1909 Corporal Frank Scott Drive
College Park, MD
Tel: 301-864-5844
Email: cgs.security@pgparks.com
Hours:
Mon-Sun : 7am-10pm
College Park Airport
About
The World’s Oldest Continuously Operated Airport
Did you know? College Park Airport has been an active airport since 1909 when it was founded by the Wright Brothers!
College Park Airport (KCGS) was established in 1909 after Wilbur Wright came to the field to train two military officers to fly in the government’s first aeroplane. The facility is now the world’s oldest continually operated airport and is the site of many significant aviation firsts. College Park Airport, known as the “Field of Firsts,” remains an active airport serving the needs of aircraft pilots, and is also a site for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts.
Date Purchased: M-NCPPC purchased the airport in 1973 as one of the gateway airports to Washington, D.C., and Prince George’s County
Runway Length: 2,600’ x 60’
Airplane Parking and Capacity: The Airport offers both tenant and transient aircraft parking for over 100 planes
Airport Amenities:
- Fueling Services
- Weather Briefing Capacities
- Pilot Lounge
- Historic Hanger where the first airmail operations were based in the U.S.
- Meeting and Conference Spaces
- Flight Simulator Rentals
Metro Access: Steps from College Park Metro Station
College Park Airport Safety Project
College Park Airport is the longest-operating airport in the world. In order to keep this historic airport operational, the M-NCPPC Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George’s County must abide by certain laws, regulations, and Federal Aviation Administration safety requirements. Maryland Regulation 11.03.05.03 requires that every four to eight years, trees in designated areas near the College Park Airport must be trimmed. Trees above a certain height are considered airport hazards.
The Department is deeply connected to the environmental impact of such a project. Read FAQs and the Project Plan Presentation to understand the background, current situation, and what measures are used to preserve history while re-planting the trees vital to the environment’s beauty and sustainability.
Safety Project Updates
- Read the April 6, 2021 Memo about updates to the College Park Airport Safety Project
- Learn about our Tree Giveaway to the local community on May 1, 2021!
Watch the College Park Airport Safety Project Public Meeting – (5/21/20)
FAQs
What is the College Park Airport Safety Project?
The College Park Airport is owned and operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission. Per Maryland regulations, trees in designated areas near the College Park Airport must be trimmed every four to eight years. The College Park Airport Safety Project is an effort led by M-NCPPC to ensure those requirements are met.
Why do trees have to be reduced in height?
The State of Maryland and the Federal Aviation Administration established minimum obstruction requirements that help protect the well-being of the public, both in aircraft and on the ground. For more information, visit faa.gov.
Why do you have to continuously reduce the height of trees?
As trees grow, they encroach on the navigable approach and departure airspace. As outlined in the FAA regulations and COMAR, we are required to ensure there are no obstructions or penetrations into this safely guarded airspace. Moving forward, M-NCPPC is committed to monitoring tree growth yearly in order to mitigate the long-term impact on the trees, the surrounding environment, and protected airspace.
Is the intent of M-NCPPC to allow for larger aircraft to use the College Park Airport?
No, the operations of the airport will not be impacted. The actual surface length of the runway has not changed. M-NCPPC continues to ensure safe operations at the airport.
What are Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs)? Did installing them result in more acreage of trees to be trimmed and/or removed?
Precision Approach Path Indicators (PAPIs) are a visual aid on the airport runway that helps guide pilots when landing aircraft. No additional tree trimming or removal is necessary when installing PAPIs.
When will trimming have to occur again?
M-NCPPC will monitor tree growth yearly in order to mitigate the long-term impact on the trees, surrounding environment, and protected airspace.
How will M-NCPPC keep the public informed of future tree trimmings around the airport?
M-NCPPC will continue to work closely with the City of College Park and the Town of Riverdale Park, host community meetings as needed, and share information via social media and the College Park Airport website in order to keep the community up to date on this effort.
How can residents submit questions and/or feedback about this project?
Residents can submit questions to PublicAffairs@pgparks.com.
