Airport aims for the sky in 90th anniversary year
Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport growth and activities are exceeding projections as it celebrates its 90th year of continuous operation.
Both the number of aircraft based at the airport, and the number of air operations are exceeding forecasts developed for the airport's Master Plan. There are over 150 aircraft based at the airport, of which 11 are corporate jets. The number of jets based at the airport was not forecast to reach that level until 2030.
Along with the growth of based aircraft, the airport is also experiencing increased traffic from the local charter company AirQuest Aviation, and national airplane charter companies such as NetJets, Flight Options, and Wheels Up. Total annual jet operations at the airport exceed over 1,100 per year. The increase in jet operations also reflects the increase in corporations traveling to the Butler area to take part in and contribute to the economic growth of the Butler County region.
As a result, in 2014 the Airport Authority proposed three initiatives. One was a name change from the Butler County Airport to the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport to reflect the evolution and regional scope of aviation activity at the airport.
When the airport formally opened Sept. 27 and 28, 1929, it was known as the Pittsburgh-Butler Airport. At that time, a company known as the Pittsburgh Aviation Industries Corporation was the developer and operator of the airport. It chose to locate in Butler County due to the heavy smog and soot that restricted visibility in the greater Pittsburgh area, with the hope that it would become what is now the Pittsburgh International Airport.
The second initiative was to obtain approval from the PennDOT Bureau of Aviation to extend the runway 700 feet from a current length of 4,801 to 5,501 feet, to better accommodate both existing and projected increases in corporate traffic. The runway extension project was recognized by PennDOT in March of 2018. The current estimate for the completion of the runway extension is 2024.The third initiative is the development of a corporate airpark to provide an area for corporations to co-locate an aircraft hangar with either their corporate offices or a light manufacturing facility. The corporate airpark is still in the conceptual stage.Since its opening, the airport has been home to a wide variety of aviation operations, from early airmail, airline activity, and military flight training during World War II, to today's mix of personal and corporate aircraft use. It is this diversity that has enabled the airport to operate continuously for the past 90 years.
Current airport tenants range from lightweight aircraft, such as Piper Cubs and LifeFlight helicopters, to business jets capable of transcontinental and international travel, further exemplifying the appeal of the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport to a broad range of aviation interests. The airport is also home to two flight schools, working to address the extreme pilot shortage that airlines, airplane charter companies and the military are experiencing.The airport hosts a variety of annual events, from nonaviation venues such as the Penn Township VFD Tool Bash and Mega Cruise, to aviation gatherings, including the Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom Tour, coming again in mid-August with B-17, B-24, and B-25 bombers, along with the P-51 Mustang and P-40 Warhawk. EAA Chapter 857, a local aviation organization, conducts three Young Eagles days each summer, offering a free introductory flight for ages 8 to 17 years old, to foster an aviation interest in young individuals.
There are also aviation-related seminars and workshops presented by both local and national organizations on a regular basis. These seminars and workshops help licensed pilots maintain their knowledge of current regulations, guidelines and career opportunities, while showcasing the airport to pilots from surrounding areas.These activities and events will help ensure the Pittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport continues to serve local and national aviation interests and contribute economic benefit for Penn Township and Butler County for the next 90 years of operation.
