Scottsdale Airport

History

During World War II the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Forces Army Air Forces Training Command as "Thunderbird Field #2" on June 22, 1942, as a primary flight training school for aviation cadets. Since its inception, Thunderbird #2 graduated more than 5,500 students, a total three times greater than the entire total contemplated by the AAF's original expansion program. In addition, Thunderbird #2 pilots flew nearly 26,500,000 miles, more than 3,000 times around the world at the equator. The school was deactivated on October 16, 1944.

While in operation, Thunderbird #2 underwent a transformation that took it from a small piece of isolated desert to a primary training school. This transformation is attributable to Air Force officers such as General Henry H. Arnold and Lieutenant General B.K. Yount (commander of the Army Air Forces Training Command, and the civilian contract school operated by Leland Hayward and John H. Connelly.

One of three Southwest Airways' training schools in the Valley, Thunderbird #2's first class of cadets, arriving before the field was pronounced ready for occupancy, had to be trained at Thunderbird Field #1 in Glendale. Not until July 22, could all personnel, consisting then of 28 flight instructors, move to Scottsdale. Throughout World War II, Thunderbird #2 devoted its every facility to the training of more and more cadets. In November 1943, the peak was reached; 615 cadets who flew an average of two hours a day, making 1,845 separate takeoffs and landings. In a period of ten weeks, students received a total of 65 hours of flight training and 109 hours of ground school. In spite of the intensified training, the field gained a widespread reputation for thoroughness of instruction and high caliber graduates.

An increase in the number of students brought about a similar gain in the number of persons employed, until in January, 1944, Thunderbird II's payroll boasted 508 employees, with a total monthly salary expenditure of $115,247. Gradually the tempo slowed as World War II came to an end. So well did civilian contractors complete their initial assignment, that by August 4, 1944, only 40 of the original 64 primary schools were still in operation. At the closing of Thunderbird #2, only 15 remained opened to complete the task of primary training.

After the war, Arizona State Teachers College (now Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona), acquired the airport in order to implement its own aviation program. Distance from the college campus and cost of operating an aviation program soon convinced the college to abandon its plans.

The airport was acquired by the City of Scottsdale in 1966 from the Seventh-day Adventist Church (which founded the airport) and have continued to operate it since.

It was reported in late October 2015 that planned JetPurple Airwayz, with a focus on business class passengers, was to base its ultra short-haul operations out of Scottsdale Airport, with initial destinations of San Diego, Las Vegas, and Puerto Penasco.

Facilities

Scottsdale Airport covers 282 acres (114 ha) and has one asphalt runway (3/21), 8,249 x 100 ft (2,514 x 30 m).

In 2005 the airport had 224,684 aircraft operations, average 615 per day: 95% general aviation, 5% air taxi and <1% military. 471 aircraft are based at this airport: 59% single engine, 19% multi-engine, 20% jet and 2% helicopters.

There are two main Fixed-base operators located on the field, Signature Flight Support and Landmark Aviation (formerly Corporate Jets). The Scottsdale Fire Department maintains a facility next to the tower. Scottsdale Airport is also home to Civil Air Patrol Squadrons 314 and 310, assisting in field missions upon request.