๐บ๐ธ Wiley Ford, United States of America
Greater Cumberland Regional Airport (CBE), also known by its ICAO code KCBE, is a public-use general aviation airport located in Wiley Ford, West Virginia, just two miles south of Cumberland, Maryland. Occupying a 314-acre site in a bend of the Potomac River, the airport serves as a critical transportation hub for the tri-state region of Maryland, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Its location in the mountainous Appalachian terrain makes it an essential facility for both private pilots and regional emergency services. The airport's infrastructure is centered around a well-maintained terminal area that includes an original terminal building and a dedicated Fixed Base Operator (FBO). The FBO provides comprehensive services for transient and resident aircraft, including fueling (100LL and Jet A), catering, and ramp support. A popular destination within the terminal complex is the Hummingbird Cafรฉ, which offers a full menu and is a well-known spot for both travelers and the local community. For aircraft storage, the airport offers paved tie-downs and several T-hangars, all managed with a focus on ease of access and pilot convenience. Beyond standard general aviation, CBE is a base for several specialized operations that are vital to the region. It is the permanent home of the Maryland State Police Aviation Command's Trooper 5, a helicopter unit that provides critical search and rescue, law enforcement, and medical evacuation services across the mountainous tri-state area. The airport is also a significant center for gliding and soaring, hosting the Cumberland Soaring Group. Visitors can often see sailplanes in operation, and introductory flights are available for those wishing to experience the unique thermals of the Potomac Valley. While no longer hosting scheduled commercial service, the airport remains a bustling center for corporate travel, flight instruction, and regional logistics.
Connecting through Greater Cumberland Regional Airport (CBE) is a specialized experience governed by its location in the Potomac Highlands of the Appalachian Mountains. For pilots, the most critical 'connection' tip is the awareness of rapidly rising terrain; Runway 05 features terrain rising nearly 700 feet within 2,000 feet of the threshold. A unique safety factor is the shared CTAF/Unicom frequency (122.8) with Mexico Farms Airport (1W3), located just 0.5 miles south; pilots must be exceptionally vigilant for non-standard traffic patterns from the neighboring grass strip. Additionally, be aware that night landings on Runway 11 are not recommended due to high terrain obstructions in the approach path. From a logistical perspective, the airport offers an excellent technical stop for cross-country GA flights. For a seamless technical connection, the facility provides both 100LL and Jet-A fuel during attended hours (08:00โ20:00), though after-hours services are generally not available. If your stop involves a wait for weather or maintenance, the Hummingbird Cafรฉ in the old terminal provides a popular local dining experience. While the airport lacks scheduled commercial airline connections, it serves as a strategic gateway for the tri-state area. Ground transport to downtown Cumberland, MD (2 miles north), is best pre-arranged via local taxi or by coordinating a rental car delivery through the FBO. A unique regional connection is the Amtrak station in nearby Cumberland, which offers a rail link to the broader Northeast Corridor. Always check the latest NOTAMs and be prepared for mountain fog, which can rapidly develop near the Potomac River even when regional forecasts are clear. For frequent flyers, CBE remains a professional and welcoming hub for mountain flying and soaring activities.
Check terminal and airline baggage transfer rules, especially on separate tickets.
Minimum domestic connection:
30 minutes
International connections:
45 minutes
Interline transfers:
75 minutes
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Last updated: January 1980 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources