revised standard operating procedures, community outreach through the County Board of Supervisors, and improved emergency response coordination with agencies like the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and California Highway Patrol.

Ground transportation and access

Ground access to Buchanan Field is provided via Interstate 680 and local arterials including Concord Avenue and Willow Pass Road, with transit connections involving Bay Area Rapid Transit (via Concord BART station), County Connection (Central Contra Costa Transit Authority), and regional bus services operated by AC Transit for feeder connections. Parking and rental car services at the field coordinate with regional mobility programs such as the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's commute initiatives and local taxi and rideshare operators including Uber and Lyft. Bicycle and pedestrian access improvements have been advanced through grants administered by entities like the California Transportation Commission and the Contra Costa Transportation Authority.

Economic impact and development plans

Buchanan Field contributes to the Contra Costa County economy through aviation-related jobs, aerospace maintenance, flight training, and tenant businesses, with economic analyses often cited by the Contra Costa Economic Development Division. Development proposals have included mixed-use projects evaluated by the Contra Costa County Planning Commission and private developers such as Trammell Crow Company and regional landowners. Proposals have prompted environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act and coordination with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District for emissions considerations. Long-term planning involves stakeholders like the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, the Association of Bay Area Governments, and regional labor organizations such as the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers to balance growth, noise abatement, and community priorities.

Category:Airports in Contra Costa County, California Category:Buildings and structures in Concord, California