Airport History

Once known as Thompson Airfield in the 1940’s, Rostraver Airport was a parcel of former farm land laying adjacent to the old two lane Route 51.  Hangars consisted of one relatively well built structure of concrete block with an arch-type roof, and about ten hangars built of wood, pipe, and corrugated steel.  “Thompson Field” was a grass strip with a dog leg like runway.

During the early 60’s Pete Buck and others convinced the Rostraver Township commissioners to purchase Thompson Airfield for construction of an improved airport.  After the purchase of the airfield, the township commissioners floated a bond issue.  Using this money, along with federal funding, Rostraver Airport was established in 1963.  Work began on grading, filing, and leveling the land for a 4000 x 75 ft runway.  The paved runway was completed in 1965.

The Rostraver Airport Authority was formed to govern the affairs of the new airport with Pete Buck as president.  The Authority began leasing ground space for the construction of individually owned hangars.  Prior to 1970, only seven hangars existed, including one business hangar which is now partially occupied by the Eagles Landing Restaurant.

The mid 70’s saw a parallel taxiway installed and construction of several other individually owned hangars.

In 1975, EAA Chapter 45 established their headquarters in a hangar built by its members.

In 1986, the Airport was released by Rostraver Township to be maintained by the Westmoreland County Airport Authority, the same authority that governs the activities of Latrobe Airport (KLBE).  Several noticeable improvements have taken place since 1986:

• An overlay of asphalt was added to the runway, taxiway, and parking ramp area with an extension to the parking ramp area.
• Installation of a 10 ft high perimeter fence around the airport property to enhance security and control the deer population.
• Construction of a new maintenance and administration building.
• Purchase of maintenance equipment for snow plowing, grass cutting, and fire fighting.
• Installation of a fuel farm and fuel trucks.
• Installation of an upgraded runway and taxiway lighting system
• Hiring of two employees for grounds and equipment maintenance and fueling tasks.

In March 1992 the Eagles Landing Restaurant opened for business.

In 1995 Life Flight selected and established a base at Rostraver Airport for its medical rescue operation.  This base is manned 24/7.

Today there are 69 individually operated hangars on the airport along with four large business hangars.  Rostraver Airport, from its meager beginning as farmland, has grown substantially.  Past improvements and additions planned for the future makes Rostraver Airport community asset and an important key to economic development in the Mon Valley.