Meadows Field

Meadows Field
Meadows Field
Kern County Airport #1
Meadows Field logo.png
BFLExterior.JPG
Meadows Field Domestic Terminal
IATA: BFLICAO: KBFLFAA LID: BFL
Summary
Airport type Public
Owner/Operator Kern County
Serves Greater Bakersfield metropolitan area
Location Oildale, California
Elevation AMSL 507 ft / 154.5 m
Coordinates 35°26′01″N 119°03′24″W / 35.43361°N 119.05667°W / 35.43361; -119.05667
Website meadowsfield.com
Maps
BFL - FAA airport diagram
Meadows Field Airport Layout
Map of Bakersfield
Map of Bakersfield
BFL
Location of Meadows Field in Bakersfield
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
12L/30R 10,855 3,309 Asphalt
12R/30L 7,703 2,348 Asphalt
Source: Federal Aviation Administration[1]

Meadows Field is the primary airport serving the Greater Bakersfield metropolitan area, and one of two international airports in the San Joaquin Valley. Also known as Kern County Airport #1, it is located in Oildale, California, approximately 3 miles (4.8 km) northwest of Downtown Bakersfield. The airport is owned and operated by Kern County.

The airport covers 1,357 acres (549 ha) and has two runways. The main runway, 12L-30R, is the longest in the San Joaquin Valley. It is 10,855 by 150 feet (3,309 × 46 m), and is classified as a commercial D-IV runway, but is capable of serving Boeing 747 aircraft. The other parallel runway, 12R-30L, is 7,703 by 100 feet (2,348 × 30 m). It is classified as a general aviation B-II runway. Although only 75 feet width is required for this classification, the runway is 25 feet wider to allow it to serve as an alternate runway for turboprop and small regional jet aircraft.[2]

Contents

History

Early history

Aviation has been linked to Kern County almost as long as the existence of the industry. In 1891, Charles Howard ascended in a hot air balloon to 1,000 feet (300 m). He then proceeded to jump and landed safely with a parachute he designed and constructed. By 1910, only seven years after the Wright Brothers first airplane flight, aircraft began arriving in the county. They were brought in by Glenn Curtiss (in conjunction with the Kern County Board of Trade). The first flight in the area was flown by Charles Hamilton.[3]

At the time, Bakersfield was served directly by two airfields. The more prominent field was located at the intersection of Sacramento and Monterey Streets, in East Bakersfield (at the time was primarily empty fields). It was named Bernard Field and was run by the Pacific Aero Club. The field would serve as a stop for US Air Mail between 1923 to 1926 (it was moved to Meadows Field in 1926). Another airfield was located on the Panorama Bluffs in Northeast Bakersfield, where Greenlawn Mortuary is located today.[3]

With the development of commercial air service, it became evident that Bakersfield needed a purpose built commercial airport. In 1926, the Kern County Chamber of Commerce constructed and operated a new airport called Kern County Airport No. 1. Originally located at the intersection of U.S. Route 99 and Norris Road, the following year it was moved one mile east to its current location.[4][5] The original facility would consist of one runway, one terminal building, and a few hangars and other aircraft related buildings. In 1935, Kern County would purchase the airport from the Chamber of Commerce. It would be the first county owned airport in the nation.[5]

United States Army Air Force use

In September 1939, war broke out in Europe, prompting Congress to appropriate $40 million for Development of Landing Areas for National Defense (DLAND). Under DLAND, the Secretaries of War, Commerce, and the Navy approved expenditures for airports. By 1941, the Army Air Corps had begun directing aid to Meadows Field for improvements to include operation of airport towers.

In late 1943, The United States Army Air Forces acquired usage rights to Meadows Field. It was placed under the jurisdiction of the IV Fighter Command. The 481st Night Fighter Operational Training Group (NFOTG) used the faciity as part of the Army Air Forces Night Fighter School which had transferred from Florida to Hammer Field, California. Meadows Field was used as an auxiliary training airfield and the school operated a combination of modified Douglas A-20 Havocs for night fighter operations, designated P-70, and brand-new prototype YP-61 Black Widow purpose-built night fighters.

Between 1 May and 12 July 1944, the 427th Night Fighter Squadron trained at Meadows Field; the 549th Night Fighter Squadron between July and October 1944. In addition, flights of P-61s from the 426th, 547th, 548th and 550th Night Fighter Squadrons moved in and out of Meadows Field during 1944 as part of their training prior to being deployed to combat units, primarily in the Pacific and CBI theaters.

In December 1944, the 481st NFOTG was inactivated as part of an AAF reorganization. Meadows Field was placed on standby status and the airport was only used for emergency purposes, being under the control of Hammer Field.

