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Roanoke–Blacksburg Regional Airport

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Roanoke Regional Airport

Woodrum Field
Roanoke Regional Airport main terminal building
Summary
OperatorRoanoke Regional Airport Commission
ServesRoanoke Valley
LocationRoanoke, Virginia
Elevation AMSL1,175 ft / 358.1 m
Coordinates37°19′31.7″N 79°58′31.5″W / 37.325472°N 79.975417°W / 37.325472; -79.975417
Websitehttp://www.roanokeairport.com/
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
6/24 6,800 2,073 Asphalt-Grooved
15/33 5,810 1,771 Asphalt-Grooved
Helipads
Number Length Surface
ft m
H1 60 18 Asphalt

Roanoke Regional Airport (IATA: ROA, ICAO: KROA), also known as Woodrum Field, is a public airport located approximately 5 miles (8.0 km) north of downtown Roanoke, Virginia. In 2006 there were 326,214 passenger enplanements in Roanoke making it the sixth busiest airport in the state of Virginia in terms of enplanements.[2] It has two runways and over 60 scheduled flights each day. The airport is governed by the five-member Roanoke Regional Airport Commission that includes representatives from both the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County.

Local residents and businesses sometimes complain about the airport's limited number of non-stop flights and lack of low priced fares.[3] Airport officials estimate that around a third of airline tickets purchased by area residents are for travel from other airports. Competition includes Piedmont Triad International Airport near Greensboro, North Carolina as an alternate and others farther away which have service from Southwest Airlines or international flights.[4][5] However, aviation industry consultant Michael Boyd compared Roanoke's level of air service favorably to similarly sized cities.[5]

History

After World War I, the idea of opening an airport to serve the Roanoke Valley became more of a priority for local leaders. The original purpose of the facility was to provide for a landing strip, aircraft storage as well as serving as a flight school for local residents.[6] The original location of Roanoke's airport was 6 miles (9.7 km) north of the Roanoke city limits in Roanoke County. The location for the airport was secured on July 1, 1929, when the city signed the lease on the land to operate the Roanoke Municipal Airport.[6] The original facility featured a single 83 feet (25 m) x 100 feet (30 m) hangar and a pair of dirt runways, with the first commercial service commencing in 1933 with Ludington Airlines making Roanoke a stop on their New York to Nashville route.[6]

By 1934, American Airways would begin service to Roanoke only to move their operations to Lynchburg in 1937 due to the poor conditions in Roanoke.[6] After American's withdrawal, city leaders determined a new facility needed to be constructed to replace the existing field. Taking control of the facility in 1937, Roanoke City purchased the original hangar, with WPA funds paying the costs of paving the runways. After being declared a national defense project, federal funds became available to complete the facility, and on December 15, 1941, the new facility was dedicated.[6] Named Woodrum Field in honor of Clifton A. Woodrum, the congressional representative from Virginia's Sixth District, American reestablished service to Roanoke with its opening.[6]

Service to Roanoke would gradually increase with Eastern Airlines beginning service on November 1, 1945, followed by Piedmont Airlines on April 16, 1948.[6] Piedmont would grow to become the dominant air carrier serving Roanoke through its 1988 merger with USAir. Originally serving Roanoke with only a pair of flights carrying 42 passengers from the city in 1948, by the 1970s, Piedmont had established a hub in Roanoke with 45 daily flights and serving 330,000 passengers by 1973.[6] By 1982, Piedmont accounted for 89 percent of all passengers traveling through Roanoke.[7]

With facilities at maximum capacity, the need for upgrades became necessary for the airport to continue to grow. A proposal for runway expansion as well as facilities upgrades was developed in 1975, but subsequently put on hold while a new regional airport was being studied.[6] During this time airline deregulation occurred and Roanoke's facilities resulted in a decline of service to the city in the wake of deregulation and the phasing out of turbo prop aircraft in favor of jet aircraft by the airlines.[6]

Between 1984-1985, Roanoke City developed an Airport Master Plan calling for $43.8 million to be spent in the development of a new terminal building in addition to other improvements throughout the site.[8] With $15.4 million secured in state and local funds for its implementation, the remainder of the costs was to be covered by local authorities.[8] From this need for funding, the idea for the creation of Regional Airport Commission to oversee airport operations was proposed. Approved by the Virginia General Assembly on February 18, 1986, and initiated on July 1, 1987, the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission consists of 5 members with three coming from Roanoke City and two coming from Roanoke County.[8] The creation of the commission ended Roanoke's role as the sole operator of the airport which had stretched from 1934 through 1987.[8]

The airport added non-stop service to Orlando in May 2006[9] and Tampa in December 2006[10] with Allegiant Air. This is largely seen as the product of an effort by local leaders to bring new and improved service to the airport through both existing and new carriers. Earlier attempts to lobby AirTran Airways[11][12] and the now defunct Independence Air[13] to serve the airport were unsuccessful.

