WEST MILFORD — For the past 10 years, the Greenwood Lake Airport has grown and flourished. Whether its through improving the infrastructure of the airport, organizing the annual air show, or the community involvement such as hosting scout groups, Greenwood Lake Airport has become a hot spot for West Milford, according to its manager, Tim Wagner
To date, Greenwood Lake Airport has received more than $2.5 million towards improved security, safety, and infrastructure. Greenwood Lake Airport puts pilots just a short ride away from the other 5,400 public-use airports in America, connecting aviators to every state in the nation.
Ten years ago, Wagner found a Lockheed Constellation sitting on the ramp of the airport in need of some TLC. He refinished the interior and repainted the exterior to the tune of $40,000, bringing it back to life. An observation deck was added so guests could watch the airport activity with an unobstructed view. Visitors are welcome to walk through the Connie and view the history that lines her walls. They can view the cockpit that brings back many memories for the pilots that once flew Constellations.
In 2012, an agreement was reached between Hackensack University Medical Center and the Greenwood Lake Airport. Hackensack’s AirMed1 is stationed adjacent to the main hangar to provide transportation services to the medical center, as well as affiliate hospitals. Other medivacs and state helicopters use Greenwood Lake Airport for fueling and loading on a daily basis.
In addition to the life-saving services now available to residents, Greenwood Lake Airport is host to the Passport Café and a banquet hall. Organizations such as the Rotary Club and HEAT (Highlands Economic and Tourism) utilize the banquet hall for meetings; it is also available for private parties.
The airport is also home to Sky Training, a flight school owned and operated by Wagner. The school offers air tours and rides around the area.
The biggest event of the year at Greenwood Lake Airport is the air show. In August, it will be home to the seventh annual Greenwood Lake Airport Air Show. Last year's show drew more than 25,000 visitors over the three days to watch the pilots tear through the sky as well as honor veterans. Wagner said crowds are expected to be even bigger this year thanks to a state travel and tourism grant for advertising.
For more information about the airport, go to www.GreenwoodLakeAirport.com. For more about the air show, go to www.GreenwoodLakeAirShow.com.