We typically focus on special events at airports, often linked to aircraft or airlines, but occasionally highlight significant milestones at airports themselves.
This time, we are venturing into something different by profiling airports that may be lesser-known but possess interesting histories or characteristics.
Our first spotlight is on Virginia Tech/Montgomery Executive Airport in Blacksburg, Virginia (BCB).
Why spotlight an airport that many aviation enthusiasts may not recognize, one located quite off the usual path and lacking commercial flights? It’s due to these unique aspects. We have an eagerness to learn, and such locations often offer a rich tapestry of information and history.
Last month, we had the privilege of visiting and touring BCB with its Executive Director, Keith Holt.
BCB now features a 5,501-foot runway capable of accommodating jets, a significant upgrade from its earlier configurations.
Virginia Tech has a historical background, having been established in 1872, and the airport itself started in 1929 on university land, just 1.5 miles away from the main campus. Before its establishment, pilots utilized fields owned by local farmers and even the athletic field at the university as makeshift runways.
The airport commenced operations officially in 1931. With the onset of World War II, it transitioned into a facility for the Civilian Pilot Training Program and trained aircraft mechanics to support the war effort.
In 1941, a 2,850-foot paved runway was constructed to replace the deteriorating grass runway. However, by 1966, a 4,200-foot runway was built to better accommodate aircraft movement.
With further advancements, BCB has extended its runway, integrated GPS systems, and embraced modern weather systems to improve operations.
The Executive Director, Keith Holt, summarizes the airport’s appeal: “BCB is an in-town destination. We are incorporated inside town limits, and our property directly borders the Virginia Tech campus. This convenient location benefits not only visitors to the university but also businesses in Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and the wider Montgomery County area.”
Currently, 42 aircraft are based at BCB, with the airport recording 21,900 operations annually. As Holt noted, corporate jets, charters, and light general aviation are the most prevalent traffic types. The proximity to the university frequently leads to substantial traffic for sporting events and graduations. For a recent football game, the airport recorded 59 arrivals solely for that event.
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