Cuyahoga County Airport (CGF) Guide: Cleveland’s Key General Aviation Hub

There is hardly anyone who does not know Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Cleveland. Nevertheless, there is yet another important airport that deserves attention, and it is called Cuyahoga County Airport (CGF), also referred to as Robert D. Shea Field.

The significance of this airport cannot be underestimated since it provides its customers with services related to private, corporate, and freight aviation.

Overview of Cuyahoga County Airport (CGF)

Situated approximately 10 nautical miles to the east of downtown Cleveland, the Cuyahoga County Airport is one of those facilities that provide a wide range of essential air traffic services to residents of Cuyahoga, Lake, and Geauga counties alike.

As a general aviation reliever airport, CGF offers services that can significantly lessen the number of flights taking off and landing at the main airport in Cleveland city (Cleveland Hopkins International).

Covering an area of 640 acres, the airport has an elevation of 879 feet above mean sea level.

Distance Of Cuyahoga County Airport From other Major Airport

History

CGF's history traces back to its initial establishment in 1928 by Curtiss-Wright. The site was left abandoned in 1930 until after the Second World War.

A landmark event occurred in 1946 when the voters of Cuyahoga County decided on a bond issue to acquire the land. In 1949, the site was revived under the name of Curtiss-Wright Field. The official opening ceremony took place one year later.

The 1950s and 1960s saw tremendous progress in the development of the airport. A master plan was proposed that included the creation of more runways and hangars. Another significant improvement was the construction of the control tower in 1970, which became federalized through the FAA in 1971.

The airport received its current name, Robert D. Shea Field, in 1991 in recognition of the Aviation Administrator Robert D. Shea, who had served the airport for 42 years.

Although the airport faced some difficulties, such as the closure of the control tower in 2013 due to a lack of funds, it still operates.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Cuyahoga County Airport is equipped with various facilities to meet the needs of aviators and businessmen.

The main infrastructures include:

• One asphalt runway (6/24) measuring 5,102 feet

• FAA-contracted air traffic control tower (reopened in 2015 after a temporary closure)

• 15 hangars

• Two aircraft tie-down sites

• Six office buildings in the airport’s industrial park

• Administration, safety, and services center

• US Customs station

Moreover, the airport supports a significant number of aviation and business-related jobs through its on-site companies, which means that, besides being an aviation facility, it is also a business environment.

Aircraft Operations and Traffic

Cuyahoga County Airport operates general aviation aircraft. For the 12 months ended December 31, 2020, the traffic was:

• Number of operations per year: 23,000

• Number of operations per day: 63 flights

• Aircraft operations:

• General aviation – 78%

• Air taxi – 21%

• Military – less than 1%

At that, the number of based aircraft has been increasing over time. In 2020, it reached 247 aircraft, among them were jets, single-engine and multi-engine planes, and a helicopter.

Commercial Airlines and Cargo Operations

Although CGF does not accommodate passenger commercial airlines, it caters to cargo activities.

• Cargo carrier: DHL Aviation

• Destination: Cincinnati

This minimal but significant cargo link plays an essential role in regional logistics and business operations.

Fixed Base Operator (FBO) Facilities

According to current records, the airport only has one FBO as of 2023, which provides top-tier facilities to both pilots and passengers alike.

FBO facilities available include:

• Avgas and jet fuel

• Conference rooms

• Crew lounges

• Snooze rooms

• Showers

• Courtesy transportation

CGF is highly preferred for corporate flights and business jets due to these facilities.

Aviation Businesses Located at the Airport

Various aviation companies operate within CGF's premises and make up a strong community.

• Air Z Flying Service – Charter services

• Aircraft Maintenance Inc. – Maintenance and repair

• Cleveland Jet Center – Terminal lounge and hangars

• Flexjet – Fractional jet ownership

• Flight Options – Private aviation services

• Nextant Aerospace – Aircraft innovation

• T&G Flying Club – Flight training & rental services

These companies provide significant contributions to the overall operations and success of CGF.

Why Cuyahoga County Airport Is Important

Despite the lack of commercial passenger services, Cuyahoga County Airport is extremely important in the regional air transport system.

Its importance can be understood through the following key functions:

• Helps ease traffic at large airports

• Facilitates corporate and business flights

• Provides freight transport

• Promotes economic development

• Provides specific aviation services

Its convenient location relative to the downtown area of Cleveland makes it perfect for business travelers.

Conclusions

Though it might seem that Cuyahoga County Airport does not attract as much attention as Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, its significance cannot be neglected. From the past up until now, CGF remains an important aviation facility.

Cuyahoga County Airport (CGF) is important for any individual or company engaged in private aviation and business travel within northeastern Ohio.