Situated 6 kms from the heart of the city Columbus, this public airport is very close to the famous Atterbury Bakalar Air museum. It is built on the same land where there were United States Air Force Bakalar Air Force Base and Atterbury Army Airfield formerly. This airport is 200 meters above the sea level and it covers an area of 2000 acres.
There are 2 concrete runways and at an average of 107 fights per day, the number of yearly operations comes to 39,155. This airport, known as the Atterbury Air Base then, was planned in June 1942 and the actual construction work began on 13th August, 1942. On 17th September, a navy plane had to make an emergency landing here and thus became the first plane to use this airfield. In December of the same year, the first army plane made its landing and in coming February the first large group of troops landed on this air base. Initially this place was used for the practice of take off and landing and as a training base for bombers and gliders. The hospital planes, bringing the injured soldiers from the battle fields also used this field. For three years after the end of the World War II, this air base was closed. When it was reopened, the ‘Troop Carrier Wing’ 434, the first air force reserve wings, used it for training purposes. In November, 1954, this airbase was renamed Bakalar Air Force Base. After the end of the Vietnam War in 1969, it was declared a public airport and now it’s known as the Columbus Municipal Airport.
To reach this airport from Indianapolis, Indiana, you will have to take I-65 freeway, south, to the exit no 76. From there again take south on US 31, the national road. Once you enter the city Columbus, take left to the central avenue which will lead you to Arnold Street. Again take left to Ray Boll Boulevard. This road will take you straight to the parking area of the Columbus Municipal Airport.
Columbus Municipal Airport receives $1.3 million in Federal funds under the ARRA (American recovery and Reinvestment Act). Youth Activities are under operation here by two groups, ‘First Flights’ and ‘Young Eagles’. Other than flying from here, you can also come here for a picnic. If you are interested in the techniques of flight flying, you can always consult a pilot and ask him to show and explain you what the flying is all about. If you are serious enough, you can learn to fly planes as well. An avionics shop, ‘Rhoades Aviation’ provides with FBO services and flight training.
Apart from all this, the Hangar Five Restaurant, located at the terminal building draws people to this airport. This restaurant offers delicious breakfast and lunch and it’s a superb viewpoint for the aviation activities.
The airport officials can be contacted here,
Columbus Municipal Airport
4770 Ray Boll Boulevard
Columbus, Indiana 47203
812/376-2519
