Deep in Anne Arundel County, Maryland lies a small private airfield called Deale Airport. Do you know what makes this modest airport so special? Let me tell you the story.
Deale Airport is a privately owned airport. John H. McKibben owns it. The airport sits on 40 acres of land. It is located just one nautical mile west of Deale.
Deale Airport has a single runway. The runway is turf. It measures 2000 feet long and 60 feet wide. Planes approach runway 17 using a left-hand traffic pattern. They also approach runway 35 using a left-hand traffic pattern. The displaced threshold for runway 35 is 510 feet.
A 40-foot tree stands as an obstruction 200 feet from runway 35. The barn previously located at the runway 35 threshold has been removed. Trees at the runway 35 threshold have also been trimmed to provide a 20:1 approach.
Deale Airport operates without a control tower. Pilots rely on visual observation. They also use radio communication to manage takeoffs and landings. The airport does have a wind indicator. However, it lacks a segmented circle. This signals standard traffic patterns.
Even though Deale Airport is a small airfield, it plays an important role. It provides a convenient base for local pilots. It supports general aviation activities in the area. The airport offers a more personal flying experience, away from the bustle of larger airports.
Interestingly, Deale Airport isn’t far from a much larger airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Reagan National opened in 1941. It was built on land created by dredging the Potomac River. The Washington National Airport even had to relocate a portion of the Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. It cost over $13 million.
In contrast to Deale Airport, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport has a rich history. It has seen many changes. These range from wartime military use to modern passenger terminals. It even had a fire department. The original fire station was placed in service in 1941.
Today, Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport serves millions of passengers each year. It acts as a hub for American Airlines. It offers flights to destinations across the United States.
Though Deale Airport may be smaller, it still holds its own charm. The airport offers a unique, intimate flying experience. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of general aviation. It has been operational since at least 2013.