Airlines and destinations

The Delta Connection staff is employed by Comair which, at the moment, does not fly to Roanoke.[14] Chautauqua operates the current flights to/from Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and Roanoke.

Former airlines and destinations

Cargo airlines

Aircraft

  • Allegiant Air uses MD-81/83 jet aircraft seating 130-150 people.
  • Delta Connection carriers use Canadair Regional Jets (ASA), which seat up to 50 passengers, and the Embraer 135 (Chautauqua) which seats 37 passengers.
  • Northwest Airlink carriers flying from Roanoke operate Canadair Regional Jets or Saab 340 turboprop aircraft.
  • United Express employs an all regional jet fleet at Roanoke Regional, the Embraer 145 and Canadair Regional Jets are the standard for flights to Chicago and Washington-Dulles
  • US Airways Express contracts a number of regional carriers to fly into Roanoke. Their aircraft are as follows:
    • Air Wisconsin--Canadair Regional Jets (50 seat medium range regional jets)
    • Piedmont Airlines--DeHavilland Dash 8-100/300 (30-50 seat turboprop aircraft)
    • PSA Airlines--Canadair Regional Jets (50 seat regional jet aircraft)

Facilities

Terminal

The current terminal building was designed by the Charlotte based architectural firm of Odell Associates and was built to serve as a replacement for the 1953 terminal, later demolished in 2005.[21] With construction commencing in 1987[8] and opening in October 1989 at a cost of $25 million, the Y-shaped building features a front of blue-tinted, reflecting glass with exposed white triangular tube steel trusses.[22] The lobby interior features an arched brick wall leading out into a central plaza and front courtyard at the main entrance. The terminal was constructed to handle passengers expected through the year 2010, with a design that allows for expansion when warranted.[22] Outside the terminal is an abstract, steel sculpture by New York artist Albert Paley entitled Aurora. Installed in October 1990, the sculpture is 21 feet (6.4 m) feet in height.[23]

Landside facilities include check-in, car rental, baggage claim and a taxi hire. The upper-level has a small cafe and newsstand. The upper-level Airside boasts 7 gates (Gates 1-6 and 5A), and a small cafe area.[24] Additionally, the entire terminal has been a free, wi-fi hotspot since April 2, 2003, when the service was initiated.[25] Due to the extremely simple layout of the terminal, during off-peak times, check-in to departure gate travel time rarely exceeds 7-9 minutes.

There has been talk of a terminal expansion for some time now, though official plans have yet to be announced.[22] However, with the gate space being used to 100% capacity at peak times, there is very little capacity available for new flights unless they arrive and depart at off-peak times (10AM-12PM),(7PM-10PM).

Runways

There are 2 primary air carrier runways. The largest is Runway 6/24 6,800 feet (2,100 m) x 150 feet (46 m) and Runway 15/33 is 5,810 feet (1,770 m) x 150 feet (46 m).[1] Each of the two runways was originally completed in 1942.[26]

Originally 5,900 feet (1,800 m) in length, an expansion to lengthen Runway 6/24 was originally envisioned in the 1970s.[27] However, expansion was delayed until the early 1980s while a proposed new regional airport serving Roanoke, Lynchburg and Martinsville to be built in Bedford County was evaluated.[27] Once the regional airport proposal was scrapped, the expansion was completed in 1985 and added 900 feet (270 m) to its eastern end to allow for fully loaded jet aircraft to take off and land with a full load.[27] The expansion also resulted in the creation of a tunnel beneath Runway 06/24 along Virginia State Route 118.[28] Completed between 1983 and 1985, it is maintained by the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission.[28] The most recent runway refurbishment was completed in 2002 in addition to the relocating one of the taxiways to prevent runway incursions.[26]

