Champaign, US πΊπΈ Closed Airport
US-11423
-
810 ft
US-IL
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 40.160301Β° N, -88.304497Β° E
Continent: NA
Type: Closed Airport
Keywords: IL55
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Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
N/S |
1200 ft | 60 ft | TURF | Active |
Circa 2014-2015. Analysis of historical satellite imagery indicates the grass runway was well-maintained and active in May 2013. By October 2015, the runway area had been tilled and fully converted into cropland, suggesting the closure occurred within that timeframe.
The airport was a private 'Restricted Landing Area' (RLA). The closure was almost certainly due to the personal decision of the owner. This is a common occurrence for private airfields, where the owner may cease flying activities, sell the property, or decide to utilize the valuable land for other purposes. In this case, the land was reverted to its primary agricultural use, which is the dominant industry in the region.
The site of the former airport is now actively farmed agricultural land. The distinct outline of the grass runway is no longer visible and has been fully integrated with the surrounding fields, likely used for growing corn or soybeans. The original farmstead and buildings, which may have included a hangar, still stand to the east of the former runway location.
Andrew RLA was a small, private general aviation airfield. Its official designation in Illinois as a 'Restricted Landing Area' meant it was not open for public use and was intended solely for the owner and invited guests. It featured a single north-south turf runway (approximately 2200 ft long). Its historical significance is limited to serving as a personal base for its owner, likely for recreational flying or agricultural purposes. It was not a commercial, public, or military facility and handled only light, single-engine aircraft.
There are no known plans or prospects for reopening the airport. The land has been successfully and completely converted back to productive farmland. Re-establishing an airfield would require significant investment and taking valuable agricultural land out of production, making it highly improbable. The aviation needs of the Champaign area are served by the nearby University of Illinois Willard Airport (KCMI).
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