One of the country’s most distinctive airports has been saved from potential closure.
Goodspeed Airport (42B), which lies beside the historic Connecticut River in East Haddam, Connecticut, was put up for sale by its original owner. With intervention from officials with the Recreational Aviation Foundation, the airport will not only remain open, but will see some upgrades.
The airport has a 2,120-foot paved runway, a parallel turf runway, and is the only seaplane base in southern New England, listed as 4,500 feet in length, according to RAF officials. Nearby is a 1913 swing bridge that swivels on a turntable to allow river traffic through.
“I learned that the original owner put this airport up for sale, and that this airport could close,” RAF Director Bill Brine said. “In addition to its aviation features, the location has great potential as a place for folks to experience unique riverfront habitat.”
He connected with two local aviation enthusiasts who understood that action was needed to preserve this special airport.
They tapped the resources of a third-party foundation that agreed to help preserve Goodspeed because its unique layout allows for aviation education and training. This aspect appealed to the RAF as the airport provides southern New England pilots an experience not easily found in the region, foundation officials noted.
The RAF provided funds toward the down payment, leveraging the local group into an outright purchase. They have begun upgrading facilities to boost seaplane use, fuel sales, hangar rentals, and eventually provide for repairs and maintenance, to ensure the airport is self-sustaining. The RAF agreed to terms that excess revenues from operations will go to capital improvements.
“All the pieces are in place for success in preserving the airport for public use in perpetuity,” Brine said. “Regardless of the outcome, the RAF’s position is guaranteed and the agreement is transferable in case ownership changes.”
Brine encourages pilots to put this special place on their list of recreational places to fly.
“Without the RAF as conduit, this cool little airport would have been lost,” he said.
For more information about Goodspeed Airport, visit RAF’s Airfield Guide.
Awsome place. Makes me proud to support RAF. I have flown in and out a number of times over the last 50+ years on wheels and floats. I also remember meeting a gentleman developing an amphib there many MANY years ago. Pretty sure that was Dave Thurston (Thurston Teal that became the Lake amphib…)
Love this airport… the approach over the bridge heading south is very cool… met one of the new owners, nice guy, good plans… Thank you for posting this article. Go RAF !
Soo glad! Over the years, The RAF has become a leader in championing, saving, and creating thriving environments for backwoods fields. This is awesome to hear about Goodspeed in Connecticut. It is a gem, and located to numerous cool places and things to do, if that is what you want, but it is also nice just to take in the New England scenery right there.
The old historic Goodspeed Opera House and Gillette Castle is along the River, and the Essex Stream Train ride ( which can include a boat ride) is also nearby. All New England charm. Congratulations, RAF, for stepping up!
Neat place! I flew in there years back to drop off a prop for overhaul. Glad it will continue to operate…..
and its near a propeller shop
Yeap! Sometimes it’s necessary 😊😊