Sacramento Executive Airport (IATA: SAC, ICAO: KSAC, FAA LID: SAC), also known as simply Executive Airport, is a public airport located three miles (5 km) south of the central business district (CBD) of Sacramento, a city in Sacramento County, California, USA. The airport covers 540 acres (219 ha) and has three runways (two lighted) and one helipad.
History
When it opened in 1930, Executive Airport was originally known as Sutterville Aerodrome. As the city-owned facility continuously expanded, in 1941 construction was underway to pave and extend the airport's three runways.
The U.S. Army Air Corps took over the airport during World War II. After the war, control over the airport was returned to the city and the facility was officially renamed Sacramento Municipal Airport. During the late 1940s and early 1950s, improvements were made to parking and taxiway paving, water and sewer systems, and runway/taxiway lighting. The terminal building was constructed in 1955 along with some navigational aids and T-hangars.
During the airport's last summer of airline operations, the August 1967 OAG shows 22 weekday flights to San Francisco, 11 to Los Angeles (PSA Electras and 727s, United 727s, and Western Electras and a 720B), seven to Reno, two to Medford, two to Marysville, and one each to Lake Tahoe, Klamath Falls and Oakland. (Some of those flights continued farther, of course.)
In October 1967, commercial airline operations were moved to the newly opened Sacramento Metropolitan Airport and Sacramento Municipal Airport was renamed Sacramento Executive Airport. The County of Sacramento also became the operator of both airports at that time. Since then, Executive Airport has become Northern California's primary general aviation airport, offering a wide range of general aviation services.
Executive Airport has always been an important asset to the greater Sacramento area. Executive is self-supporting. It receives no city, county, or tax money. All operating expenses are paid for by the income it receives from businesses or individuals who use it.
1972 Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor Crash
On September 24, 1972, a retired Sabrejet N275X jet plane was set to perform air tricks at the Golden West Sport Aviation Show. Due to pilot error, the airplane failed to become airborne and crashed into Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor. The huge explosion killed 22 people, 12 of those children. The tragedy prompted closure of a runway to all aircraft, stricter regulations at the airport, and the opening of the Sacramento Firefighter's Burn Insitiute. The shopping center that housed the ice cream parlor was closed and rebuilt as the Sacramento Public Safety Center, which is the main center for the Sacramento Fire Department and Sacramento Police Department. A memorial was constructed at the crash site.[1]
Facilities
Sacramento Executive Airport is a general aviation airport which offers many facilities and services. In addition to an FAA tower, the airport has three paved runways (two lighted) and offers tie-downs and hangar rentals.
Over 20 businesses are located at Executive, providing a wide range of services including: air charters; aircraft sales, rentals and repairs; flight training; pilot supplies; computer-based testing; and car rentals.
Located 10 minutes from downtown Sacramento, Executive is close to tourist attractions such as Old Sacramento, the State Capitol, Cal Expo State Fairgrounds and ARCO Arena (home of the Sacramento Kings). The airport is also located near three public golf courses and major shopping areas. Because of its location, it is easy to see why in 2004 the average amount of aircraft operations per day were 370[2].
Executive offers three runways and two of them are lighted: Runway 2/20 is 5,503 x 150 feet. A Medium Intensity Approach Light System with Runway Alignment Indicator Lights is installed on Runway 2. REIL and VASI are on Runway 20. The FAA contract control tower operates 0600-2100 (local).
Fuel is available from trucks or 24-hour self-serve credit card pumps and plenty of tie down and transient parking is available, the first six hours of which are free. There is plenty of automobile parking in front of the terminal and is also free for the first 72 hours.
Amenities
Amenities at Sacramento Executive Airport include:[3] * Pilot's Lounge * SACjet terminal with available meeting rooms * Executive Airport terminal with available meeting rooms * Disabled access, accommodations, and services throughout the facilities * Restaurant in the terminal building * Self-serve 100 LL Avgas, Jet A, tie-downs, hangar space, FBO and line services * Contract control tower 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily (SERCO) * Free, short-term (72-hour) auto parking
Restaurants
Serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Aviators overlooks the airfield and can hold up to 190 people. They are available for banquet use and other events.
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