Airport type Public Elevation AMSL 430 ft / 131 m Code LWV | Owner Bi-State Authority 18/36 5,199 | |
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Lawrenceville–Vincennes International Airport (IATA: LWV, ICAO: KLWV, FAA LID: LWV) is a public use airport in Lawrence County, Illinois, United States. Owned by the Bi-State Authority, it is located three nautical miles (6 km) northeast of the city of Lawrenceville, Illinois and also serves the city of Vincennes in Knox County, Indiana. This airport is included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011–2015, which categorized it as a general aviation facility.
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History
Established in 1942 by the United States Army Air Forces. Known as George Army Airfield. Assigned to the Eastern Flying Training Command on August 10. Conducted Advanced two-engine flying training until transferred to I Troop Carrier Command on August 15, 1944. Placed in standby status September 1, 1944 with the drawdown of AAFTC's pilot training program. Declared surplus and turned over to the Army Corps of Engineers on September 30, 1945. Eventually discharged to the War Assets Administration (WAA) and became civil airport.
Facilities and aircraft
Lawrenceville–Vincennes International Airport covers an area of 3,067 acres (1,241 ha) at an elevation of 430 feet (131 m) above mean sea level. It has two asphalt paved runways: 18/36 is 5,199 by 100 feet (1,585 x 30 m) and 9/27 is 5,198 by 100 feet (1,584 x 30 m). The airport also has one unpaved turf runway designated 4U/22U which measures 1,000 by 200 feet (305 x 61 m).
For the 12-month period ending July 31, 2010, the airport had 35,000 aircraft operations, an average of 95 per day: 88% general aviation, 11% air taxi, and 1% military. At that time there were 77 aircraft based at this airport: 51% single-engine, 29% glider, 12% ultralight, 8% multi-engine, and 1% helicopter.
Current activity
The Lawrenceville–Vincennes International Airport is home to the Wabash Valley Soaring club. It has been an educational soaring club for over 45 years, dedicated to helping others learn the art and skills of soaring safely. The club owns a fleet of six club gliders, three of which are two place trainers as well as two tow planes. There are also over 25 private sailplanes based at the field. The club has two hangars with a clubroom attached to the main hangar, and a climate controlled shop for maintaining the club fleet. The shop is used also for restoration of member projects. Many WVSA members are involved with the Vintage Sailplane Association and are active in the restoration and flying of older gliders and sailplanes. Over a long Fathers Day weekend, WVSA hosts the annual Midwest Vintage/Classic Sailplane Regatta. Many pilots bring vintage and classic gliders from all over the country for this annual event.