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History of the Mena Intermountain Municipal Airport
An airport at Mena was the dream of interested pilots and hobby flyers in the 1930's. A rough flying field was started on
the McBride property south of town in the early 40's. In 1942, Hartzell Geyer built the first hangar and opened a small flying school. In 1946 serious construction was begun as the Civil Aeronautics Commission (
now the FAA) chose the site as an emergency landing strip for commercial aircraft. Mayor Albert Middleton requested the property under Eminent Domain from the McBride estate.
Mena is the approximate midway point between Fort Smith and Texarkana and was a desirable point being approximately 100 miles from the nearest airport. In the early years the grass field was maintained
by an agreement with a farmer who mowed and bailed the runway for the hay. The portraits of two flight pioneers now hang at the airport office honoring the contributions of Hamp Edwards, an early flight
instructor and Leo Overturf, an early airport businessman and pilot that was killed in a crash in the early 1970's.
After development of the airstrip, several businesses began to service aircraft at the remote but centrally located airport. Popularity of the airport has continued to grow through the years. Presently
the Regional Airport has a lighted and paved 5000 foot runway with support and mechanical services for most aircraft including small and mid-sized commercial airliners. The aircraft industry at Mena now
employs more than 160 in upholstery, painting, engineering and general maintenance fields. The Mena Aircraft industry brings millions of dollars into the local economy each year. A second landing strip is now under
construction and will be equipped for instrument landing. The new 6000 foot runway is a result of the progressive efforts of local business leaders. This addition will be a boost to the local economy for many years
to come.
Reprinted From:
Mena Centennial History 1896-1996,
A photographic History of Mena, Arkansas.
Michael Cate, Editor and Publisher, Catemedia
www.catemedia.com
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