How to Find Small Airfields

There are literally thousands of small airfields around the globe. Small airfields are of interest to those who enjoy studying the operations, those who fly private planes for pleasure or business and for those interested in the history of aviation. Find small airfields in a variety of ways, using several different sources. Read on to learn how.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Determine your geographic search area. There are small airfields all over the world. If you are interested in small airfields as a hobby, choose several countries. Concentrate on those before moving onto others.

2. Order aviation visual flight photographs for the geographic search area. These are available from flight simulation websites, map retailers online and map stores. Flight simulation websites often post stories written by those who have taken trips to small airfields.

3. Locate small airfields by state. Free websites have search information. If you plan to fly to one of these, make sure it's still in operation.

4. Find small airfields around the world. Websites designed for planning trips by private plane have listings.

5. Learn the history of the small airfields you find. There are many small airfields with rich history in military and commercial development that are no longer in use but can still be seen, as well as others that are still in operation.

6. Trade information with others who find small airfields. Flight simulation websites and blogs have places where you can tell others about some of the great small airfields you find.

Tips & Warnings

• Paul Freeman has a large collection of information about U.S. small and abandoned airfields, including the history for many of them.
• Some flight simulation websites require you become a member for free or for a small fee, but they have extensive information and places to trade stories.
• Start your own website or blog with information about small airfields you find as a way of interacting with others who have the same interest.

Resources

• The Paul Freeman website lists small and abandoned airfields by state.
• The Landings website has listings of small airfields all over the world.
• Flight Sim shares photographic information and stories about small airfields.