Dutchess County Airport
Encyclopedia
Dutchess County Airport is a county-owned public-use airport
located on State Route 376
in the Town of Wappinger
, Dutchess County
, New York
, United States
, four miles (6 km) south of the central business district
of Poughkeepsie
. It is sometimes called Poughkeepsie Airport, which gives it the code POU. The airport provides corporate and general aviation transportation services.
in the 1930s and was used for pilot training during World War II
by the US Army Air Forces. Known as New Hackensack Field at the time for the nearby hamlet, it was used by students at the United States Military Academy
and as an extension of military
training conducted at Stewart Field
. On British Prime Minister Winston Churchill
flew from Naval Air Station Anacostia to New Hackensack Field, where he was met by President
Franklin D. Roosevelt
, who had driven from his Hyde Park home
.
After the Second World War, the airport was turned over to the county for the sum of $1 and guarantees that it would remain open as part of the Surplus Property Act
of 1944 by the War Assets Administration
. It was then used for general aviation
. IBM
built a hangar and based its corporate aircraft and helicopters at the airport, including Gulfstream II jets in the 1970s–1980s. In the 1970s, Cessna
built and ran a Cessna Citation
maintenance facility on the airport grounds.
. Its service to POU in 1956 was a DC-3 aircraft from New York City
's LaGuardia Airport
, making an 11:50 am Monday-Friday flag stop enroute to Montreal
and Ottawa, Canada
, with intermediate stops at Albany, New York
, and Burlington, Vermont
.
In the 1960s–1980s, the airport had commuter airline service by Command Airways
, Colgan Airways, Air North, and others. Command Airways, later known as American Eagle Airlines
, maintained its hub, executive offices, and maintenance facilities at the airport. Command qualified the ATR 72
with the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) for U.S. flight operations at the airport. In September 1980, the airport opened its current 16700 sq ft (1,551 m²) terminal building for airline passengers.
When Stewart International Airport
, which is located just across the Hudson River, started commercial operations in 1990, most commercial airline service ended at Dutchess County Airport. POU lost its last commercial service on August 12, 2001, when Continental Connection
carrier CommutAir
discontinued its flights to Burlington International Airport
, Vermont.
s, two of which are paved. The main runway (6-24) is 5,001 by 100 feet (1,524 by 30 m) long and is equipped with an ILS
system to the northeast-facing runway along with a medium intensity approach light system with runway alignment lights. The crosswind runway (15-33) was originally 3,003 feet (915 m) long but is now shortened to 2,743 by 100 feet (836 by 30 m) due to displaced threshold
s at both ends. A turf/dirt runway (7-25) measures 1,358 by 100 feet (414 by 30 m).
A Flight Service Station
was opened at the airport, but closed during the 1990s. In the 1970s, a control tower
was constructed by the FAA, which currently operates it 14 hours per day. In 2004, the airport received $1 million dollars from the Federal Aviation Administration for improvements in safety and runway rehabilitation.
For the 12-month period ending August 31, 2007, the airport had 98,342 aircraft operations, an average of 269 per day: 99% general aviation
, 1% air taxi
, <1% military
. At that time there were 198 aircraft based at this airport: 80% single-engine
, 11% multi-engine, 1% jet
, 8% helicopter
, 1% military
.
There are currently two flight schools that operate at the airport, Liberty Aviation, in the main terminal, and Richmor Aviation, located on the North side of the airport.
Airport
An airport is a location where aircraft such as fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and blimps take off and land. Aircraft may be stored or maintained at an airport...
located on State Route 376
New York State Route 376
New York State Route 376 is a state highway located entirely within Dutchess County in the Hudson Valley region of New York, United States. The route begins at an intersection with NY 52 in East Fishkill and passes north through Hopewell Junction and Red Oaks Mill on its way to the city...
in the Town of Wappinger
Wappinger, New York
Wappinger is a town of in Dutchess County, New York in the United States. The population was 26,274 at the 2000 census. The name is derived from the Wappani Indians that inhabited the area...
