Mondell Field (ECS)

Mondell Field (ECS) is a public-use general aviation facility located six miles northwest of the central business district of Newcastle in Weston County, Wyoming. The airport features a single 5,310-foot asphalt runway (14/32) and serves as an important hub for private aviation, local business travel, and emergency services in the Black Hills region. Situated near the Wyoming-South Dakota border, it provides convenient access to both the energy resources of the Powder River Basin and the national monuments of the Black Hills. The terminal facilities are managed by Tuff Air, the resident Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), and provide a welcoming environment for visiting pilots and passengers. The terminal building includes a comfortable lounge, flight planning resources, and restroom facilities. Tuff Air offers professional line services, including full-service aviation fuel (100LL and Jet A), with after-hours fueling available by prior arrangement. The airport also features several county-owned and private hangars, as well as ample tie-down space for transient aircraft. While the terminal is typically attended from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Saturday, the facility remains accessible to pilots 24 hours a day via a standardized access code. As a general aviation airport, there are no scheduled commercial airline services at ECS. Travelers using the facility typically arrive via private or chartered aircraft and can utilize a courtesy car provided by the FBO for short trips into Newcastle. For those requiring longer-term transport, rental car arrangements can be made through local providers for delivery to the terminal. The airport's location is particularly strategic for pilots touring the region, though travelers should be mindful of high volumes of aircraft operating near the nearby Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse monuments. For commercial flight connections, the nearest major hubs are Gillette-Campbell County Airport (GCC) and Rapid City Regional Airport (RAP).