Old round landing pad of former Grosse Ile Naval Air Station

Grosse Ile, Michigan (MI), US

Now Grosse Ile Municipal Airport

Picture

Very old airfields were large open spces, often round, that allowed a takeoff into the wind no matter the direction of the wind. I assume this must have really mattered in the underpowered trainers of the time.

In 1929, the U.S. Navy Air Station opened as a training school, seaplane base and dirigible hangar. The base operated until 1969, when it was closed and turned over to the Township in 1971 for operation as a general aviation airport.

The original runway was a unique circular design that afforded 3,000-foot all-way runways, which were lighted with flush, mounted lights.

Old round landing pad of former Grosse Ile Naval Air Station

Grosse Ile, Michigan (MI), US

Now Grosse Ile Municipal Airport

Picture

Very old airfields were large open spces, often round, that allowed a takeoff into the wind no matter the direction of the wind. I assume this must have really mattered in the underpowered trainers of the time.

In 1929, the U.S. Navy Air Station opened as a training school, seaplane base and dirigible hangar. The base operated until 1969, when it was closed and turned over to the Township in 1971 for operation as a general aviation airport.

The original runway was a unique circular design that afforded 3,000-foot all-way runways, which were lighted with flush, mounted lights.

Air Ports, Military - Historic
Links: www.grosseileairport.com
By: kjfitz