With the end of the war, the base was declared excess to requirements and returned to civil control.

Return to civil control and expansion

After the war, Meadows Field would return to its previous role as a commercial airport. Air service would increase as the industry continued to develop. In the mid 1950's, with the advent of the jet age, Kern County would modernize the airport. Additional land was purchased, and new facilities were constructed. In 1957, a new terminal would be constructed east of the runway, and would replace the original terminal. The new building would also house the control tower. That same year, the county would rename the airport to Meadows Field (by a board of minute order on August 6, 1957), after Cecil Meadows.[5] He was the county's Director of Airports from 1935–1957, except during World War II, when he served as a pilot in the armed forces. He was also responsible for the county purchasing the airport and the subsequent modernization efforts.

Deregulation and decline

The airport would see a continued increase in air service throughout the 1950's and 1960's. By 1975, annual emplanements would reach 97,000. The expansion of growth would end with airline deregulation in 1978. While other major cities saw a decrease of prices and increase in service, almost all air service was eliminated from Meadows Field in favor of other airports such as Los Angeles International Airport (approximately 120 miles (190 km) south). The City of Bakersfield and the County of Kern attempted to prevent a reduction in service by filing a joint lawsuit; however, the court sided with the federal government.[6] Within three years, annual emplanements would fall 59%, from 147,866 in 1978 to 60,958 in 1981 (although the next year it would rebound to 90,000). Air service would eventually average 120,000 enplanements between 1980 and 2000.[7]

Service was expensive compared to nearby airports, and normally ran during inconvenient times. Service was also inconsistent, with airlines frequently starting and ending routes. During the same time period, the region also saw a large growth in population. While the City of Bakersfield grew 134%, and the County of Kern grew 64%, the airport did not see an increase in service to match.[7][8][9] Except for the lengthening of the main runway to accommodate wide body jets in 1987, few improvements were done at Meadows Field during that time period.

Rebirth and rise to international airport

In the early 2000's, the county started an initiative to address the problems in air service. In 2002, it was estimated that about 400,000 people who lived in the service area of the airport chose to fly from a different location, 25% of those flew to destinations in Mexico.[10] Kern County started multiple projects to address the reluctance of airlines to use the airport. They included: installing centerline landing lights on the main runway, extending the second runway to 7,700 feet (the length most airplanes that use the airport would need), construction of a new terminal with sky bridges and inside baggage claim, and remodeling the existing terminal to accommodate international flights.[11] Most improvements were completed by 2006, with the international terminal completed in 2007.

Initial response was favorable. Four new airlines would start service at the airport, including international service to Mexico. One airline (ExpressJet) would use the airport as its hub, with direct service to several cities. This would also increase emplanements above the levels set in 1978.[12] However, high gas prices and the subsequent recession of 2008 would reduce service to 2002 levels, including the loss of its international carrier. However, the US Customs house would remain open. In addition to serving international charter and unscheduled flights, it would process international cargo. Both the Tejon Industrial Complex (south of Bakersfield) and the International Trade and Transportation Center (in Shafter, west of Bakersfield) would lease warehouse space at the airport for use by their clients.[13]

Terminals

William M. Thomas Terminal (Domestic)

William M. Thomas Terminal has three gates and houses United Express and US Airways Express. It serves all domestic flights at the airport. The terminal also contains an Omni Goods gift shop and a Blimpie restaurant. Features of the terminal include a rotunda with compass point floor design and a scaled model of Spaceship One (which flew out of Mojave about 50 miles (80 km) east of Bakersfield). It is also constructed on a hill, which allows for all passenger services to be on the second level, while airport services are on the first. The terminal was constructed in 2006 at a cost of $33.8 million.[14] It was initially occupied by United Express, US Airways Express, Delta Connection, and ExpressJet.

Kern County Air Terminal (International)

Kern County Air Terminal has three open air gates, and is currently closed. The terminal was closed in 2008, when the only carrier, Mexicana, ended scheduled international flights. The adjacent US Customs house remains open, and processes both international charter flights and international cargo. If the terminal was opened, it would serve all international flights.

The terminal was constructed in 1957, and originally served all domestic flights. A variety of carrier would operate out of the terminal, as companies started and ended service at the airport. In 2006, the terminal was served by United Express and US Airways Express. That same year, they would move to the new Domestic Terminal. The Kern County Air Terminal would undergo a $1 million renovation and an adjacent $7 million US Customs house would be constructed.[15] The number of gates would also be reduced from 5 to 3. The terminal would reopen in 2007, and was initially occupied by Mexicana.

