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Reviews, get directions and information for Pinal Airpark

Pinal Airpark

Description

Pinal Airpark is a county-owned, public-use airport located seven nautical miles (13 km) northwest of the central business district of Marana, in Pinal County, Arizona, United States.Its primary function serves as a boneyard for civilian commercial aircraft, where the area's dry desert climate mitigates corrosion of the aircraft. It is the largest commercial aircraft storage and heavy maintenance facility in the world. Even so, many aircraft which are brought there wind up being scrapped. Nearby the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base provides the same service to the US government.Aircraft at Pinal Airpark formerly belonged to Delta Air Lines, Northwest Airlines, Aerosur, Hellenic and Surinam Airways, and other carriers.HistoryBuilt in 1942 by the Sundt & Del Webb Construction Companies and opened in March 1943, the facility was known as Marana Army Air Field. During World War II, the airfield was under the command of the 389th Army Air Force Base Unit, AAF West Coast Training Center and used as a training base, as part of the 50,000 Pilot Training Program.

Address: 24641 E Pinal Air Park Rd, Marana (Arizona) 85653
State: AZ
City: Marana
Street Number: 24641 E Pinal Air Park Rd
Zip Code: 85653
categories: airport


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Reviews
Planes planes & planes. The Pinal County Airpark, located in Marana, Arizona, northwest of Tucson, is a county-owned airport just north of the Pinal/Pima county line along Interstate 10. It was originally known Marana Army Air Field. On the grounds of the airport are a variety of tenants, both private sector and government. One primary function is serving as a "boneyard" for civilian commercialaircraft as well as airliner storage, reconfiguration, and reclamation. Out-of-service airliners are stored there since the dry, low humidity of the Sonoran desert provides an ideal storage environment. Unfortunately I’ve visited this airfield Dec 2021 when no tour was available anymore due to COVID But the friendly staff let you drive around and take as many pictures you want. Remember to be respectful always and not litter
I used to work there. There are a lot of good people that work there. Unfortunately the training they provide to new hires is pretty much nonexistent. Granted I have education background from military, I still found it rather risky to sign off on work I’ve done on an airplane, that the company gave little to no training on. I mean these are meant to transport human life in! For that reason alone I decided that it wasn’t for me. Again there really are some good people that work there though.
It would be great to get to see the planes up close. Many airlines have some style of plane stored here. SPIRIT had a row prepared for some storage and China Air was scraping some of their older fleet. The only area open to the is the restaurant. All other areas are locked up. It was also interesting to see the base housing, now pretty much closed too.
Just a few miles off of I-10, Pinal Airpark is definitely worth at least a brief stop. While it might not seem all that inviting, ever since Evergreen International went out of business, thus ending their lease on the property and leading to the transfer of the airport to Pinal County, the Pinal Airpark has been technically open to the public. That doesn't mean it's all that accessible. Still, everything on the east side of the ramp that isn't gated off is fair game, as it gawking over the past-their-prime beasts that are being stored or recycled. But things get better! If you get in touch with the Airpark office, you might luck out and be able to arrange a tour with the staff. They're super friendly. The tour is casual and there's no agenda. But I received a ride around the field and a chance to walk amongst some retired Queens of the Sky.
You cannot tour or visit the boneyard anymore. In theory they may re-open for tours one day. You can still drive by, but cannot see a whole lot.
The most recent review indicates the place cannot be visited. It can! It is possible to access. The remnants of a guardhouse are there, but you can proceed without a problem. Mind signs saying "No Access" and "Authorized Personnel Only" After all, there are planes there for storage or maintenance, they are viable planes, hence security is needed. It is also a boneyard, and if you do not have a tour, with binoculars, you can see those planes in the distance. If you receive a tour, contact the Pinal County Airport Economic Development Department to arrange, and you will be driven among them. The most exciting, yet an element of sad, the four 747s. 4 stars, versus 5, because there is a little bit of feeling your way to enjoy and explore. They are working on having it more streamlined/more welcoming to the public, but it's not quite there at this time. I never had an issue with photographing when I was in the public area, on the other side of the fence. When in the vehicle for the tour, once you are within the Authorized Personnel only area, it is asked not to video or take photographs as the vehicle is in motion. Once parked, and you are walking among the boneyard 747s, not a problem.
This is a cool place to visit, even though they do not have tours unless pre-arranged. Driving by, stopping by and see all the planes that are parked there was quite a sight! Had a wonderful lunch at the Flightline Bar and Grill.
Amazing tour of some classic planes.
Super cool spot to visit!
Great place to visit, but that's all I'm going to say. Most of the planes will be going back to lessor or returning to service, which is good, but some won't be going anywhere soon. If you're an aviation geek, get your fill while you still can. Also, go to the Flightline Bar and Grill across the street, and order the Adobe Cream Cheese Burger I prefer no veggies. You won't regret it.
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