The jet charter airport at Ohio University, Snyder Field, is one of just two dozen university-owned airfields in the US. The facility is currently known by several names. The airfield itself was registered as Snyder Field, and is known as such by some regulatory agencies. After an expansion in 2002, the airport was renamed after Gordon K. Bush, aviation supporter and university trustee. Passengers should also be aware that Ohio State University, 70 miles to the north, also owns an airport facility. The two universities are not affiliated. Names aside, this efficient airport is about ten miles south of Athens, Ohio (population approximately 24,000.)
The airport’s main function is as a training center for careers in aviation technology, airport management and pilot training. The Avionics Engineering Center is the only facility of its kind in the US. It may be a learning facility, but it is also a federally-certified passenger and charter airport.
The recent expansion brought the runway length to 5,600 feet. This is ideal for turboprops and small jets up to the super mid-size category. Pilots appreciate the refueling services, snooze room, and mechanical services. Passengers will appreciate the convenience of landing at a regional airport that serves nine of the neighboring counties. Otherwise, travelers doing business in the area would have to add additional ground travel to their itinerary.
