Overview

L.G. Hanscom Field
Civil Air Terminal
200 Hanscom Drive, Suite 315
Bedford, MA 01730
Tel: (781) 869-8000
Fax: (781) 869-8075

A Historical Perspective
Located about 20 miles northwest of Boston, Hanscom Field has been a major factor in local aviation since 1941, when the Commonwealth of Massachusetts acquired 500 acres of land in the towns of Bedford, Concord, Lexington and Lincoln. The airport was turned over to the Army Air Corps in 1941 and was named the Laurence G. Hanscom Field, in honor of the late Laurence G. Hanscom, a founding member and commander of the Massachusetts Wing of the Civilian Air Reserve, a group interested in military photography and map-making. Military operations dominated until it became a joint military and civilian facility in the 1950's. By 1959, the Massachusetts Port Authority was then formed and assumed control of the state land. In 1974, general operations and maintenance of the airfield became the responsibility of Massport and military operations declined to occasional use. Hanscom has since been managed as a regional aviation facility, whose major users are a mix of commuter/commercial air services, corporate aviation, private pilots, flight schools, some charters and light cargo.

Location is Everything
The reason Hanscom Field is New England's premier full-service facility can be summed up in one word -- location. Hanscom's popularity, especially with business users, can be first attributed to its accessibility to "America's Technology Region," Routes 95/128, and the fact it is only 20 miles from the City of Boston, the hub of the nation's best cultural, educational, financial, medical, and entertainment establishments. Secondly, Hanscom's setting is both modern and historic. Geographically, the airport is part of the towns of Bedford, Concord, Lexington and Lincoln, world-renowned for their rich colonial history and tradition. On its south side, it is bordered by one of the Commonwealth's most important sites, Minute Man National Historic Park, the early Revolutionary War battle site, and origin of Paul Revere's famous ride and eventual capture.

A First-Class Operation
Hanscom's role as a premier full-service facility depends upon the quality of services it can provide to its customers, and Massport is committed to a first -class operation. Hanscom's facilities include two full service FBO's which accommodate all business needs, while limited regional commuter commercial service provides an efficient, time-saving, alternative to Boston's Logan Airport. At an elevation of 133 feet, the field operates two runways; east-west runway 11/29, 7001 feet long by 150 feet wide, with full ILS/DME instrumentation for all-weather operation; and southwest-northeast 5/23, 5100 feet long by 150 feet wide. Massport maintains Hanscom to guarantee year-round utility and safety, with Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting provided under contract with the USAF Fire Department. Consistent upgrading and repair have resulted in a modern airfield with the capacity to support a variety of aircraft types.

Noise Abatement
Working cooperatively with local community and aviation groups, Massport has been encouraging business, commercial and private aircraft to adhere to a program of practicing safe, quiet-flying techniques and to remain aware of noise issues at the airfield. Known as "Fly Friendly," the program is aimed at reducing noise levels in and around Hanscom Field and reaffirming the aviation community's commitment to the National Business Aircraft Association's (NBAA) published guidelines and the Aircraft Owners and Pilot's Association (AOPA) recommendations. To help users of Hanscom in their effort, Massport produces and distributes Jeppsen Manual Inserts, outlining voluntary noise abatement procedures for:
Helicopters
Jet and Turboprop Aircraft
Piston Fixed Wing Aircraft

(Note these requires Adobe Reader to view them)
in order to further Hanscom's goal of minimizing aircraft noise over surrounding residential areas.

In addition, Massport implements Noise Rules which prohibit 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. touch and go activity; prohibit touch and go activity by aircraft weighing over 12,500 pounds; and prohibit activity by Stage I Aircraft over 12,500 pounds. These rules also include a fee for 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. operations. For additional information on Hanscom's Noise Rules, please call (781) 869-8000. To view the most recent Annual Noise Report at Hanscom Field, click here.

Government & Community Outreach

Maintaining a connection to the local community by facilitating better understanding of regional aviation, Massport supports the Federal Aviation Administration's Education Resource Center located in the Civil Air Terminal as well as the "Young Eagles" program, which encourages youths interested in pursuing aviation as a career. In addition, Massport officials regularly meet with community groups and legislators to discuss Hanscom initiatives and economic growth, and to receive input on local issues and concerns.

On November 30, 2006, Massport filed the L.G. Hanscom Field 2005 Draft Environmental Status and Planning Report (ESPR) in accordance with the Secretary of Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) Certificate dated May 31, 2005 and the November 7, 2005 Certificate on the Notice of Project Change. Because no changes were required, the document was certified by the Secretary as a final document. The 2005 ESPR provides a status report on activity levels and environmental conditions at Hanscom Field in calendar year 2005 and compares it to historical data from the 2000 ESPR. The 2005 ESPR for Hanscom Field forms the basis for future planning by presenting and evaluating the cumulative environmental effects of Moderate and High Growth scenarios for 2010 and 2015. Massport also prepares The State of Hanscom, an annual report of the aircraft activity levels for the previous calendar year, and on the financial performance for the previous fiscal year. The State of Hanscom reviews recent accomplishments and outlines ongoing projects and airport improvements proposed for the coming year.