Due to the size and layout of its runways, the airport has been rated among the top 10 airports within a couple of hours of Andrews Air Force Base for training pilots in the 89th Operations Group. This group is responsible for piloting Air Force One as the Special Air Mission fleet for the President of the United States.[29]

Control tower

Throughout its history, Roanoke Regional's has had five separate control towers serve the airport.[30] The first tower was commissioned in March 1943, and the fourth was commissioned on June 6, 1952 and located atop the original terminal building.[30] With the opening of the new terminal in 1989, a replacement tower became necessary in order to allow for the demolition of the original terminal building. Additionally, it would also provide controllers unobstructed views of the entire airport, which was not the case in the original structure.[30]

Federal funding for a new tower fell through in both 1993 and 1997, but in 1999 the FAA announced they were restarting the Roanoke project paving he way for its construction.[31] The present tower is 197 feet (60 m) in height and has been operational since it was commissioned by the FAA on December 5, 2004. It was officially dedicated on May 16, 2005 in honor of former Roanoke air traffic manager John Hinkle.[31]

29 air traffic controllers work the Roanoke tower, and its radar also provides air-traffic services for Lynchburg, Dublin, Blacksburg, Smith Mountain Lake, New London, Brookneal and the Falwell Airport in Lynchburg.[30] The total airspace controlled by Roanoke stretches from the Mountain Empire region to Farmville.[30]

Parking and ground transportation

Roanoke Regional features a large surface parking lot, which is divided into long term (996 spaces) and short term (226 spaces) parking.[32] An additional 598 parking spaces are available in an overflow lot across Aviation Drive during peak travel times.[33] In service since 1990,[34] a small parking shuttle bus operates every 10 to 15 minutes between 6 a.m. and midnight.[33] Future improvements to the parking areas envision the construction of a multi-level parking garage atop the site of the existing long term lot.[35]

The airport is accessible from via Aviation Drive, which branches off Hershberger Road just east of Exit 3E off I-581 leading to downtown Roanoke.[36] The airport can also be accessed from Virginia State Route 118 by connecting with Municipal Drive just east of the terminal.[36]

Major rental car companies Alamo, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz and National serve the airport. Taxi and limousine service is provided by local companies.[37]

The airport is also served by the Smart Way Bus, with its stop located outside the eastern end of the terminal. Operating Monday through Saturday, the Smart Way serves both downtown Roanoke as well as Salem, Christiansburg, Blacksburg and Virginia Tech.[38] Although Valley Metro does not directly serve the main terminal, Route 16 does make a scheduled stop just east of the main parking lot.[39]

