๐บ๐ธ Glendale, United States of America
Glendale Fokker Field, identified by the private FAA code WV66 and historically associated with the IATA code GWV, is a historic aviation site located in Glen Dale, West Virginia. The airfield is situated on the banks of the Ohio River and stands as a significant monument to the early golden age of American aviation. It is most famous for its association with Anthony Fokker, the renowned Dutch aircraft designer, who established a major manufacturing plant here in 1928, making Glen Dale a focal point for aviation technology in the early 20th century.
The current facility features a modest grass landing strip that is primarily utilized for local sports flying and light general aviation. There is no formal passenger terminal building or scheduled commercial services; instead, the site is characterized by its historical context and its role as a private airstrip. The original Fokker manufacturing building, which once produced the legendary Trimotor F-10A airliner, still stands adjacent to the field and retains visible "Fokker Aircraft" signage, although the structure was repurposed for toy manufacturing following the decline of the Fokker company in the 1930s.
Flight operations at Fokker Field are restricted to private use and local recreational pilots who maintain the field's aviation heritage. Historically, the site was a bustling center for aircraft testing and production, but modern commercial aviation for the region is now handled by the larger regional airports in the Ohio Valley. The field remains a point of interest for aviation historians due to its connection to the tragic 1931 crash of a Fokker F-10A, which claimed the life of football legend Knute Rockne and fundamentally changed the course of American commercial aviation safety regulations. Today, the quiet grass strip serves as a peaceful reminder of West Virginia's critical contribution to early aerospace history.
Glendale Fokker Field (GWV) is a historic public-use general aviation facility located near Glendale, West Virginia. While it primarily serves the needs of recreational pilots and light aircraft owners in the northern panhandle, it is critical for travelers to understand that GWV has no scheduled commercial airline service. For commercial connections, the nearest major hub is Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT), located approximately 60 miles to the northeast, or about a 75-minute drive via I-79 and WV-2. The airfield features a single 2,200-foot paved runway and is situated along the scenic Ohio River. Due to its short runway length, it is predominantly suitable for small piston aircraft and taildraggers.
There is no on-site fuel available for public sale, and the facility is largely unattended. Pilots wishing to land at GWV should verify runway conditions in advance and be prepared for 'self-service' operations. There are no terminal services, cafes, or car rental desks on-site. Any ground transportation must be pre-arranged through local Glendale or Moundsville taxi services or private contacts.
Glendale is a historic town known for its industrial heritage and its proximity to the Grave Creek Mound Archaeological Site in nearby Moundsville. Weather in the northern panhandle follows typical Appalachian patterns, with the potential for localized morning fog along the Ohio River valley and winter snow. If you are using GWV as a technical stop or visiting the local community, ensure you are fully self-sufficient. For those connecting back to a major carrier in Pittsburgh, always allow a generous buffer for the road journey, especially during the peak morning and afternoon commute periods through the tri-state area.
โข Check ahead for limited amenities and operating hours.
โข Glendale Field serves the northern West Virginia panhandle.
โข It mainly supports recreational pilots and light aircraft owners.
โข There is no scheduled commercial airline service at GWV.
โข Pittsburgh International is the nearest major commercial airport.
Minimum domestic connection:
45 minutes
International connections:
90 minutes
Interline transfers:
120 minutes
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Last updated: April 2026 | Data Source: IATA and other airline sites and resources