Ever heard the roar of engines mixed with a bit of history? That’s Compton/Woodley Airport. It stands as the oldest continuously operating airport in the Los Angeles basin. Today, we will dive into the storied past and present of this local landmark.
Compton/Woodley Airport is more than just a place where planes take off. It is a testament to perseverance and community spirit. The airport is a public airport in Compton. It sits in southern Los Angeles County. It is just 2 miles southwest of Downtown Compton.
Let’s go back to June 1924. Colonel C.S. Smith landed his plane in an open field near Compton. He immediately recognized the potential. He envisioned an airport and started negotiations with the local school board that owned the land. His efforts marked the beginning of Compton Airport.
Between 1924 and 1936, the airport changed hands several times. Then Earl Woodley took over the lease in 1936. Woodley expanded the airport by purchasing land for a crosswind runway.
During World War II from 1941 to 1946, civilian flying was restricted. The military used Compton/Woodley Airport as a truck depot. After the war, Earl Woodley resumed operations. He eventually bought the land.
After Woodley’s death in 1962 an investment company purchased the airport. Its future was uncertain. But pilot groups, citizens, the mayor of Compton, and the entire Compton City Council rallied. They urged the Board of Supervisors to condemn the land. They wanted the county to purchase it.
In June 1966, their efforts paid off. The county acquired the entire 77-acre property for $2948883. This secured the airport’s future.
Compton/Woodley Airport is a busy place. It serves as a vital alternative to Los Angeles International Airport. It handles general aviation traffic. The airport has two asphalt runways each measuring 3322 x 60 feet. In 2012, Compton/Woodley Airport saw 66000 general aviation aircraft operations. That is an average of about 180 per day. The airport houses 175 aircraft including single-engine planes, multi-engine planes, jets, helicopters, and gliders.
Did you know Compton Airport made it into a Dr. Dre song? The airport gets a shout-out in the opening bars of Dr. Dre’s “Big Ego’s”. It is on his multi-platinum album 2001.
Also, Robin Petgrave gave a cast member’s son a plane ride at Compton Airport with his flight school in an Airline episode.
Today, Compton/Woodley Airport continues to serve the community. It is a place where aviation dreams take flight. It stands as a symbol of what a community can achieve. It shows what they can achieve when they work together to preserve their history and future. As we conclude our visit take a moment to appreciate the legacy of Compton/Woodley Airport. It is a hidden gem with a rich past.