Allegheny County Airport facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Allegheny County Airport
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| Summary | |||||||||||||||
| Airport type | Public | ||||||||||||||
| Owner | Allegheny County Airport Authority | ||||||||||||||
| Location | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | ||||||||||||||
| Elevation AMSL | 1,252 ft / 381.6 m | ||||||||||||||
| Coordinates | 40°21′15″N 79°55′48″W / 40.35417°N 79.93000°W | ||||||||||||||
| Map | |||||||||||||||
 AGC
Location in Pennsylvania
AGC
Location in the United States
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| Statistics (2009) | |||||||||||||||
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Allegheny County Airport (IATA: AGC, ICAO: KAGC, FAA LID: AGC) is located in West Mifflin, Pennsylvania. It is about 7 miles (11 km) southeast of Pittsburgh. This airport is the fifth-busiest in Pennsylvania. It handles many flights, but not as many as bigger airports like Philadelphia or Pittsburgh International.
The Allegheny County Airport Authority owns and operates the airport. It acts as a "reliever airport" for Pittsburgh International Airport. This means it helps handle smaller planes and private flights. This way, the main Pittsburgh airport doesn't get too crowded.
Allegheny County Airport opened on September 11, 1931. When it was finished, it was the third-largest airport in the United States. It was also the only airport in the country with a hard-surface runway. For many years, it was the main airport for people flying into the Pittsburgh area. This changed in June 1952 when the larger Greater Pittsburgh Airport (now Pittsburgh International Airport) opened.
Today, Allegheny County Airport is perfect for small and mid-sized private planes, company jets, and commercial charter flights. It was not built for large passenger jet airliners. However, some larger planes, like a Boeing 727 and two DC-9s, used to be based here. Even Air Force 2, a Boeing 757, has landed at the airport. In 2017, a Southwest Boeing 737 made an emergency landing here when it was low on fuel.
Many business travelers like this airport because it is closer to downtown Pittsburgh. It is also closer to busy areas like the South Hills, Monroeville, and the Monongahela Valley.
Contents
Allegheny County Airport in Movies
This airport has even been featured in Hollywood movies!
- In the 2002 film The Mothman Prophecies, the airport was used to look like a small airport in West Virginia.
- The airport and its main building were also seen in the 1986 movie Gung Ho, starring Michael Keaton.
- More recently, the 2017 film Last Flag Flying filmed scenes in the airport's hangar and ramp areas.
Learning to Fly and Fix Planes
The airport is home to the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA). This is a big school where students learn how to maintain and repair aircraft. It's a great place for future airplane mechanics to get their training!
Airport Buildings and Runways
The main airport building was built in 1931. It was designed by Stanley L. Roush. Later, in 1936, Henry Hornbostel added more parts to the building. The building has a modern look with white bricks and touches of black, silver, and green.
The airport covers about 432 acres (1.75 square kilometers). It has two runways and one helipad for helicopters:
- Runway 10/28: 6,501 feet (1,982 meters) long, made of concrete.
- Runway 13/31: 3,825 feet (1,166 meters) long, made of concrete.
- Helipad H1: 47 feet (14 meters) long, made of concrete.
Airport Police Station
The Allegheny County Police Department has a small station at the airport. This station helps with local policing and airport security. Private security companies also patrol the airport offices and flight schools. They work closely with the County Police.
Airport Security
Allegheny County Airport does not have a typical airport security checkpoint like larger airports. This is because most flights here are private planes or company jets. If security checks are needed, the airlines or companies flying from here handle their own inspections.
Fire and Rescue Services
The airport has a special fire station called an ARFF (Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting) station. Professional airport firefighters work here 24 hours a day. They are ready to respond to any emergencies involving aircraft.
STAT MedEvac Headquarters
Allegheny County Airport is also the main base for STAT MedEvac. This organization provides emergency medical helicopter transport. Their helicopters land at the airport to refuel or to move to other hospitals.
Recent Airport Upgrades
The airport has had many improvements recently.
- New hangars have been built for aircraft storage.
- The main terminal building has been updated to be more accessible for everyone. This includes adding an elevator.
- The entry road and parking lot have been completely redone with new concrete and lighting.
- The terminal building is also getting new masonry work.
Future Airport Plans
The Allegheny County Airport Authority has received money to make more improvements.
- They plan to renovate four taxiways, which are the paths planes use to get to and from the runways.
- They will also change the aircraft parking areas. This will allow for new maintenance hangars and more space for aircraft repairs.
- These projects are expected to create new jobs.
A new highway, the Mon-Fayette Expressway, is also being built nearby. This highway will connect to the airport, making it easier for people to get there. This should help the airport grow even more.
Airlines and Rental Cars
Allegheny County Airport has Fixed Base Operators (FBOs). These companies provide services like fueling, maintenance, and parking for private aircraft. The airport also offers daily scheduled charter flights to Westchester Airport in New York City and Nantucket through Fly Louie [1].
Rental Car Companies
- Hertz Rental Cars
- Thrifty Car Rental
Historic Landmark Status
In 1981, the Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation added the Allegheny County Airport to its list of Historic Landmarks. This means the airport building is recognized as an important historical place.
Famous Visitors
Some famous people have visited the airport. Harold Gatty and Wiley Post, who were famous aviators, visited the airport when it was being built. They said it was one of the finest airports they had ever seen!
Images for kids
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Allegheny County Airport new logo
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Allegheny County Airport
See Also
- Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics
- STAT MedEvac
