🇺🇸 Birchwood Airport

Birchwood Airport (PABV), located in Birchwood (Chugiak), Alaska, is a public-use, state-owned general aviation airport. It primarily serves single and twin-engine aircraft, gliders, ultralights, helicopters, and experimental aircraft, operating without a control tower.

The airport's history dates back to the 1940s when it was constructed as an emergency landing strip and backup airfield for Fort Richardson during World War II. After the war, the U.S. Army abandoned it, and it was turned over to the Territory of Alaska, becoming officially activated in 1949. In 1954, Birchwood resident Ralph Doyle cleared the runway and established Chugiak Aviation, offering flightseeing and flight school services.

Notable features include two runways: a 4,008 to 4,012-foot asphalt runway (02L/20R) and a shorter 1,800 to 1,802-foot asphalt/gravel runway (02R/20L), which also includes a 600-foot ultralight strip connected to a 1,200-foot gravel landing strip. The airport is equipped with an Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) and provides 100LL fuel, along with several aviation-related businesses. Approximately 320 aircraft are based at the field. Birchwood Airport is known for its open approaches and lower air traffic, making it a popular choice for new and student pilots.

Currently, Birchwood Airport is owned and operated by the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF). Discussions are underway for a potential transfer of ownership from the State of Alaska to the Municipality of Anchorage (MOA), a process estimated to take about 18 months from February 2022, to better serve local needs. The airport does not have winter maintenance, and pilots are advised to visually inspect runway conditions before landing.