, Dutchess County
Dutchess County, New York
Dutchess County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York, in the state's Mid-Hudson Region of the Hudson Valley. The 2010 census lists the population as 297,488...
, New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, four miles (6 km) south of the central business district
Central business district
A central business district is the commercial and often geographic heart of a city. In North America this part of a city is commonly referred to as "downtown" or "city center"...
of Poughkeepsie
Poughkeepsie (city), New York
Poughkeepsie is a city in the state of New York, United States, which serves as the county seat of Dutchess County. Poughkeepsie is located in the Hudson River Valley midway between New York City and Albany...
. It is sometimes called Poughkeepsie Airport, which gives it the code POU. The airport provides corporate and general aviation transportation services.
History
Dutchess County Airport was built by the United States Department of CommerceUnited States Department of Commerce
The United States Department of Commerce is the Cabinet department of the United States government concerned with promoting economic growth. It was originally created as the United States Department of Commerce and Labor on February 14, 1903...
in the 1930s and was used for pilot training during World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
by the US Army Air Forces. Known as New Hackensack Field at the time for the nearby hamlet, it was used by students at the United States Military Academy
United States Military Academy
The United States Military Academy at West Point is a four-year coeducational federal service academy located at West Point, New York. The academy sits on scenic high ground overlooking the Hudson River, north of New York City...
and as an extension of military
Military
A military is an organization authorized by its greater society to use lethal force, usually including use of weapons, in defending its country by combating actual or perceived threats. The military may have additional functions of use to its greater society, such as advancing a political agenda e.g...
training conducted at Stewart Field
Stewart International Airport
Stewart International Airport is located in the southern Hudson Valley, west of Newburgh, New York and over north of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The airport is located in the Town of Newburgh and the Town of New Windsor."." U.S. Census Bureau...
. On British Prime Minister Winston Churchill
Winston Churchill
Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill, was a predominantly Conservative British politician and statesman known for his leadership of the United Kingdom during the Second World War. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wartime leaders of the century and served as Prime Minister twice...
flew from Naval Air Station Anacostia to New Hackensack Field, where he was met by President
President of the United States
The President of the United States of America is the head of state and head of government of the United States. The president leads the executive branch of the federal government and is the commander-in-chief of the United States Armed Forces....
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin Delano Roosevelt , also known by his initials, FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States and a central figure in world events during the mid-20th century, leading the United States during a time of worldwide economic crisis and world war...
, who had driven from his Hyde Park home
Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site
The Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site preserves the Springwood estate in Hyde Park, New York, United States of America. Springwood was the birthplace, lifelong home, and burial place of the 32nd President of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt...
.
After the Second World War, the airport was turned over to the county for the sum of $1 and guarantees that it would remain open as part of the Surplus Property Act
Surplus Property Act
The Surplus Property Act of 1944 is an act of the United States Congress that was enacted to provide for the disposal of surplus government property to "a State, political subdivision of a State, or tax-supported organization"...
of 1944 by the War Assets Administration
War Assets Administration
The War Assets Administration was established in the Office for Emergency Management, effective March 25, 1946, by EO 9689, January 31, 1946. American factorieshad produced massive amounts of weaponry during the World War II...
. It was then used for general aviation
General aviation
General aviation is one of the two categories of civil aviation. It refers to all flights other than military and scheduled airline and regular cargo flights, both private and commercial. General aviation flights range from gliders and powered parachutes to large, non-scheduled cargo jet flights...
