Oakland, US πΊπΈ Closed Airport
US-11162
-
110 ft
US-CA
Loading...
Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 37.802399Β° N, -122.274002Β° E
Continent: NA
Type: Closed Airport
Keywords: CL41 CL41 CL41
Loading weather data...
Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
H1/ |
68 ft | 68 ft | ASPH | Active |
The exact closure date is not publicly documented. Based on analysis of historical satellite imagery, the heliport appears to have been active and well-maintained into the early 2000s. The markings show significant fading and disuse by the early 2010s, suggesting it was likely decommissioned sometime in the mid-to-late 2000s.
While no official reason was published, the closure was likely due to a combination of factors that have affected many private urban heliports:
1. **Economic Viability:** A lack of sufficient and consistent demand for executive helicopter transport made the high costs of maintenance, certification, and insurance prohibitive.
2. **Post-9/11 Security:** Increased security regulations and liability concerns after 2001 made operating private aviation facilities in dense downtown areas more complex and expensive.
3. **Urban Development & Noise:** As downtown Oakland developed, noise sensitivity and the value of rooftop space for other uses (such as HVAC or communications equipment) likely contributed to the decision to close.
The site is the rooftop of the Oakland Marriott City Center at 1001 Broadway. The original painted helipad markings (a circle with an 'H') are still faintly visible on the roof via satellite view, but they are heavily weathered and faded. The area is no longer used for aviation and is now occupied by building infrastructure, including large HVAC units and other rooftop equipment. The heliport is completely inactive and non-operational.
The Oakland Convention Center Heliport was a private rooftop facility located on the Oakland Marriott City Center hotel, which is integrated with the convention center. Its primary purpose was to serve as a prestige amenity, offering direct, point-to-point helicopter transport for high-profile guests, corporate executives, and dignitaries attending events. When active, it provided a rapid connection to major regional airports (Oakland International, San Francisco International) and other business hubs in the Bay Area, allowing travelers to bypass traffic. Its existence underscored the convention center's status as a top-tier business destination in the 1980s and 1990s.
There are no known or publicly discussed plans to reopen the heliport. The significant financial investment, complex regulatory hurdles with the FAA, and modern security requirements make a reopening extremely unlikely. The general trend for private rooftop heliports in dense urban centers is towards permanent closure, not revival.
No comments for this airport yet.
Leave a comment