PHOENIX FLIES 2023 | From 1917 to Now: Explore Dekalb-Peachtree Airport

2000 Airport Road,Atlanta GA 30341

04 March, 2023

Description

The Chamblee site was chosen on June 2, 1917, approximately six weeks after war was declared. Construction on Camp Gordon began on June 18 and continued at such a fevered pace that the first troops began arriving in July, 1917. The airport began operations on March 22, 1941, during early World War II as Naval Air Station Atlanta. Barracks, constructed at the facility during World War II, and became classrooms in late 1948 for Southern Technical Institute. In February 1959, the County, under Mr. Claude Blount, DeKalb County Commission Chairman, hired H.F. Manget, Jr., as its first airport manager and William E. Jayne as the chief air traffic controller. DeKalb-Peachtree Airport had become a full-fledged department of DeKalb County government. Today, the airport consists of approximately 700+ acres which include three runways, twenty-five large hangars, 143 T-hangars, ILS (Instrument Landing System) rotating beacon, high intensity runway lighting and a medium intensity approach lighting system. Approximately 409 aircraft are based at the airport with approximately 50 corporate jets. Come learn the history of this airport, explore its role in WWII, and learn about the current DeKalb-Peachtree, Airport, the second busiest airport in Georgia in number of flight operations per year, ranking only behind Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. The capacity for this tour is 20 people. If the event is full, please sign up for the waiting list. You will be notified if a spot becomes available. Meet at the park.The tour is subject to cancellation at the guide's discretion due to inclement weather at the tour starting point. You will be notified via email.