. IBM
IBM
International Business Machines Corporation or IBM is an American multinational technology and consulting corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, United States. IBM manufactures and sells computer hardware and software, and it offers infrastructure, hosting and consulting services in areas...
built a hangar and based its corporate aircraft and helicopters at the airport, including Gulfstream II jets in the 1970s–1980s. In the 1970s, Cessna
Cessna
The Cessna Aircraft Company is an airplane manufacturing corporation headquartered in Wichita, Kansas, USA. Their main products are general aviation aircraft. Although they are the most well known for their small, piston-powered aircraft, they also produce business jets. The company is a subsidiary...
built and ran a Cessna Citation
Cessna Citation
The Cessna Citation is a marketing name used by Cessna for its line of business jets. Rather than one particular model of aircraft, the name applies to several "families" of turbofan-powered aircraft that have been produced over the years...
maintenance facility on the airport grounds.
Scheduled air service
In the 1950s, scheduled air carrier service was provided at Dutchess County Airport by Colonial AirlinesColonial Airlines
Colonial Airlines was a Canadian airline from the 1940s and 1950s with bases in Montreal and at LaGuardia Airport in New York City. It was formerly known as well as Canadian Colonial Airways and Colonial Airways before becoming Colonial Airlines.By 1956, Colonial's executive offices were on Park...
. Its service to POU in 1956 was a DC-3 aircraft from New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
's LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport
LaGuardia Airport is an airport located in the northern part of Queens County on Long Island in the City of New York. The airport is located on the waterfront of Flushing Bay and Bowery Bay, and borders the neighborhoods of Astoria, Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst. The airport was originally...
, making an 11:50 am Monday-Friday flag stop enroute to Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
and Ottawa, Canada
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
, with intermediate stops at Albany, New York
Albany, New York
Albany is the capital city of the U.S. state of New York, the seat of Albany County, and the central city of New York's Capital District. Roughly north of New York City, Albany sits on the west bank of the Hudson River, about south of its confluence with the Mohawk River...
, and Burlington, Vermont
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington is the largest city in the U.S. state of Vermont and the shire town of Chittenden County. Burlington lies south of the U.S.-Canadian border and some south of Montreal....
.
In the 1960s–1980s, the airport had commuter airline service by Command Airways
Command Airways
Command Airways was a regional airline based at the Dutchess County Airport in Wappinger, New York, just outside Poughkeepsie where it began operations in 1965 as Mid-Hudson Airlines....
, Colgan Airways, Air North, and others. Command Airways, later known as American Eagle Airlines
American Eagle Airlines
American Eagle Airlines is a brand name used by American Eagle Airlines, Inc. , based in Fort Worth, Texas, and Executive Airlines based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the operation of passenger air service as regional affiliates of American Airlines. All three airlines are wholly owned subsidiaries...
, maintained its hub, executive offices, and maintenance facilities at the airport. Command qualified the ATR 72
ATR 72
The ATR 72 is a twin-engine turboprop short-haul regional airliner built by the French-Italian aircraft manufacturer ATR. ATR and Airbus are both built in Toulouse, and share resources and technology...
with the Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States. An agency of the United States Department of Transportation, it has authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S...
(FAA) for U.S. flight operations at the airport. In September 1980, the airport opened its current 16700 sq ft (1,551 m²) terminal building for airline passengers.
When Stewart International Airport
Stewart International Airport
Stewart International Airport is located in the southern Hudson Valley, west of Newburgh, New York and over north of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. The airport is located in the Town of Newburgh and the Town of New Windsor."." U.S. Census Bureau...
, which is located just across the Hudson River, started commercial operations in 1990, most commercial airline service ended at Dutchess County Airport. POU lost its last commercial service on August 12, 2001, when Continental Connection
Continental Connection
Continental Connection is a brand name under which several commuter airline carriers and their holding companies operate services marketed exclusively by Continental Airlines...
carrier CommutAir
CommutAir
Champlain Enterprises, Inc., operating name CommutAir, is an American regional airline with its headquarters in South Burlington, Vermont and its operations center in North Olmsted, Ohio. It operates under the name Continental Connection for United Continental Holdings, with its main bases at...
discontinued its flights to Burlington International Airport
Burlington International Airport
Burlington International Airport is a joint-use public and military airport in Chittenden County, Vermont, United States. It is owned by the City of Burlington...