Accidents

References

  1. ^ a b "Airport Diagram for Roanoke Regional/Woodrum Field" (PDF). FAA Airport Diagrams. FAA. Retrieved 2008-02-10. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  2. ^ "Primary and Nonprimary Commercial Service Airports (by Rank Order)" (PDF). CY 2006 Passenger Boarding and All-Cargo Data. FAA. Retrieved 2008-02-10. {{cite web}}: |first= missing |last= (help); Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  3. ^ Caliri, Lois (September 7, 2002). "Roanoke offers direct flights to NY". The Roanoke Times. pp. A8. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  4. ^ Rogers, Christina (November 22, 2006). "Leaving Roanoke to find...cheaper airfare". The Roanoke Times. pp. A1. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  5. ^ a b Caliri, Lois (July 17, 2004). "Expert: Not enough traffic to woo carrier". The Roanoke Times. pp. C8. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Kagey, Deedie (1988). "Up and Away with Aviation/Roanoke Regional Airport". When Past Is Prologue: A History of Roanoke County (1st ed.). Roanoke, VA: Roanoke County Sesquicentennial Committee. pp. 444–450.
  7. ^ a b Shuck, Jacqueline (May 26, 1997). "For its size, Roanoke has good air service". The Roanoke Times. pp. B3. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  8. ^ a b c d e Kagey, Deedie (1988). "The Airport Commission". When Past Is Prologue: A History of Roanoke County (1st ed.). Roanoke, VA: Roanoke County Sesquicentennial Committee. p. 607.
  9. ^ Kantor, Eric (May 25, 2006). "Gone to Florida". The Roanoke Times. pp. A1. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  10. ^ Kantor, Eric (September 29, 2006). "Allegiant takes to Florida's waters". The Roanoke Times. pp. C10. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  11. ^ Caliri, Lois (September 11, 2003). "Effort to attract AirTran accelerates". The Roanoke Times. pp. A9. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  12. ^ Flowers, Shanna (November 7, 2006). "Roanoke should speak up to AirTran". The Roanoke Times. pp. B1. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  13. ^ Adams, Duncan (March 25, 2004). "Airline's plan diverted from Roanoke for now". The Roanoke Times. pp. C8. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  14. ^ "Comair: Customer Service Agent". Comair. Retrieved 2008-02-15. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  15. ^ Edwards, Greg (December 14, 1994). "Airlines stop service: Roanoke loses American Eagle". The Roanoke Times. pp. B8. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  16. ^ Schnabel, Megan (September 20, 1997). "Continental Express cuts back both daily flights from Roanoke". The Roanoke Times. pp. A5. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  17. ^ "Eastern Airlines". Archive.com: The Museum of Commercial Aviation. Retrieved 2008-02-19. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  18. ^ Turner, Joel (October 18, 1990). "Roanoke adds flights to Dayton". The Roanoke Times. pp. B4. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  19. ^ "Piedmont Airlines". Archive.com: The Museum of Commercial Aviation. Retrieved 2008-02-19. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  20. ^ Howes, Daniel (December 5, 1992). "Flights to Newark on the way". The Roanoke Times. pp. A8. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help))
  21. ^ Adams, Duncan (December 4, 2004). "Controllers on cloud nine in new tower". The Roanoke Times. pp. C10. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  22. ^ a b c Turner, Joel (August 12, 1990). "Airport designed to reflect valley". The Roanoke Times. pp. D1. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  23. ^ DeBell, Jeff (October 26, 1990). "Art comes to airport". The Roanoke Times. pp. B3. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  24. ^ "Roanoke Regional Airport: Terminal Map". Roanoke Regional Airport Authority. Retrieved 2008-02-15. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  25. ^ Adams, Duncan (April 3, 2003). "Roanoke airport now internet ready". The Roanoke Times. pp. A7. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  26. ^ a b Caliri, Lois (May 15, 2002). "Improvements take off at airport - Construction work resumes at Roanoke Regional Airport". The Roanoke Times. pp. A9. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  27. ^ a b c Turner, Joel (July 1, 1991). "Retiring manager got airport off ground". The Roanoke Times. pp. A3. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  28. ^ a b Taylor, Leslie (August 8, 1996). "Question: Is there a flight at the end of the tunnel?". The Roanoke Times. pp. C1. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  29. ^ Kojima, Emi (May 5, 2002). "Roanoke's patriotic duty - Air Force pilots sharpen skills at Roanoke Regional Airport". The Roanoke Times. pp. A1. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  30. ^ a b c d e Caliri, Lois (February 8, 2004). "Tower power". The Roanoke Times. pp. B1. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  31. ^ a b Caliri, Lois (May 17, 2005). "Control tower dedication finally arrives". The Roanoke Times. pp. C1. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  32. ^ Johnson, Rob (October 31, 2007). "Roanoke airport sees all departure seats booked". The Roanoke Times. pp. C8. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  33. ^ a b Sturgeon, Jeff (December 14, 2007). "Potential for delay is gathering at the airport". The Roanoke Times. pp. C8. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  34. ^ Turner, Joel (January 18, 1990). "Approval given for shuttlebus at airport". The Roanoke Times. pp. B4. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  35. ^ Caliri, Lois (January 29, 1999). "Traffic, plans soar at airport". The Roanoke Times. pp. A7. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  36. ^ a b "Roanoke Regional Airport: Getting Here". Roanoke Regional Airport Authority. Retrieved 2008-02-10. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  37. ^ "Roanoke Regional Airport: Terminal Services". Car Rental. Roanoke Regional Airport Authority. Retrieved 2008-02-17. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  38. ^ "The Smart Way Commuter Bus: Schedules". Valley Metro. Retrieved 2008-02-10. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  39. ^ "Valley Metro: Schedules - Routes 12 & 16" (PDF). Valley Metro. Retrieved 2008-02-15. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
  40. ^ "Piedmont Aviation, Flight 22 Aircraft Accident Report" (PDF). NTSB. Retrieved 2008-02-15. {{cite news}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |coauthors= (help)
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