Katama Airpark

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Edgartown Airfield, as it appeared in the 1920s.

Katama Airpark, (IATA: 1B2, ICAO: K1B2) in the Katama section of Edgartown, Massachusetts, (508-627-9018) is a public airport owned by the Town of Edgartown.[2] It has three runways, averages 22 flights per day, and has approximately four aircraft based on its field.^[1]

During World War II, Martha's Vineyard functioned both as an outer defense and a training facility for gunnery and pilots. In addition to the main Martha's Vineyard Airport (MVY), there was a small airport at Katama near a gunnery practice area at the beach. Following World War II this airport was purchased by Steven Gentle who ran the Katama Airpark until the 1980s when it was purchased with state conservation funds (as this airfield has five endangered plant or animal species) and is currently managed by the municipal government of Edgartown. It is the quintessential grass airfield - no fancy navigation equipment. It is unique because it is possible to fly a small plane to the airport, taxi from the runway to a parking area 100 feet from the ocean, enjoy the beach during the day, and fly home in the late afternoon. During the season (roughly May 31 to Labor Day), there are biplane and glider rides available.

Katama (Edgartown) airfield. The airfield is visible on the left and Katama Farm on the right. South Beach is in the foreground. The road running vertically in the center of the photo is Mattakeeset Way. The large structure bisected by a wing strut is the Winnetu Resort[1].

The Right Fork Diner at the Katama (Edgartown) Airfield.

"The Right Fork Diner" is the most recent name for the diner at the Edgartown or Katama Airfield. The restaurant was initially named "Mels" until her retirement. It was subsequently named "Whoosies" and then changed in 2005 to its current name. The restaurant is located adjacent to the airfield and the parade of planes taxiing by the restaurant has provided decades of entertainment for children. Biplane ride from Classic Aviators and the soaring glider rides concession in the 1980s (or so) added another level of entertainment.

The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute has a small data monitoring building adjacent to the hangar. It monitors wave action, beach erosion, and offshore wave action.[[3]] It is not open to the public.

Biplanes at Katama Airpark. Note the grass runway beyond the biplanes.

[edit] References

1. ^ AirNav.com: 1B2, AirNav.com, 2006, accessed April 26, 2006.

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