St. Simons Island Airport
St. Simons Island Airport at McKinnon Field, or SSI, is an airport in Glynn County, Georgia. In the 12 months ending on August 7th, 2007, the airport had 47,750 aircraft operations, 98% general aviation and 2% military. The airport covers 320 acres and has two runways: 4/22, which is 5,800 by 100 feet (asphalt), and 16/34, which is 3,313 by 75 feet (asphalt).
Airport history
SSI originated in the early 1930s, as Howard Coffin and Alfred W Jones Sr. began creating a vacation resort on Sea Island. Coffin, a well-known industrialist and engineer felt that adding an airport would be essential for the area to prosper. However, he had attempted to lobby Glynn County officials for more funds needed to be available to construct an airport. However, County Commission Chairman Malcolm McKinnon worked to secure the Works Progress Administration and other federal funds for the airport's construction. In 1933 a sizable tract of land was donated by Coffin and Jones for the airport. The county then purchased adjoining parcels of land, with construction starting in 1935. The airport was opened on May 28th, 1938. Unfortunately, McKinnon had died seven months prior, and the airport was named Malcolm McKinnon Field to honor him. During WWII, the airport was initially used by the Civil Air Patrol, protecting the East Coast from German U-boat assaults. In July 1942, the airport was taken over by the U.S. Navy and was renamed NAS St. Simons, housing the Navy Radar Training School. During its time at the airport, the Navy made several improvements, and in 1947 the airport was returned to Glynn County for use as a civil airport. Following the war, SSI was served by both Delta Air Lines(until the early 70s) and Eastern Airlines (until 1964). In 2003, the airport was renamed McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport.
Airport location
The airport is located on St. Simons Island, six miles east of Brunswick.
Airport facts
- SSI is located on the site of the Mulberry Grove Plantation, which the Demeré family owned from 1750 till the U.S. Civil War.
- The FBO is Golden Isles Aviation.
- Aircraft hangars are available through Gruber Aviation.
- Palmetto Aviation Repair is responsible for aircraft repair at SSI.
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What to dress for
St. Simons Island forecast