Air Base Speedway was a large airfield located in the desert south of Twentynine Palms, California. It opened in 1940 and was used by both the United States military and the Civilian Conservation Corps during World War II. After the war, the airfield was turned into a commercial airport named after the famous Indianapolis 500 race. Today, all that remains of the airfield are the concrete runways, taxiways, and some World War II era buildings, which are now in use as restaurants and offices.
Why Are There No Jets Fly Over The Area Anymore?
After the end of World War II, the U.S. government passed a law barring airfields from being used for profit. As a result, Air Base Speedway lost its commercial license and all jets were banned from the airfield. However, civilian and military aircraft are still welcome to fly over the area. The only difference is that now they have to pay for landing and parking here.
The end of World War II also marked the end of the airport’s military history. From the beginning, it had been operated by the U.S. Army Air Force, but the postwar years were spent trying to turn a profit. In 1952, the Air Force sold the airfield to Los Angeles Rams owner Dan Topper. However, because of the law prohibiting airports from being sold for profit, Topper could not register the airfield as a commercial airport. In 1957, after Topper’s death, the airfield was sold to Fred Sternberg, who eventually turned it into an all-charter airport.
What Was Once The Home Of Foy Willers Was Converted Into An Embassy
Fred Sternberg also purchased the small housing development near the airport named after Foy Willers, a famous aviator who owned planes similar to those that were considered ‘modern’ in the early 20th century. This is where Sternberg’s residence once stood. The property was originally zoned for single-family homes but after a flood of interest from diplomats and dignitaries, Sternberg changed the zoning to an embassy, which is now the Willers embassy.
The Willers Estates were built in 1938 and consist of 48 two-story stucco cottages with green lawns and palm trees. There are also 11 garages for the cars, which were parked there during World War II to be used as an emergency measure. The garages are now used as storage space.
In addition to the garages and storage space, the residences have a guest house, a pool and a tennis court.
Why Is There No Jetliner Now Scheduled To Land At The Airport?
Since the end of World War II, there have been no commercial flights operating out of Air Base Speedway because there is now a nearby airport named after the famous landing strip in Fort Worth, Texas – named after the B-25 bomber. The new airport has been named after another famous Texas airport, which leads one to wonder if there is a pattern here.
When you fly into this new airport, you enter a very different world. There are no more large runways and wide open spaces as you come in for a landing. Instead, you are greeted by a row of high-rise hotels and apartment buildings. Once you pass over the runway, the only open space you will see is a small airship hanger.
Even the roads have changed. Where there was once a large grassy field, there is now an asphalt runway.
How Was The Public Transport To The Airport In Pre-And Post-War Times?
Before the end of World War II, there was only one form of public transport to the airport. However, between 1946 and 1958, several different companies began operating bus routes here. In addition to the bus route, there were also flights from Palm Springs to the northern part of the city.
The pre-war period was also the peak of railroad use in the area. Before the war, the only rail line in the region was the Palo Verde Valley Railway, which linked the cities of Prichard, Palo Alto, and Verdugo. After the war, and the construction of the California aqueduct system that fed the growing population, more people needed access to the airport and the rail line. As a result, several new rail lines were built, extending the line further north and connecting it with Los Angeles, Burbank, and Glendale.
Now that you know the history of Air Base Speedway, it is time for you to pack up and leave. But before you go, don’t forget about the place that was home to Joe Palmiotti, Joe Guy, and other characters from pulp magazines. It was once a place full of exciting flights and aviation history, but today it is mostly remembered for all the gossip that took place there. If you are a fan of the gossip mill, then this is the place to be. But make sure you pack your bags carefully, because if you are late for your flight, you may not be allowed to board.