Arnold Palmer Regional Airport

Arnold Palmer Regional Airport is a public airport located in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, about 2 miles east of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, and approximately 33 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The airport is named after the legendary Golfer Arnold Palmer, a native of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest Golf players of all time, alongside Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player. The airport serves the Laurel Highlands region, which includes popular tourist destinations like Ohiopyle State Park, Fallingwater, and Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The airport is also close to the University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg and Saint Vincent College.

● Overview

The airport is owned by the Westmoreland County Airport Authority and is a popular destination for General Aviation and Commercial Aviation flights. The airport has a single Asphalt runway, designated as Runway 13/31, which is 8,222 feet long and 150 feet wide. The airport is equipped with a range of facilities, including a Fixed-Base Operator (FBO) that provides fuel, maintenance, and other services to aircraft. The airport is also home to several Flight Schools, including the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics and the Latrobe Aviation flight school. Nearby attractions include the Arnold Palmer Museum, the Latrobe Country Club, and the Idlewild and Soak Zone amusement park.

● History

The airport was established in 1924 as the Latrobe Airport and was originally used for Aerial Application and Crop Dusting operations. During World War II, the airport was used by the United States Army Air Forces as a training base for Pilot Training and Airborne Operations. In the 1950s and 1960s, the airport underwent significant expansion and modernization, with the construction of a new Terminal Building and the extension of the runway to its current length. The airport was renamed in honor of Arnold Palmer in 1999, in recognition of his contributions to the sport of Golf and his connection to the local community. The airport has also been associated with other notable figures, including Jimmy Stewart, a famous Actor and Aviator who was born in Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Fred Rogers, the creator of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, who was a longtime resident of Latrobe, Pennsylvania.

● Facilities

The airport has a range of facilities, including a Terminal Building with a Restaurant, a Gift Shop, and a Conference Room. The airport is also home to several Hangars and Aircraft Maintenance facilities, including the Pittsburgh Aircraft Maintenance company. The airport has a Fuel Farm that provides Aviation Fuel to aircraft, and a Ground Handling service that provides Ramp Services and Baggage Handling. The airport is also equipped with a range of Air Traffic Control facilities, including a Control Tower and a Radar System. Nearby facilities include the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport Fire Department, the Westmoreland County Emergency Management Agency, and the Latrobe Regional Health System.

● Airlines_and_Destinations

The airport is served by several Airlines, including Spirit Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. The airport offers flights to a range of destinations, including Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Orlando, Florida. The airport is also a popular destination for Charter Flights and Private Aviation operations. The airport has been associated with several notable airlines, including US Airways, Northwest Airlines, and Continental Airlines. The airport is also close to several other airports, including the Pittsburgh International Airport, the Johnstown-Cambria County Airport, and the Altoona-Blair County Airport.

● Statistics

The airport handles a significant volume of air traffic, with over 100,000 Airplane movements per year. The airport is a popular destination for General Aviation flights, with over 50,000 Private Aircraft movements per year. The airport also handles a significant volume of Cargo traffic, with over 10,000 tons of cargo handled per year. The airport is an important economic driver for the local community, generating over $100 million in economic activity per year. The airport has also been recognized for its safety record, with a low rate of Aviation Accidents and Incidents.

● Accidents_and_Incidents

The airport has experienced several accidents and incidents over the years, including a Plane Crash in 2003 that killed two people. The airport has also been the site of several Emergency Landings and Medical Emergencies. The airport has a range of safety measures in place, including a Fire Department and an Emergency Response Plan. The airport is also subject to regular Safety Inspections and Audits by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The airport has been associated with several notable safety initiatives, including the FAA's Safety Management System and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Go Team program. Nearby organizations include the National Safety Council, the American Red Cross, and the Westmoreland County Emergency Management Agency.