Bechtol Field

Bechtol Field (56AK) in Wasilla, US appears to be a private-use airport that was identified by the FAA as 56AK in older records. Current aviation databases indicate that the FAA identifier 56AK now refers to a different private airstrip.

Here are the verifiable facts regarding Bechtol Field when it was associated with the identifier 56AK:

• Type of facility: Bechtol Field was a privately-owned, private-use airport.
• Location and basic runway information: It was located approximately 4 nautical miles west of Wasilla, Alaska, within Mata-sus Borough County. Its estimated coordinates were 61° 34′ 30.0700″ N, 149° 36′ 23.3300″ W, with an estimated elevation of 300 feet. The airport featured one turf runway, designated 13/31, measuring 1,570 feet long by 300 feet wide (478.5 x 91.4 meters).
• Ownership/Management: It was owned by "Bechtol Field (trust)" and managed by L. Osterhout, N.e.a.
• Historical Significance: FAA information for Bechtol Field (56AK) was effective as of October 27, 2005.

Note on FAA Identifier 56AK: While Bechtol Field was historically designated as 56AK, current aviation resources, such as AOPA and AirNav, identify 56AK as Hinkes Airport. Hinkes Airport is a distinct, privately-owned facility with a gravel runway (11/29) measuring 1,400 x 50 feet, located at different coordinates (approximately 62° 32′ 43.4″ N, 154° 0′ 7.6″ W) and managed by Michael T. Hinkes. This suggests the identifier 56AK has been reassigned to a different location since the 2005 data for Bechtol Field.