Bowman Field (Kentucky)
Template:Airport frame Template:Airport title Template:Airport infobox Template:Runway title Template:Runway Template:Runway Template:Airport end frame Bowman Field Airport, or more commonly known as simply, Bowman Field, is the first airport located in the city of Louisville, Kentucky. It has the IATA Airport Code LOU, and the ICAO Airport Code KLOU.
History
Bowman Field is Kentucky's first commercial airport, and one of the oldest continually operating airfields in North America. The airport has played a vital role in the growth and evolution of our country's aviation industry. It was founded by Abram H. Bowman, who was drawn to aviation by the interest generated during World War I. Bowman found an outlet for his enthusiasm after meeting and forming a brief partnership with Louisvillian Robert H. Gast, a pilot and World War I veteran of the Royal Flying Corps. Bowman leased a parcel of land east of Louisville from the U.S. Government in 1919 to operate an airfield.
The first business ventures began in 1921 in the aerial photography business, and in 1922, the 465th Pursuit Squadron (Reserve) began operations at Bowman Field.
During the 1920s and 1930s, Eastern Airlines, TWA and the original Continental Airlines operated passenger and mail service into and out of Bowman Field. Commercial airline service continued until 1947, when operations were transferred to Standiford Field.
During World War II, Bowman Field was one of the nation's most important training bases as well as the nation's busiest airport. The facility became known as "Air Base City" when a bomber squadron moved in and more than 1600 recruits underwent basic training in a three-month period. The U.S. Army Air Force school of flight surgeons, medical technicians, and flight nurses also called Bowman Field home.
Current operations
Today, Bowman Field is home to hundreds of privately-owned aircraft as well as several commercial operations, including Central American Airways, which opened its doors in 1946, Falcon Aviation (which can trace its roots to the old Louisville Flying Service that began operations in 1932), Kentucky Flying Service, and Louisville Executive Avaiation. The Aero Club of Louisville, Inc. and the Glendale Flying Club also operate out of the airport. Several flight schools operate out of Bowman as well.
It is currently operated by the Louisville Regional Airport Authority, which also operates Louisville International Airport.