Airlines and destinations

Scheduled passenger services

Airlines Destinations
United Express operated by SkyWest Airlines Denver, Houston-Intercontinental[note 1], Los Angeles, San Francisco
US Airways Express operated by Mesa Airlines Phoenix

Scheduled cargo services

Airlines Destinations
Ameriflight Ontario
FedEx Feeder operated by West Air Ontario


Traffic and statistics

Busiest Domestic Routes from Bakersfield (June 2010 - May 2011) [16]
Rank Airport Passengers[note 2] Carriers[note 3]
1 Arizona Phoenix, Arizona 55,000 US Airways Express
2 California San Fransico, California 19,000 United Express
3 Colorado Denver, Colorado 17,000 United Express
4 California Los Angeles, California 11,000 United Express
5 Nevada Las Vegas, Nevada 7,000 Allegiant Air
6 Texas Houston, Texas 4,000 United Express[note 1]
7 Tennessee Memphis, Tennessee <1,000
8 Arizona Tucson, Arizona <1,000
9 Texas San Antonio, Texas <1,000
10 Oklahoma Tulsa, Oklahoma <1,000
Traffic by calendar year
Passengers
2002 192,027
2003 179,860
2004 236,560
2005 291,091
2006 345,149
2007 329,699
2008 285,951
2009 208,677
2010 213,001
Source: Meadows Field[17]

Terminal connections

Although the International Terminal is currently closed (the US Customhouse remains open), when the terminal was open there was no airport transportation between it and the Domestic Terminal. There is also no road connection, or pedestrian access between the two terminals. For passengers to transfer, they would leave the airport and turn left on Airport Drive. They would then turn left on Merle Haggard Drive. Passengers would then reenter the airport at Wings Way, a distance of approximately 2.5 miles (4.0 km). There is a long term plan to extend Wings Way through the airport, which would provide a more direct connection, but there is no date for construction.[18]

Ground transportation

Road

The airport is located at the intersection of Merle Haggard Drive and Airport Drive, in Oildale (also called North Bakersfield). Access to the Domestic Terminal is from Merle Haggard Drive while access to the International Terminal is from Airport Drive. The primary signed route to the airport is via SR 99 (Golden State Freeway). Drivers traveling north exit at Porterville Highway (SR 65) while drivers traveling south exit at 7th Standard Road/Merle Haggard Drive. In both cases, drivers then turn east on Merle Haggard Drive, which leads to the airport. There is an alternate signed route via Golden State Highway (SR 204 Freeway). Drivers exit at Airport Drive, and travel north to the airport.

The Domestic Terminal provides fee parking for both short term, and long term parking. People can also park for free in the short term parking for a limited amount of time.[19] The International Terminal provides free parking for both short term, and long term parking.

Public transportation

Public transportation to the airport is provided exclusively by Golden Empire Transit (GET). Travel to/from the International Terminal is provided by Route 3 (Downtown), which runs between the Downtown Transit Center and North Bakersfield. The bus will only stop at the terminal when requested. There are no scheduled bus routes to the Domestic Terminal. Special express service is provided between the terminal and the Downtown Transit Center, if requested 24 hours in advance.[20]

Rental car/Taxi

Rental cars are only available at the Domestic Terminal. Currently four companies are located at the airport.[19] Rental car counter space is on the east side of the terminal, with the car lots directly outside the east exit.

Taxi stands are located outside the north entrance to the terminal, across the street. Taxis are typically available when flights are arriving at the airport. Meadows Field also list two taxi companies on their website, which provide 24 hour pickup, if no taxis are available.[19]

Future

Kern County has planned several improvements to the airport over the next 20 years, all of which are based on future demand.

Passenger

The domestic terminal was constructed in anticipation of future expansion. Currently it has three sky bridges to connect passengers to airplanes. Without any new construction, two additional sky bridges can be added. The existing gate area can then be extended towards the runway for an additional seven gates. After that, a new concourse can be constructed on the west side of the terminal for 12 more gates. That puts the ultimate capacity for the terminal at 24 gates.[21]

Other facilities are planned to expand with these future changes to the terminal. The existing parking lot will grow both east and west. The rental car parking lots will be consolidated and relocated east of the terminal. Wings Way, the road that connects to the airport, will be extend to Airport Drive, and connect to Day Avenue.[22]

Cargo

Currently, all cargo operations are conducted out of a small facility, east of the international terminal. A new, expanded cargo facility is planned west of Merle Haggard Drive, north of the runway. Ultimate build out will contain 12 sortation buildings, 30,000 square feet (2,800 m2) each. A road will connect then to trucking/warehouse/distribution facilities west of the airport. That road will terminate at Porterville Highway (SR 65) and Merle Haggard Drive (at Wings Way). Other aviation-related structures are planned in the area.[22]

