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In the District SpotlightWalnut Ridge Regional AirportWalnut Ridge Regional Airport is part of an often-overlooked era in Arkansas’ history. Few people remember the important role played by the airport during the middle of the 20th century. Built in 1942 by the US Government as an ARMY basic flight training school, instructors stationed there trained pilots and mechanics until being turned over to civilian control in the 1960’s. In it’s heyday, the airport serviced thousands of planes; P40’s, like the Flying Tigers, P51’s, B17’s, like the Memphis Belle, B29’s, like the Enola Gay, and DC3’s, like today’s passenger planes. Following WWII, the airport became a storage area for over 10,000 planes, including some of those mentioned above, before they were taken out of commission and turned into scrap. With three runways over 5000ft long and 8 highway lanes wide, the airport can handle everything from a helicopter to a LEAR jet. Because of its size and location, the airport is considered a convenient MidAmerican crossroad stopover for many travelers. Currently managed by Ken Newcom, Walnut Ridge Regional Airport features an eclectic blend of southern hospitality, convenience, and history. One of the smaller local airports to boast it’s own full-scale restaurant, complete with state renowned daily specials, the property is also home to a spacious terminal and tarmac, flight school, repair shop, fire department, and museum.
Plans are underway for construction of a 23,000 square foot aircraft repair facility that is initially expected to provide between 20 and 100 local employment opportunities. Here, planes will be refurbished inside and out. Through matching EDA grants and city monies, the airport commissioners at WRRA are helping improve the standard of living in this region by inviting businesses that will bring in taxes and revenue producing jobs to the local area.
For more information about these and other events, contact Ken Newcom at the Walnut Ridge Regional Airport (870) 886-5432. |
The
museum was established in 1999 to honor those that either served from
the area or were stationed or trained at WRRA. Retired servicemen
and women, and civilians from across the United States offered their WWII
memorabilia to the museum.Donations include a collection of European coins,
letters and postcards to and from soldiers overseas, uniforms and gear,
newspapers, and medals. Several pictures adorn the walls of the museum;
Pictures of soldiers and civilians that served at the airport during and
after the war, old barracks areas, various WWII photographs, aerial views
of the airport and surrounding property, and an impressive collection
of ‘nose art’. ‘Nose art’ was the term applied to the pictures painted
on the nose of the aircraft. Each plane had a unique painting that held
special meaning for its crewmembers. The museum is housed in the old industrial
park building and is located within walking distance of the terminal.
2001
appears to be a busy year for Walnut Ridge Regional Airport. Not only
is an air show scheduled for the first weekend in October (October 6th
and 7th), but the Arkansas National Guard, with assistance
from the FAA and National Guard Bureau, is establishing an air traffic
operations program on the airport property. This will provide service
members with a place to train that has been previously unavailable. Because
of the high traffic flow at the airport, soldiers will be able to participate
in a real world mission and maintain their air traffic control skills.
These skills will be tested during the Northeast Arkansas Earthquake Exercise
(QUAKEX2001) in September. QUAKEX is a series of exercises to prepare
for the event of an earthquake. Members of Unit D114 will be manning points
throughout the state, but specifically repositioning aircraft from ‘affected’
areas and directing emeregency relief aircraft to and from the airports
in Walnut Ridge and Stuttgart.