College Park Airport (CGS)

College Park Airport (CGS), also known by its ICAO code KCGS, holds the prestigious distinction of being the world's oldest continuously operating airport, established in 1909. Located in College Park, Maryland, just a few miles from Washington D.C., the airport acts as a historic 'Cradle of Aviation.' It was originally founded by the U.S. Army Signal Corps as a training location where Wilbur Wright instructed the first military officers to fly the government's first airplane. Today, the facility is owned and operated by the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The airport infrastructure is tailored to general aviation and reflects its deep historical roots. It features a single 2,980-foot asphalt runway (15/33) which accommodates a variety of light aircraft, flight training operations, and private pilots. While there is no control tower, the airfield is staffed daily and managed with a focus on safety and historical preservation. The terminal building provides essential services for the general aviation community, including a comfortable pilot's lounge, weather briefing facilities, and professional conference rooms. For the convenience of pilots, the airport offers 24-hour fueling services for both 100LL Avgas and Jet A. A major highlight of the airport is the adjacent College Park Aviation Museum, which preserves and promotes the rich history of the airfield and its many 'firsts,' including the first female passenger in an airplane and the first airmail service. The airport remains a bustling hub for flight instruction, housing a Redbird simulator and several flight schools that take advantage of its unique location. Due to its proximity to the national capital, CGS operates within highly regulated airspace, making it a specialized and significant node for private travel in the DC metropolitan area. Ground transportation is well-served by the nearby College Park-U of MD Metro and MARC stations, providing easy access to central Washington D.C. and the University of Maryland campus.