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WHERE IS THE AIRPARK? -- The Pinal Airpark Airport, located in Marana, Arizona, northwest of Tucson, is a county-owned airport just north of the Pinal/Pima county line along Interstate 10. It was originally known Marana Army Air Field.
WHO WORKS THERE? - On the grounds of the airport are a variety of tenants, both private sector and government.
THE AIRCRAFT "BONEYARD" - One primary function is serving as a "boneyard" for civilian commercial aircraft as well as airliner storage, reconfiguration, and reclamation. Out-of-service airliners are stored there since the dry, low humidity of the Sonoran desert provides an ideal storage environment.
THE DREAMLINER - Dan was fascinated with the "Dreamliner" aircraft, and explained to me the significance. He told me the Boeing 787 Dreamliner or Boeing 787 is an American long-haul, mid-size wide-body, twin-engine jet airliner manufactured by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. Its variants seat 242 to 330 passengers in typical two-class seating configurations.
WHAT WAS SPECIAL ABOUT THE DREAMLINER? - The cabin pressure on the 787 is higher and the humidity higher than other airplanes. Basically, passengers on board will feel like they are at an altitude of 6,000 feet, 2,000 feet lower than a standard flight. The changes will cut down on passenger fatigue, dry eyes and headaches, Boeing said.
FAMOUS ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPARK - Pinal Airpark has been in the news in early 2018, with the arrival of the last Boeing 747 from Delta Air Lines. (see videos below on this page covering the final flight, and final flyover at Marana). It joined other 747s and airliners from Delta and a variety of other airlines for storage and reclamation. About 38 Delta airliners are parked at Pinal, including most of Delta’s fleet of retired Boeing 747s.
THE CIA TOOK IT OVER FOR A WHILE - During the Vietnam War, the airfield was dominated by the Central
Intelligence Agency (CIA), and used as one of the Agency's primary
facilities for global covert air operations. A number of CIA false
"front" aviation companies operated there, including Intermountain
Airlines. "Air America" had its roots at Marana.WHO MANAGES IT TODAY? - Today, the Pinal County Airport Economic Development Department is responsible for the development and management of two airports in the County. San Manuel Airport is a General Aviation Airport that is located in the town of San Manuel. Pinal Airpark is a reliever airport whose main tenant performs A&P service on aircraft for a multitude of customers, as well as aircraft storage.
NEXT: THE PIMA COUNTY AIRPLANE AND SPACE MUSEUM
