HJ Umbaugh Airport

Plymouth, US 🇺🇸 Closed Airport

ICAO

US-11457

IATA

-

Elevation

755 ft

Region

US-IN

Local Time

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Airport Information

GPS Code: Not available

Local Code: Not available

Location: 41.306999° N, -86.4375° E

Continent: NA

Type: Closed Airport

Keywords: IN74

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

External Links

Nearby Points of Interest

What Travelers Say

AI-Generated Summary Based on web research

Travelers generally express a positive sentiment regarding Plymouth Municipal Airport, describing it as a welcoming and well-maintained facility. It is often highlighted for its pleasant atmosphere, particularly for those utilizing private aviation or enjoying the on-site dining.

What Travelers Love
  • Cleanliness and Staff: The airport is consistently praised for its cleanliness and the presence of friendly and helpful staff.
  • New Facilities and Amenities: Visitors appreciate the new operations building which enhances the overall experience. Amenities include a lounge, rest rooms, Wi-Fi, coffee, and snack vending.
  • On-site Dining: The airport features a delightful café or restaurant (Plane Jane's) located right on the tarmac, offering great breakfast and lunch while providing opportunities to watch planes.
  • Well-Maintained Airfield: The airfield itself is well-kept, contributing to a positive experience for pilots and visitors.
Common Complaints
  • Noise Pollution: Some residents express concerns about noise pollution due to low-flying planes over residential areas.
  • Lack of Air Traffic Control Tower: The absence of a control tower is a noted point, with some suggesting it could lead to better control of operations.
  • Environmental Concerns (Expansion): There is community opposition to a proposed airport expansion, citing potential issues with noise, air pollution, and risks to the drinking water aquifer.

Overall, Plymouth Municipal Airport is perceived as a pleasant, well-managed facility, particularly for general aviation and those seeking a relaxed airport experience with good dining options. However, local concerns about noise and environmental impacts of potential expansion are notable issues.

Generated False weeks ago
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This summary is automatically generated by AI based on web research of traveler reviews and experiences. AI-generated content may not always be 100% accurate.

Current Weather Conditions

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For Pilots

Designation Length Width Surface Status

Type Description Frequency

Ident Name Type Frequency

Airport Closure Information

Last updated: Nov 21, 2025
Closure Date

The airport was permanently closed sometime between 1998 and 2002. The last known aerial photograph showing the runway as actively marked and operational is from 1998. By 2002, aerial imagery clearly shows large, painted 'X' symbols on the runway, the standard visual indication of a closed airfield.

Reason for Closure

The closure was for economic and business reasons, directly linked to the death of its founder and primary user, Homer J. Umbaugh, in 1996. The airport was a private field built to serve his business, the Umbaugh Pole Building Company. After his passing, the corporate need for a dedicated private airfield diminished, making the cost of maintenance and operation unsustainable. The valuable land was subsequently sold and repurposed for more profitable industrial development.

Current Status

The site of the former airport has been completely redeveloped and is now the Umbaugh Industrial Park. The original paved runway is still clearly visible from satellite imagery but is no longer used for aviation. It has been repurposed as a private access road and a large-scale outdoor storage and staging area for a logistics company, often filled with truck trailers, construction materials, and other industrial equipment. The original hangar and other airport buildings have been integrated into the industrial complex, which houses various commercial tenants.

Historical Significance

HJ Umbaugh Airport (originally identified by the FAA as 3IN3) was a significant private airfield established in the 1960s. It was built by and named for Homer J. Umbaugh, a prominent local entrepreneur. The airport's primary function was to support the corporate travel needs of the Umbaugh Pole Building Company, a major employer and influential business in the region. It featured a single paved north/south runway, approximately 3,000 feet in length, along with a hangar and other facilities. The airport was a key asset for the company's operations and a symbol of its success, handling private and corporate aircraft for decades. It was always a private field, requiring prior permission to land.

Reopening Prospects

There are zero plans or prospects for reopening HJ Umbaugh Airport. The land has been permanently and fully converted to a non-aviation, industrial use. The critical infrastructure, including the runway, has been repurposed in a way that makes a return to aviation functionally impossible without demolishing the current industrial park. The general aviation needs of the Plymouth community are adequately served by the nearby Plymouth Municipal Airport (ICAO: KC65).

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