🇺🇸 Anderson Regional Airport

Anderson Regional Airport (KAND, AND) is a public airport located three nautical miles (5.6 kilometers) southwest of Anderson, South Carolina. It is one of the busiest airports in upstate South Carolina, serving the aviation needs of visitors, businesses, corporate executive teams, and residents of Anderson County.

Type of Facility and Operations: The airport is open to the public and operates without a control tower. It utilizes a Category I Instrument Landing System (ILS) for all-weather operations. Services include fueling (100LL and Jet A), aircraft storage, pilot services, and aircraft maintenance. Amenities for pilots and travelers include flight planning, catering, a pilot lounge, a quiet room, a free crew car, car rental, and a conference room.

Notable Features and History: The current airport site was established in 1933 with the purchase of 236 acres of land. The new Anderson Airport was dedicated on May 27, 1938. During World War II, it served as an auxiliary airfield for the United States Army Air Forces, supporting combat flight training and hosting civilian pilot training for the Army Air Force. Control was returned to local authorities in 1945. In the 1950s, Eastern Airlines provided commercial service to the airport. The airport's name was changed from "Anderson County Airport" to "Anderson Regional Airport" on December 7, 1998, to reflect its regional impact. In 2007, one runway was extended by 1,000 feet to accommodate larger aircraft. A significant facelift, including improvements to the main runway and a new ADA-compliant general aviation terminal, was announced in 2018 and completed by early 2021. From 2009 to 2020, the airport hosted an annual airshow that attracted an estimated 50,000 visitors.

Current Status: Anderson Regional Airport covers 704 acres and features two asphalt runways: 5/23 (6,002 ft x 149 ft) and 17/35 (4,996 ft x 149 ft), as well as two concrete helipads (H1 and H2, both 50 ft x 50 ft). The airport is operational, with attendance from 0730-1930, though it is unattended on Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day, and Easter. It receives over 14,000 visitors annually and generates over $13 million annually.

*Sources researched: andersoncountysc.org, nfdc.faa.gov, en.wikipedia.org, airnav.com*