Cincinnati Will Always Be My ‘Home Sweet Airport’

Lunken Field faces an uncertain future, but it will forever be a special place.

Friday, September 27, 2024 at 08:47 AM ET

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The original FAA control tower in the terminal building at Cincinnati’s Lunken Airport sits in a state of disrepair. [Courtesy: Martha Lunken]

Key Takeaways:

Lunken Airport is currently thriving with a significant increase in general aviation and corporate traffic, and successful flight schools, contrary to local media labeling it "struggling."
The City of Cincinnati is undertaking controversial changes, including tearing out a crucial runway and demanding the demolition of a historic hangar, which the author views as mismanagement.
These decisions threaten the airport's functionality for general aviation, small businesses, and flight schools, leading to increased costs and operational difficulties.
The author expresses deep concern and lament over the transformation of this historically rich airport, where he has been involved for 62 years, due to city policies.

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I had lunch with some pilot friends, including a retired airline guy, a kid working two jobs and going to college—crazy about learning to fly—and two or three others who can fly or fix anything from sophisticated corporate jets to homebuilts and small, antique taildraggers.

It’s great to call them friends, but the conversation topic was grim: “What in the hell is going on at Lunken Airport?” Sure enough, the front-page headline in the Sunday Cincinnati newspaper shouted, “What’s Next for Lunken Airport…Cincinnati’s tiny, aging airfield…and what’s ahead for the struggling airport’s second century?”

Martha Lunken

Martha Lunken is a lifelong pilot, former FAA inspector and defrocked pilot examiner. She flies a Cessna 180 and anything with a tailwheel, from Cubs to DC-3s.