, Vermont.
Facilities and aircraft
Dutchess County Airport covers an area of 640 acres (259 ha) which contains three runwayRunway
According to ICAO a runway is a "defined rectangular area on a land aerodrome prepared for the landing and take-off of aircraft." Runways may be a man-made surface or a natural surface .- Orientation and dimensions :Runways are named by a number between 01 and 36, which is generally one tenth...
s, two of which are paved. The main runway (6-24) is 5,001 by 100 feet (1,524 by 30 m) long and is equipped with an ILS
Instrument Landing System
An instrument landing system is a ground-based instrument approach system that provides precision guidance to an aircraft approaching and landing on a runway, using a combination of radio signals and, in many cases, high-intensity lighting arrays to enable a safe landing during instrument...
system to the northeast-facing runway along with a medium intensity approach light system with runway alignment lights. The crosswind runway (15-33) was originally 3,003 feet (915 m) long but is now shortened to 2,743 by 100 feet (836 by 30 m) due to displaced threshold
Displaced threshold
A displaced threshold is a runway threshold located at a point other than the physical beginning or end of the runway. The portion of the runway so displaced may be used for takeoff but not for landing...
s at both ends. A turf/dirt runway (7-25) measures 1,358 by 100 feet (414 by 30 m).
A Flight Service Station
Flight service station
A Flight Service Station is an air traffic facility that provides information and services to aircraft pilots before, during, and after flights, but unlike air traffic control , is not responsible for giving instructions or clearances or providing separation...
was opened at the airport, but closed during the 1990s. In the 1970s, a control tower
Control tower
A control tower, or more specifically an Air Traffic Control Tower , is the name of the airport building from which the air traffic control unit controls the movement of aircraft on and around the airport. Control towers are also used to control the traffic for other forms of transportation such...
was constructed by the FAA, which currently operates it 14 hours per day. In 2004, the airport received $1 million dollars from the Federal Aviation Administration for improvements in safety and runway rehabilitation.
For the 12-month period ending August 31, 2007, the airport had 98,342 aircraft operations, an average of 269 per day: 99% general aviation
General aviation
General aviation is one of the two categories of civil aviation. It refers to all flights other than military and scheduled airline and regular cargo flights, both private and commercial. General aviation flights range from gliders and powered parachutes to large, non-scheduled cargo jet flights...
, 1% air taxi
Air taxi
An air taxi is an air charter passenger or cargo aircraft which operates on an on-demand basis.-Regulation:In the United States, air taxi and air charter operations are governed by Part 135 of the Federal Aviation Regulations , unlike the larger scheduled air carriers which are governed by more...
, <1% military
Military aviation
Military aviation is the use of aircraft and other flying machines for the purposes of conducting or enabling warfare, including national airlift capacity to provide logistical supply to forces stationed in a theater or along a front. Air power includes the national means of conducting such...
. At that time there were 198 aircraft based at this airport: 80% single-engine
Aircraft engine
An aircraft engine is the component of the propulsion system for an aircraft that generates mechanical power. Aircraft engines are almost always either lightweight piston engines or gas turbines...
, 11% multi-engine, 1% jet
Jet aircraft
A jet aircraft is an aircraft propelled by jet engines. Jet aircraft generally fly much faster than propeller-powered aircraft and at higher altitudes – as high as . At these altitudes, jet engines achieve maximum efficiency over long distances. The engines in propeller-powered aircraft...
, 8% helicopter
Helicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
, 1% military
Military aircraft
A military aircraft is any fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft that is operated by a legal or insurrectionary armed service of any type. Military aircraft can be either combat or non-combat:...
.
There are currently two flight schools that operate at the airport, Liberty Aviation, in the main terminal, and Richmor Aviation, located on the North side of the airport.
External links
- Dutchess County Airport, official site