Linden Airport
| Linden Airport | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| IATA: LDJ – ICAO: KLDJ – FAA LID: LDJ | |||
| Summary | |||
| Airport type | Public | ||
| Operator | City of Linden | ||
| Location | Linden, New Jersey | ||
| Elevation AMSL | 23 ft / 7 m | ||
| Coordinates | 40°37′03″N 074°14′41″W / 40.6175°N 74.24472°WCoordinates: 40°37′03″N 074°14′41″W / 40.6175°N 74.24472°W | ||
| Runways | |||
| Direction | Length | Surface | |
| ft | m | ||
| 9/27 | 4,137 | 1,261 | Asphalt |
Linden Airport (IATA: LDJ, ICAO: KLDJ), also known as Linden Municipal Airport, is a small general aviation airport located along U.S. Route 1&9 in Linden, a city in Union County, New Jersey, southwest of New York City. This airport is publicly owned by the City of Linden.
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[edit] History
During World War II, a now closed (2005) and recently demolished (2009) General Motors automobile factory across the street from the airport called Linden Assembly, produced military aircraft.
When World War II started Grumman Aircraft Corporation contracted with the recently created Eastern Aircraft Corporation (a GM company) to take over the manufacture of the Wildcat and Avenger aircraft for the US Navy and its Allies. This would allow Grumman to focus on the development and production of Hellcat. The Wildcat was manufactured in Linden, NJ and towed across the street to the Linden Airport for test flying and delivery.
Construction of Linden Airport was started in the spring of 1942 and completed by October 1942. During the war Eastern Aircraft produced approximately 3,600 FM-1 and FM-2 Wildcats. After the war, Linden Airport was turned over to the city of Linden which still owns and operates the airport under contract.
The airport served as a temporary road racing course in 1954 when Al Keller drove a Jaguar to victory in the then-NASCAR Grand National Division (now known as the Sprint Cup Series). It was the last win by a non-American made nameplate until Kyle Busch, driving a Toyota, won the 2008 Kobalt Tools 500, spanning 53 years and nine months.
The original airport with its intersecting runways and large hangar remained intact until 1998 when the City of Linden, needing more tax-ratable property decided to divide up the underutilized airport to create a shopping center called Aviation Plaza on the north side of the field. A new airport was built on the south side complete with new taxiways, hangars and parking areas. The only remaining part of the original airport is the west to east (9-27) runway.
The airport is one of a few remaining general aviation airports and the only uncontrolled (no control tower) airport in the New York metro area. Its close proximity to New York City and relatively light air traffic makes it an ideal location for basing news helicopters for New York's news channels. In addition, the airport is home to many sightseeing and commuter helicopters that fill the skies over New York.
To keep the spirit of aviation alive for a younger generation, Aviation Explorer Post 224 was formed in the mid-1990s at Linden Airport. This post was formed by a group of Linden based pilots and airport management. Over the years, the Post has introduced young people to the exciting world of aviation many of whom have continued on to become private and commercial pilots.
In 2010, Linden Airport hosted the New York City round of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship.
[edit] Facilities
Linden Airport covers 188 acres (76 ha) and has one runway:
- Runway 9/27: 4,137 x 100 ft. (1,261 x 30 m), Surface: Asphalt
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Resources for this airport:
- AirNav airport information for KLDJ
- ASN accident history for LDJ
- FlightAware airport information and live flight tracker
- NOAA/NWS latest weather observations
- SkyVector aeronautical chart, Terminal Procedures
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