A staff report
In a significant development for aviation enthusiasts and local residents alike, Runway 33/15 at Curtis Brown Field has officially reopened its gates to air traffic as of December 21, 2023, according to Katie Kinlaw with the Town of Elizabethtown.
The rejuvenation of this crucial runway has been a meticulous process, spanning several months and involving extensive upgrades. Two lifts of asphalt, accompanied by strategic aggregate base work, were implemented to eliminate troublesome areas and ensure a smoother experience for aircraft.
Although temporary markings currently grace the field, the eagerly awaited permanent markings are slated for completion on February 5 and 6. During this period, the airport will be temporarily closed to facilitate the necessary enhancements. The entire project has been made possible through a generous 5.7-million-dollar grant from the NCDOT Aviation Division, reflecting a commitment to advancing local aviation infrastructure.
Following the successful reopening, the second phase is set to commence in February, focusing on the removal and replacement of the apron area around the fuel tanks. Notably, these ongoing improvements are not expected to disrupt regular airport operations, ensuring continued efficiency for air travelers.
Simultaneously, exciting plans are unfolding for the Corporate Airpark at Curtis Brown Field, signaling a new chapter in the airport’s development. The completion of the master plan by WK Dickson marks a pivotal moment, paving the way for construction on the west side of the airfield.
In the pipeline are ambitious construction projects featuring two hangars, generously funded by a state budget allocation of 6.5 million dollars. The planned hangars, spanning 18,000 and 36,000 square feet, respectively, are scheduled to break ground in the spring of 2024. These facilities are earmarked for aerospace businesses, promising to enhance the region’s economic landscape while fostering growth within the aviation sector.
As the town anticipates the unfolding of these transformative developments, the reopening of Runway 33/15 serves as a symbolic prelude to a future where Curtis Brown Field stands as a thriving hub for aviation, seamlessly blending modern infrastructure with a rich history of flight.
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