Scottsdale Airport Thunderbird Field No. 2
FAA airport diagram
IATA: SCF – ICAO: KSDL – FAA LID: SDL
Summary
Airport type		Public
Owner		City of Scottsdale
Serves		Scottsdale, Arizona
Elevation AMSL		1,510 ft / 460 m
Coordinates		33°37′22″N 111°54′38″W / 33.62278°N 111.91056°W / 33.62278; -111.91056Coordinates: 33°37′22″N 111°54′38″W / 33.62278°N 111.91056°W / 33.62278; -111.91056
Website		www.scottsdaleaz.gov/...
Runways
Direction	Length		Surface
	ft	m
3/21	8,249	2,514	Asphalt
Statistics (2005)
Aircraft operations			224,684
Based aircraft			471
Source: Federal Aviation Administration

Scottsdale Airport (IATA: SCF, ICAO: KSDL, FAA LID: SDL) is a city-owned public-use airport located nine miles (14 km) north of the central business district of Scottsdale, a city in Maricopa County, Arizona, United States. Although most U.S. airports use the same three-letter location identifier for the FAA and IATA, Scottsdale Airport is assigned SDL by the FAA and SCF by the IATA (which assigned SDL to Midlanda Airport in Sundsvall, Sweden).

As per Federal Aviation Administration records, the airport had 444,798 passenger boardings (or enplanements) in calendar year 2005 and 266 enplanements in 2006. According to the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2007–2011, Scottsdale was designated as a reliever airport, which is a general aviation airport that may be used to relieve congestion at a large commercial service airport.

It is one of the busiest single-runway facilities in the nation, with approximately 202,000 operations in 2004. The airport averages approximately 10,000 passengers a year. The airport offers clearance, ground and tower services from 1300Z to 0400Z (6 am to 9 pm local time) daily.

Neighbors complain about aircraft noise around the airport, with over 9,000 complaints being logged in 2004 alone. However, it is unlikely that the airport would close, due to Federal grant assurances, and the tremendous economic impact it provides for Scottsdale. Also, the land would revert to the Seventh-day Adventist Church (which founded the airport), under the deed that the city of Scottsdale signed with the church to make the airport municipal.

History

During World War II the airfield was used by the United States Army Air Force Army Air Forces Training Command as "Thunderbird Field #2" on June 22, 1942, as a primary flight training school for aviation cadets. Since its inception, Thunderbird #2 graduated more than 5,500 students, a total three times greater than the entire total contemplated by the AAF's original expansion program. In addition, Thunderbird #2 pilots flew nearly 26,500,000 miles, more than 3,000 times around the world at the equator. The school was deactivated on October 16, 1944.

While in operation, Thunderbird #2 underwent a transformation that took it from a small piece of isolated desert to a primary training school. This transformation is attributable to Air Force officers such as General Henry H. Arnold and Lieutenant General B.K. Yount (commander of the Army Air Forces Training Command, and the civilian contract school operated by Leland Hayward and John H. Connelly.

One of three Southwest Airways' training schools in the Valley, Thunderbird #2's first class of cadets, arriving before the field was pronounced ready for occupancy, had to be trained at Thunderbird Field #1 in Glendale. Not until July 22, could all personnel, consisting then of 28 flight instructors, move to Scottsdale. Throughout World War II, Thunderbird #2 devoted its every facility to the training of more and more cadets. In November 1943, the peak was reached; 615 cadets who flew an average of two hours a day, making 1,845 separate takeoffs and landings. In a period of ten weeks, students received a total of 65 hours of flight training and 109 hours of ground school. In spite of the intensified training, the field gained a widespread reputation for thoroughness of instruction and high caliber graduates.

An increase in the number of students brought about a similar gain in the number of persons employed, until in January, 1944, Thunderbird II's payroll boasted 508 employees, with a total monthly salary expenditure of $115,247. Gradually the tempo slowed as World War II came to an end. So well did civilian contractors complete their initial assignment, that by August 4, 1944, only 40 of the original 64 primary schools were still in operation. At the closing of Thunderbird #2, only 15 remained opened to complete the task of primary training.

After the war, Arizona State Teachers College (now Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona), acquired the airport in order to implement its own aviation program. Distance from the college campus and cost of operating an aviation program soon convinced the college to abandon its plans.

