Originally published in 2006
Tim O’Krongley
Stinson Municipal Airport
On May 31, another exciting chapter was written in the rich history of Stinson Municipal Airport. State Representative Carlos Uresti and City Councilman Roland Guiterrez joined several other dignitaries in a very important groundbreaking ceremony. The event officially launched a $4.8 million dollar expansion project which will touch just about every part of the Stinson operations. In addition to groundbreaking itself, guests were treated to a flyover performed by the “Alamo Liaison Squadron.”
The expansion program launched will have a dramatic impact on the facilities at Stinson Municipal Airport. Once completed, the project will bring an additional 24,000 square feet worth of space to the Stinson operation. The added space will be used in a variety of different ways, however, one of the most exciting changes is the partnership which has developed between Stinson and Palo Alto College. Palo Alto will move their entire aviation department to Stinson, taking advantage of the new classroom space which will be available once construction is completed. New businesses will find new space in which to set up operations and existing businesses will have new options should they choose to expand. Additional terminal space and concession space will also be available as a result of the expansion project.
Stinson Municipal Airport is the second oldest general aviation airport in the United States. It started as a flight school back in 1915. That’s when Katherine, Marjorie and Eddie Stinson struck a deal with city leaders in San Antonio. They agreed to rent 500 acres of land from the city in exchange for $5.00 per year. With that simple beginning, Stinson launched itself into aviation history. The airport has served as a flight school, San Antonio’s primary commercial airport, a training ground for WWII fighter pilots and finally, a general aviation reliever airport for San Antonio International Airport. It has served the City of San Antonio extremely well for a total of 91 years and now, with this major expansion program underway, Stinson’s place in San Antonio aviation is guaranteed for decades to come.