“On the following pages, you will find information on vanished or abandoned airfields and their unusual histories,” foreshadows Abandoned and Little-Known Airfields on its home page.
On the Hunt for Diamonds in the Rough
Over the past 22 years, Paul Freeman has crowdsourced descriptions and images of (at present) 2,542 abandoned and little-known airfields, from all 50 states.
Key Takeaways:
- Paul Freeman's "Abandoned and Little-Known Airfields," launched in 1999, is a crowdsourced website documenting over 2,500 forgotten airfields across the U.S., originating from his interest in FAA sectional symbols.
- The site collects and verifies historical information, images, and personal accounts, revealing patterns such as closures due to urban development (e.g., Greater Southwest International Airport) predominantly in warmer, populated states.
- Beyond its historical archive, the project serves as a crucial awareness tool, highlighting the issue of airport closures and inspiring aviation enthusiasts to support and preserve currently operational airfields.
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