Perry Lefors Field (PPA)

Perry Lefors Field operates as a general aviation facility five miles northwest of Pampa, Texas, occupying the site of the former Thompson Auxiliary Field #2 that served the World War II-era Pampa Army Airfield. This historic location, part of what was known as the 'Eagles' Nest of the High Plains,' trained 6,292 cadets in advanced twin-engine aircraft including AT-10s, AT-9s, B-25s, and AT-17s between 1942-1945, maintaining one of the best safety records in the United States Training Command throughout the war.

The airport's terminal facilities reflect its transition from military training base to civilian general aviation use, with recent major renovations maintaining capability for large aircraft operations despite the absence of scheduled commercial service. Weather services are provided through an AWOS-3 system accessible via frequency 118.725 or phone at 806-669-1333, though no Fixed Base Operators currently report fuel availability on-site, requiring pilots to plan fuel stops accordingly. The facility serves primarily private aviation, agricultural operations, and occasional charter flights supporting the Texas Panhandle's oil and gas industry.

Texas Department of Transportation's Aviation Capital Improvement Program allocated significant funding for Perry Lefors Field in 2024, with two pending projects totaling $1.05 million - a $200,000 improvement ($180,000 federal, $20,000 local) and an $850,000 project with $765,000 in federal funding. These investments reflect the airport's continuing importance to regional connectivity despite its modest traffic levels, maintaining infrastructure that could support emergency operations or disaster response in this remote part of the Texas Panhandle.

The airport's heritage connects directly to Pampa's wartime contribution when the area operated four satellite fields supporting advanced pilot training. While Reeves, Hoover, and Laketon auxiliary fields have largely vanished from the landscape, Perry Lefors Field preserves this aviation legacy, serving Gray County's general aviation needs while maintaining runways capable of accommodating diverse aircraft types. The facility represents critical infrastructure for a community where distances between population centers can exceed 100 miles, making air travel essential for time-sensitive transportation needs.