Wilgrove Air Park

Charlotte, US πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ Closed Airport

ICAO

US-11511

IATA

-

Elevation

799 ft

Region

US-NC

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: Not available

Local Code: Not available

Location: 35.21385Β° N, -80.668284Β° E

Continent: NA

Type: Closed Airport

Keywords: 8A6 QWG K8A6

Terminal Information Not Available
Terminal arrivals and departures are only available for airports with scheduled commercial service and IATA codes.
Nearby Points of Interest

Current Weather Conditions

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Airport Information

Technical Information

For Aviation Geeks

Designation Length Width Surface Status
17/35 2700 ft 40 ft ASP Active Lighted

Type Description Frequency
UNIC CTAF/UNICOM 122.725 MHz

Airport Closure Information

Last updated: Jul 27, 2025
Closure Date

April 1, 2022

Reason for Closure

The closure was primarily due to economic reasons driven by urban encroachment and rising land values. The Hinson family, who had owned and operated the airport for over 50 years, sold the 89-acre property to homebuilder Tri Pointe Homes for a reported $13.3 million. The increasing development and population density around the airport made continued operations challenging and the land significantly more valuable for residential development.

Current Status

The airport is permanently closed and has been demolished. The site is currently being redeveloped into a large residential community named 'Hollinridge' by Tri Pointe Homes. The project includes the construction of single-family homes and townhouses. All airport infrastructure, including the runway, taxiways, and hangars, has been removed to make way for the new housing development.

Historical Significance

Opened in 1967 by Bill and Mary Hinson, Wilgrove Air Park (FAA LID: 8A6) was a cherished, privately owned, public-use general aviation airport. For 55 years, it served as a vital hub for Charlotte's private pilot and grassroots aviation community. It was known for its friendly, 'old-school' atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to the large, commercial environment of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Operations at Wilgrove included flight training (it was home to several flight schools), aircraft rentals, maintenance services, and hangar space for dozens of single-engine aircraft like Cessnas and Pipers. It hosted community events and was the base for EAA Chapter 309. The airport featured a single 2,825-foot asphalt runway (17/35) and was considered a key piece of aviation infrastructure for recreational flyers and aspiring pilots in the region.

Reopening Prospects

There are no prospects for reopening Wilgrove Air Park. The land has been sold, rezoned, and is actively being transformed into a residential subdivision. While the local aviation community strongly opposed the closure and expressed a desire to save the airport, the sale and subsequent redevelopment have made its return impossible at this location.

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Mc Cachren Field
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Atrium Health University City Heliport
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Goose Creek Airport
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Distances are approximate and calculated as straight-line distances.

User Comments Leave a comment

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Closest to downtown Charlotte. Posted by DrBill on July 22, 2012

Nice Local place