A rumble. A low hum. That’s the sound of Airlake Airport. It’s not the roar of a jumbo jet. It’s the steady thrum of smaller planes. General aviation aircraft they call them. This is Airlake Airport in Lakeville Minnesota. Twenty miles south of Minneapolis and St Paul.
Airlake Airport isn’t your typical bustling international hub. It’s a quieter place. A place where the focus is on community and personal flight. The Metropolitan Airports Commission owns it. They oversee its operations. Keeping this vital part of Minnesota’s aviation network running smoothly.
Airlake has a history. A rich one. It’s more than just runways and hangars. It’s a place where dreams take flight. Literally. For decades Airlake Airport has served recreational pilots and business fliers. It has one runway designated 12/30. Its asphalt surface measures an impressive 4099 by 75 feet. Future plans are ambitious. New hangars are coming. The main runway will expand. Even a crosswind runway is in the works. Quite a transformation.
Think of the people who use Airlake. Pilots young and old. Families taking their first flight. Businesspeople using it for quick trips. They all share something. A love of flying. An appreciation of this unique airport. They help make this place what it is. A thriving hub for general aviation in the Twin Cities area.
In 2014 over 34000 aircraft operations occurred here. Ninety-five percent of those were general aviation. Impressive isn’t it? Today about one hundred and eight aircraft call Airlake home. Most are single engine. A few are multi-engine.
Airlake Airport. More than just an airport. It’s a community. A testament to the enduring spirit of aviation. It’s a place where dreams soar. Right here in the heart of Minnesota. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of aviation.