Ford Airport in Iron Mountain Has Tripled in Size in 20 Years, With More Hangars Under Construction
Why It MattersSustained hangar and based-aircraft growth at a small regional field shows general aviation and regional air service expanding beyond major hubs, tightening local demand for pilots and mechanics.
Ford Airport in Iron Mountain, Michigan, has more than tripled in size over the last 20 years, airport manager Tim Howen said, as the number of hangars and based aircraft continues to climb. The airport now has more than 25 hangars on site, with more under construction. Howen said, "We've tripled in size in the last 20 years as far as the number of hangars, the number of aircraft that are based here. We've grown faster than we can keep up actually." He attributed part of the growth to the airport's friendly atmosphere and the shared interests of the people based there.
Two new private hangars are under construction, including the largest ever built on the property. CSA Air, a FedEx regional partner that has operated for more than 40 years, runs over 30 flights per day in and out of Ford Airport. Todd Silverstone, CSA Air's general manager and director of operations, said the expansion projects create more room, including space for additional aircraft, and that continued growth should help attract more pilots and mechanics to the area.
SkyWest Airlines, a Delta Air Lines partner, operates two flights in and out of Iron Mountain, and Ford Airport officials said monthly boardings are up compared with last year. Mindy Urban, executive director of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, said the development at the airport is an indicator of broader growth in Dickinson County over the past year or so.