In addition, there is a long term plan to construct a third parallel runway. Designated 13-31, it will be located north of the cargo facilities, as well as Merle Haggard Drive. The runway is planned to be 8,000 feet (2,400 m) long and 150 feet (46 m) wide. It will be widely spaced, which will allow for simultaneous Instrument Flight Rule (IFR).[23]

See also

Gallery

Notes

  1. ^ a b Houston-Intercontinenal flights are operated under the Continental Airlines reservation code.
  2. ^ List includes both non-stop and multiple stops to a given destination. Destinations with less than 1,000 passengers are listed in the same order as the Bureau of Transportation Statistics list.
  3. ^ Carriers list only include non-stop service to a given destination.

References

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Air Force Historical Research Agency.

Inline citations

  1. ^ FAA Airport Master Record for BFL. Accessed: 9-26-2010.
  2. ^ Meadows Field - Master Plan. County of Kern. December 2006. Page 3-4.
  3. ^ a b Brewer, Chris. Historic Kern County. Historic Publishing Network: San Antonio, Texas. 2001. ISBN 1-893619-14-1. Pages: 70-71.
  4. ^ Meadows Field Airport - Master Plan. County of Kern. December 2006. Page 1-5.
  5. ^ a b c Darling, Curtis. Kern County Place Names. Kern County Historical Society. 2003. ISBN 0-943500-18-4. Page: 89.
  6. ^ County of Kern and City of Bakersfield vs Civil Aeronautics Board and United Airlines. United States Ninth Circuit of Appeals. Nos. 79-7308, 80-7099. May 13, 1981. Accessed: 10-28-2011.
  7. ^ a b Meadows Field Airport - Airport Master Plan. December 2006. Page: 2-12.
  8. ^ http://www.bakersfieldcity.us/cityservices/devsrv/pdfs/population_and_housing_data.pdf Population and Housing Data]. City of Bakersfield. Accessed: 10-28-2011.
  9. ^ Population by counties 1900-1990, California. US Census. Accessed: 10-28-2011
  10. ^ Meadows Field - Master Plan. County of Kern. December 2006. Page 2-13.
  11. ^ Meadows Field Status. Kern County Department of Airports. June 28, 2005. Accessed: 11-03-2011.
  12. ^ Passenger Enplanements and Deplanements. Meadows Field. Accessed: 10-30-2011.
  13. ^ What's Up. Meadows Field. November, 2010. Page 1. Accessed: 10-30-2011.
  14. ^ Weiser, Matt. New Bakersfield Terminal Set to Take Flight. The Bakersfield Californian. June 28, 2003. Accessed: 11-03-2011.
  15. ^ Burger, James.Did the County Waste Millions on International Terminal. The Bakersfield Californian. April 29, 2008. Accessed: 11-03-2011.
  16. ^ "RITA | BTS | Transtats". Transtats.bts.gov. http://www.transtats.bts.gov/airports.asp?pn=1&Airport=BFL&Airport_Name=Bakersfield,%20CA:%20Meadows%20Field&carrier=FACTS. Retrieved September 13, 2011. 
  17. ^ "Airport Statistics - Passenger Enplanements and Deplanements". Meadows Field. http://www.meadowsfield.com/pdf/statistics.pdf. Retrieved September 13, 2011. 
  18. ^ Meadows Field Airport - Master Plan. County of Kern. December 2006. Page 5-2.
  19. ^ a b c Parking and Ground Transportation. Meadows Field. Accessed: 09-16-2011.
  20. ^ Airport Transportation. Golden Empire Transit. Accessed: 09-16-2011.
  21. ^ Meadows Field Airport - Airport Master Plan. County of Kern. June 20, 2006. Pages 3-19, 5-2 to 5-3.
  22. ^ a b Meadows Field Airport - Airport Master Plan. County of Kern. June 20, 2006. Pages 5-2 to 5-3.
  23. ^ Meadows Field Airport - Airport Master Plan. County of Kern. June 20, 2006. Pages 4-6, 5-2 to 5-3.

Other sources

  • Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units Of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0892010924.
  • Mauer, Mauer (1969), Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II, Air Force Historical Studies Office, Maxwell AFB, Alabama. ISBN 0892010975
  • Shaw, Frederick J. (2004), Locating Air Force Base Sites History’s Legacy, Air Force History and Museums Program, United States Air Force, Washington DC, 2004.
  • FAA Airport Master Record for BFL (Form 5010 PDF)
  • Meadows Field (official site)

External links


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