Facilities and aircraft

Scottsdale Airport covers an area of 282 acres (114 ha) which contains one asphalt paved runway (3/21) measuring 8,249 x 100 ft (2,514 x 30 m).

For the 12-month period ending December 31, 2005, the airport had 224,684 aircraft operations, an average of 615 per day: 95% general aviation, 5% air taxi and <1% military. There are 471 aircraft based at this airport: 59% single engine, 19% multi-engine, 20% jet aircraft and 2% helicopters.

FBOs include the Scottsdale Air Center and Landmark Aviation (formerly Corporate Jets). Rural/Metro fire department has a facility located midfield adjacent to the tower.

Scottsdale Airport is a general aviation reliever facility with no commuter or airline service, and is home to many corporate aircraft in the valley.

Located 7 miles north of Scottsdale's downtown area, and in close proximity to a wide range of  world class resorts, hotels, restaurants, and golf courses (Scottsdale Convention and Visitors Bureau), Scottsdale Airport is an ideal choice for vacationers and business travelers. With an average median temperature of 70 degrees, and an average of 360 VFR days a year, Scottsdale provides the country's best year-around flying conditions.

With approximately 202,000 operations in 2004, Scottsdale Airport is one of the busiest single runway facilities in the nation. Approximately 10,000 passengers a year travel through Scottsdale Airport to see the numerous sights across the State of Arizona. In 1995, the Arizona Department of Transportation presented Scottsdale with the Arizona Airport of the Year award. In addition, one of the Fixed Base Operators located at Scottsdale Airport has been rated among the top 50 by "Professional Pilots Magazine" every year since 1993.

Scottsdale Airport and its surrounding Commerce Airpark is a major economic asset for the City of Scottsdale. Centrally located in Scottsdale's only industrial-zoned area, the Airport and Commerce Airpark are primary sources of employment. The Commerce Airpark area is headquarters to over 30 national/regional corporations and home to nearly 2,200 small and medium-sized businesses with over 42,000 jobs.

Scottsdale Airport History

Scottsdale Airport began in June 22, 1942, as Thunderbird Field II, a basic training facility for World War II Army Air Corps pilots. Since its inception, Thunderbird II graduated more than 5,500 students, a total three times greater than the entire total contemplated by the Air Forces' original expansion program. In addition, Thunderbird II pilots flew nearly 26,500,000 miles, more than 3,000 times around the world at the equator. Two years, three months and 24 days later it was deactivated.

While in operation, Thunderbird II underwent a transformation that took it from a small piece of isolated desert to a primary training school. This transformation is attributable to visionary Air Force officers such as General H.H. Arnold and Lieutenant General B.K. Yount, and the civilian contract school operated by Leyland Hayward and John Connelly and supervised by Army Air Force personnel, who played a key role in creating a program that would help build the world's most powerful aerial striking force.

One of three Southwest Airways' training schools in the Valley, Thunderbird II's first class of cadets, arriving before the field was pronounced ready for occupancy, had to be trained at Thunderbird I in Glendale. Not until July 22, could all personnel, consisting then of 28 flight instructors, move to the Thunderbird II location in Scottsdale.

Throughout World War II, Thunderbird II devoted its every facility to the training of more and more cadets. As war clouds thickened over Europe, the quota of men to be trained increased with virtually every class. In November 1943, the peak was reached; 615 cadets who flew an average of two hours a day, making 1,845 separate takeoffs and landings. In a period of ten weeks, students received a total of 65 hours of flight training and 109 hours of ground school. In spite of the intensified training, the field gained a widespread reputation for thoroughness of instruction and high caliber graduates.

An increase in the number of students brought about a similar gain in the number of persons employed, until in January, 1944, Thunderbird II's payroll boasted 508 employees, with a total monthly salary expenditure of $115,247. Gradually the tempo slowed as World War II came to an end. So well did civilian contractors complete their initial assignment, that by August 4, 1944, only 40 of the original 64 primary schools were still in operation. At the closing of Thunderbird II, only 15 remained opened to complete the task of primary training. Thunderbird II's mission was accomplished - a great Air Force was built in far less time than anyone ever dreamed possible.

After the war, Arizona State Teachers College (now Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona), acquired the airport in order to implement its own aviation program. Distance from the college campus and cost of operating an aviation program soon convinced the college to abandon its plans.

