Charlotte's Airport | Trail of History
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- Опубліковано 11 гру 2018
- On this Trail of History we explore the beginnings of Charlotte Douglas International Airport. We’ll also talk to the folks working to advance the mission of the Carolina Aviation Museum, and we’ll meet a group of retired veterans volunteering their time to save the history of the NC Air National Guard. Charlotte's Airport, only of Trail of History.
Nice Video. Piedmont Airlines really put Charlotte on the map when they put their hub operation in place in Charlotte. I remember American and United both desperately wanted a presence in the South and never could establish one. American finally did when they got the Charlotte hub in the aquisistion of USAirways, who got it from the merger with Piedmont. I remember in the early to mid 50s before the “Old” terminal was built, flying out of the old,old terminal on the East side of the airport. I went with my dad in 1953 to fly to Greensboro to pick up a car. It was on an Eastern twin Silver Falcon. I suppose it was the old facility on the NE end of the airport, but for years I had the impression it was more in the area where the Air National Guard is now. I do remember the Baggage claim was out side in a pole barn type of arrangement. I also remember an Eastern Connie taxing into the ramp.
Wow, you have seen it in its beginning days. That’s amazing. What was your favorite thing about old clt?
When I was little I absolutely loved my Dad taking me to the old airport to watch planes land and take off--all propeller craft at first. I remember very well Eastern's beautiful logo of the golden falcon, which got modernized with the coming of jetliners, and finally completely "remodeled" to the blue stripes adopted later. I couldn't wait to see the Boeing 720s that Eastern placed on the Charlotte-Newark run. In those days, the concourses were open structures of steel and corrugated aluminum, so when aircraft turned to taxi from the gate, you got the benefit (!) of the engines blowing dirt, dust and fuel exhaust in your face! I can still smell and feel it. I also remember seeing Delta DC-7s, and both Southern and Piedmont Martin 404's on the ground at Douglas. One year, for my birthday--my 10th, I think--mom and dad took me to dinner at The Dogwood Room, which gave diners a wonderful panorama of the airport apron and runways. I could hardly stay in my seat, watching the movement of the airliners. This was topped off by a cake with a sparkler for a birthday candle! OMG I haven't thought about these things in decades! Thanks for bringing it all back!
2:43 I miss this area so much! It has since been converted into an exclusive club for the wealthy. I hope they put something like this in the newest section of Terminal A.
I grew up beside the airport between Morris Field Drive and West Blvd. I've seen many changes thru the decades. Of the many things I miss, the National Weather Service station holds fond memories, and passing all that kudzu growing thru old planes and rusty old national guard vehicles along the way to the old lookout where the museum is today.
I always thought they could make a museum out of it all. In a way, they kinda did.
Ft Greene Army Airfield became Charlotte Airport, then Cannon Field, with flight operations concluding in 1955.
Fantastic video.
"Commies"? That's pretty funny. He was saying "CoNNies", not "CoMMies". Amusing...
3 baby Shahzain Hayaan Zayyan