Charlotte, US πΊπΈ Closed Airport
US-11511
-
799 ft
US-NC
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Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 35.21385Β° N, -80.668284Β° E
Continent: NA
Type: Closed Airport
Keywords: 8A6 QWG K8A6
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Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
17/35 |
2700 ft | 40 ft | ASP | Active Lighted |
Type | Description | Frequency |
---|---|---|
UNIC | CTAF/UNICOM | 122.725 MHz |
April 1, 2022
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nice Local place