Hawkins Field

Hawkins Field is a public airport located in Jackson, Mississippi, serving the Jackson Metropolitan Area and nearby cities like Clinton, Mississippi, Ridgeland, Mississippi, and Madison, Mississippi. The airport is owned and operated by the Jackson Municipal Airport Authority, which also manages the nearby Jackson-Evers International Airport. Hawkins Field is named after Hal Hawkins, a World War II veteran and former Mississippi State Senator. The airport is situated near the Pearl River and is close to several major highways, including Interstate 20 and U.S. Route 80.

● History

Hawkins Field has a rich history dating back to the 1920s, when it was first established as a small airfield serving the Jackson, Mississippi area. During World War II, the airport was used by the United States Army Air Forces as a training base, with pilots from the Royal Air Force and Royal Canadian Air Force also receiving training at the facility. The airport was later used by the United States Air National Guard and the Mississippi Air National Guard, with units like the 172d Airlift Wing and the 186th Air Refueling Wing operating from the base. In the 1960s and 1970s, Hawkins Field was also used by several airlines, including Southern Airways, National Airlines, and Eastern Air Lines, which offered flights to destinations like New Orleans, Louisiana, Memphis, Tennessee, and Atlanta, Georgia.

● Geography

Hawkins Field is located in the Jackson, Mississippi area, near the Pearl River and several major highways, including Interstate 20 and U.S. Route 80. The airport is situated in a relatively flat area, with the Mississippi State Capitol building and the Jackson Zoo located nearby. The airport's proximity to the Pearl River and the Reservoir, Mississippi area makes it an ideal location for general aviation and flight training activities. The airport is also close to several major cities, including Vicksburg, Mississippi, Meridian, Mississippi, and Gulfport, Mississippi, making it a convenient option for travelers in the Mississippi Delta region.

● Facilities

Hawkins Field has a range of facilities, including a single asphalt runway, Runway 16/34, which is 5,000 feet long and 100 feet wide. The airport also has a number of hangars and tie-downs for aircraft, as well as a fixed-base operator (FBO) that offers fuel, maintenance, and other services to pilots and aircraft owners. The airport is equipped with a range of air traffic control systems, including a VOR and a NDB, and is served by several major aviation fuel suppliers, including Shell Aviation and Chevron Aviation. The airport is also home to several flight schools, including the Mississippi State University flight program and the Hinds Community College aviation program.

● Operations

Hawkins Field is a busy general aviation airport, with a range of aircraft operating from the field, including single-engine and multi-engine planes, helicopters, and gliders. The airport is home to several flight schools and aerobatic teams, including the Mississippi Aerobatic Club and the Jackson Aerobatic Team. The airport is also used by several corporate and charter operators, including NetJets and Flexjet, which offer flights to destinations like New York City, Los Angeles, California, and Miami, Florida. The airport is served by several major aircraft maintenance providers, including Cessna Aircraft Company and Beechcraft Corporation, which offer maintenance and repair services to aircraft owners and operators.

● Incidents

Hawkins Field has been the site of several incidents over the years, including a number of aircraft accidents and incidents. In 2010, a Cessna 172 crashed on takeoff from the airport, resulting in the deaths of two people on board. In 2015, a Piper PA-28 crashed on approach to the airport, resulting in the death of the pilot. The airport has also been the site of several security incidents, including a 2018 incident in which a drone was spotted flying near the airport. The airport is served by several major emergency services providers, including the Jackson Fire Department and the Hinds County Sheriff's Department, which respond to incidents at the airport.

● Statistics

Hawkins Field is a relatively small airport, with a total of 53,000 aircraft operations per year, including 45,000 general aviation operations and 8,000 military operations. The airport has a total of 150 based aircraft, including 100 single-engine planes, 30 multi-engine planes, and 20 helicopters. The airport is served by several major aviation insurance providers, including Avemco Insurance Company and Global Aerospace, which offer insurance coverage to aircraft owners and operators. The airport is also home to several major aviation events, including the annual Mississippi Airshow and the Jackson Aviation Expo, which attract thousands of visitors from across the United States. Category:Airports in Mississippi