The Arizona Conference of Seventh Day Adventists purchased the Airport in 1953 and established Thunderbird Academy. Former barracks became dormitories. Hangars were adapted to house a wood products industry and a vocation education center offering training in mechanics, woodworking and welding. The airfield itself became a training field for missionary pilots. In 1963, in order to finance renovation of its physical facilities, the academy commissioned the first combined-use design of a clean industrial park surrounding an airport.

The City of Scottsdale acquired the airfield portion of the academy's property in 1966 and has continued to own and operate it since that time. The first fixed base operator was selected in April 1967, and the first business jets landed at Scottsdale Airport in August 1967. The first airpark tenant, Casa Precision, broke ground for its first building unit in August 1968. By December 1969, 127 aircraft and 20 helicopters were based at Scottsdale Airport (SDL).

In 2004, there were over 450 aircraft based at Scottsdale Airport, from single engine recreational planes to numerous corporate jets. Approximately 200,000 takeoffs and landings occurred, making Scottsdale the second busiest single-runway airport in the country, and the busiest corporate jet facility in the state.

Scottsdale Airpark, the 2,600 acre commercial area which surrounds the Airport, has become a national model for airport-based business parks. This model has been achieved through the efforts of numerous City of Scottsdale civic and community leaders. Several important factors have contributed to the success of the Scottsdale Airport/Airpark - it is headquarters for over 25 national/regional corporations; home to more than 2,200 small to medium-sized businesses; workplace of more than 42,000 employees; and has easy airport access and seven miles of taxiway access. The workforce within its boundaries has tripled in the past decade, making it the second largest employment center in a community of approximately 212,000.

One of the most significant aspects of Scottsdale Airport is the major economic stimulus that it provides to the City of Scottsdale and north Valley region. A recent study indicated that the airport generates more than $182 million annually in revenue to the region's economy and the combined annual impact of the airport/airpark is approximately $2.5-3.0 billion.

The City of Scottsdale is known throughout the country as a community where quality of life and economic progress are synonymous. The outstanding facilities of the Airport and life and the amenities of the Scottsdale area have attracted a large number of businesses that desire to locate on or near the Airport. These same facilities and amenities draw general aviation and corporate business travelers from all over the country to visit Scottsdale for business and recreational purposes. As Scottsdale develops into one of the major markets of the Southwest, Scottsdale Airport plays a key role in linking the Scottsdale economy to the Southeast and the nation.

Location & QuickFacts

Owner & Manager

Airport Operations and Facilities

Airport Communications

Airport Services

Runway Information

Runway 03/21

Radio Navigation Aids

Remarks

• ACCESS GATES TO INDUSTRIAL AIRPARK LIMITED TO ACFT WITH WINGSPAN LESS THAN 63 FT.
• RY 03 PREFERRED FOR CALM WIND AND NOISE ABATEMENT.
• RY 03/21 AND TWYS A & B DESIGNED FOR ACFT WITH WINGSPAN OF 79 FT OR LESS.
• ALL MILITARY ACFT PROVIDE 24 HR ADVANCE NOTICE PRIOR TO ARRIVAL, CALL AIRPORT OPERATIONS (480) 312-8478.
• NO MIDFIELD DEPARTURES ON RY 03 OR RY 21.
• VOLUNTARY NOISE ABATEMENT CURFEW 2200-0600. EXTREMELY NOISE SENSITIVE AREAS ALL QUADRANTS. FOR NOISE ABATEMENT INFORMATION CALL (480) 312-8478.
• COYOTES OCCASIONALLY CROSSING RY 03/21 & TWYS.
• HAWKS INVOF RY 03/21.
• TWY C LIMITED TO ACFT WITH WINGSPAN LESS THAN 63 FT.
• TGL PERMITTED BTWN 0600-2130 ONLY.
• NO MAINTENANCE RUNUPS BTWN 2200-0700.

Based Aircraft

Operational Statistics

Scottsdale Airport

Address: Maricopa County, AZ

15000 N. Airport Drive, 2nd Floor,
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
(480) 312-2321
(480) 312-8480 Fax

URL: http://www.ci.scottsdale.az.us/airport/

http://www.airport-data.com/airport/SDL/
http://www.ci.scottsdale.az.us/airport/
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