Get To Know Major Information On Ellington Airport (EFD) In Houston

Ellington Airport (IATA: EFD) is a military and civilian airport located in Houston, Texas. It is located within 15-17 miles southeast of downtown Houston and is operated by the Houston Airport System, which has a rich history dating back to World War I. Ellington Airport today is a major contributor in the field of aviation, space research, and the annual airshows in Houston.

Key Points For Ellington Airport

• IATA/FAA LID Code: EFD / KEFD

• Location: Houston, Texas, United States (approximately 15 - 17 miles southeast of downtown Houston)

• Ownership: Owned by the City of Houston and operated by the Houston Airport System.

• Services: Supports military services, NASA, Coast Guard, Texas Air National Guard, flight schools, general aviation, and corporate/private aviation. It is also a licensed commercial spaceport.

• Runways: Ellington Airport has three concrete runways; the length of runways is 4,609 ft, 9,001 ft, and 8001 ft.

• Height: 32.5 ft above mean sea level.

• Hours of operation: 24/7 military flights, NASA flights, and general aviation.

• Rating: 4.9 stars according to 81 reviews on Google Business Profile.

Distance of EFD to Major Airports in Houston

The following table displays the distance and the estimated drive time of the main airports in the region to the Ellington Field Airport (EFD):

(Source - Google Maps)

A Century of Aviation History

The U.S. Army Air Service initially opened Ellington Airport on May 21, 1917, as a training base during World War I. It was named after the American aviator, 1st Lt. Eric Ellington, who died in a 1913 accident. The airfield has been variously called the Ellington Field, Ellington Air Force Base, and finally Ellington Airport.

In the late 1960s, the airport was incorporated into the City of Houston and was officially renamed in 2009. Ellington became a licensed commercial spaceport in 2015, authorized by the Federal Aviation Administration with the status of one of only ten in the United States.

Ellington Airport and Spaceport Development

Ellington is not simply about planes but also the Houston connection to space. In 2018, the City of Houston 2018 endorsed the financing of the Houston Spaceport Project at Ellington. This development is geared towards the future of commercial space travel, such as spacecraft like the Dream Chaser by Sierra Nevada.

Key Facilities and Runways

(Source - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ellington_Airport_%28Texas%29)

Ellington Airport occupies a land area of over 2362 acres and has a height of 32 feet. There are three concrete runways to it:

• Runway 17R/35L: 9,001 ft

• Runway 4/22: 8,001 ft

• Runway 17L/35R: 4,609 ft

In 2022, the airport had a total of 115,958 aircraft operations, with the majority of the flights being general aviation and military. Ellington has a fleet of approximately 95 aircraft that includes both single-engine and military jet-powered aircraft.

Military and NASA Operations

Ellington Airport hosts the Texas Air National Guard, the Texas Army National Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard. The MH-65 Dolphin helicopters operated here by the Coast Guard are used to carry out search and rescue operations.

Also, a large part of NASA is present at Ellington. The airport also facilitates the work of NASA aircraft, such as popular T-38 training jets, Gulfstream shuttle trainer jets, and WB-57F research airplanes. These planes are used in astronaut workouts, research, and transportation.

Lone Star Flight Museum

The other Ellington Airport attraction is the Lone Star Flight Museum, which relocated to this airport in 2017. Historical aircraft that are on display in the museum include the B-25 Mitchell Bomber, DC-3, and the F4U Corsair. It is also home to the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and training in aviation.

Ellington Airport Today

Even though Ellington does not provide any scheduled commercial flights nowadays, it remains a relief airport with George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) and William P. Hobby Airport (HOU). Ellington offers essential assistance in unfavorable weather or during rush hours.

Ellington Airport is also among the most significant aviation landmarks in Houston due to its combination of historical and military significance, NASA activities, and its future as a spaceport.

Conclusion

Ellington Airport is not merely a strip in Houston. It has more than 100 years of history, serves the U.S. military and NASA, and is now planning the future of space travel. Although it does not have daily commercial flights, it remains a significant component of the aviation and space history of Houston.