Visit
Welcome to College Park Airport
Visitors are welcome at the airport any time during normal operating hours, 7 am until 10 pm daily. Due to the security restrictions at the field, it is required that anyone not escorted by a registered pilot needs to provide a government-issued photo ID to use the observation deck.
Directions to the Airport
From Points North and West (Baltimore, Columbia, Rockville)
From Montgomery County, follow the Capital Beltway (I-495) east, or from Howard County, take I-95 south to the Capital Beltway (I-495/95). Continue south to exit 23, Kenilworth Avenue (MD 201). Follow Kenilworth Avenue for approximately 2.3 miles, and turn right at the second light, Campus Drive. Continue to the first traffic light and make a right on Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, which ends at the airport grounds.
From BWI and Points North, Via the BW Parkway
Take the BW Parkway south to Riverdale Road (MD 410). Turn right at the light off the ramp. Continue to Kenilworth Avenue (MD 201). Make a right and follow Kenilworth Avenue for approximately two miles, and turn left at the light for Campus Drive. Continue to the first traffic light and make a right on Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, which ends at the airport grounds.
From Annapolis, New Carrollton, and Points South and East
From the Beltway, follow U.S. 50 east towards Washington, take exit 5, Veterans Parkway (MD 410). Make a left at the “T” intersection, and MD 410 becomes Riverdale Road. Cross under the BW Parkway, and make a right at Kenilworth Avenue, MD 201. Follow Kenilworth Avenue for approximately two miles, and turn left at the light for Campus Drive. Continue to the first traffic light and make a right on Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, which ends at the airport grounds.
From Downtown Washington, D.C.
Take Metro! We’re three blocks and an easy walk from the College Park Metro Station. It takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes from most downtown stations to College Park. Exit the station toward River Road (the side nearest the parking garage). Walk through the bus area, and cross through the surface parking lot on the other side of Campus Drive. Follow Cpl. Frank Scott Drive for 200 yards to the airport.
If you drive, use Rhode Island Avenue north out of downtown. It becomes Baltimore Avenue (US 1) through College Park. Make a right on Campus Drive (across from the University of Maryland entrance), and proceed under the railroad bridge to the second light. Make a left on Cpl. Frank Scott Drive, which ends at the airport grounds.
Rentals
Overview
This unique venue offers meeting spaces available for work meetings, training sessions, and special events.
- Over 2,000 square feet of flexible meeting spaces
- State-of-the-art audio-visual technology
- Outdoor terrace and pantry
- Complimentary onsite parking
- Professional event staff
Rental Rules and Regulations
Rental contract holders must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Have a valid form of ID (driver’s license, utility bill, lease agreement, homeowner insurance policy, or renter’s insurance) and proof of residency
- Contract holders are the point of contact during the duration of the rental period.
Rental Hours/Days
Rentals are available seven days a week from 9 am to 10 pm.
Hourly Rental Fees
- Rental Option: Conference Room A or B (Minimum three hours)
- Bi-County price: $150
- Non-Bi County Price: $195
- Rental Option: Conference Room A and B (Minimum three hours)
- Bi-County price: $300
- Non-Bi County price: $390
Non-profits must show proof of 501(c)(3) status and have a good standing.
Meeting Room Details
- Conference Room A– 986 square feet (29×34)
- Classroom Style – 49 ppl
- Theater Style – 49 ppl
- Banquet Style – 49 ppl
- Cocktail Reception – 49 ppl
- Conference Room B– 1,054 square feet (31×34)
- Classroom Style – 50 ppl
- Theater Style – 60 ppl (6 rows with 10 chairs)
- Banquet Style – 88 – 120 ppl
- Cocktail Style – 156 ppl
- Conference Rooms A & B– 2,142 square feet (63×34)
- Classroom Style – 80 ppl
- Theater Style – 140 ppl (7 rows of 20 chairs = 140 ppl)
- Banquet Style – 120 ppl max.
- Cocktail Reception – 225 ppl max.
- Operations Terrace – 40 people (standing)
Amenities
- Kitchenette pantry (two microwaves/fridge/icemaker)
- Drop-down LCD projector (each conference room)
- Podium with Mic in both conference rooms.
Pilot Information
For more info on the College Park Airport visit collegeparkairport.aero.
