College Park Airport just north of the Nation’s Capitol is the oldest continuously operating airport in the world. Aviation operations began there in 1909 just six years after the Wright Brothers first flight. Wilbur Wright came to College Park Airport in 1909 to train military officers, preparing them to fly the government’s first airplane. After training with Wilbur Wright Lieutenant Frederic Humphrey became the first military pilot to solo in a government airplane.

That was not the only first to take place at College Park Airport. The first Postal Airmail Service originated at College Park with service to Philadelphia and New York. As an airmail station the airport was given the airport identifier of CGS for ColleGe Station referring to the airmail station.

The airport is also home to the College Park Aviation Museum. Be sure to stop in and check it out if you visit College Park Airport.

Sadly, this small airport has seen declining traffic since the 9-11 attacks. It’s proximity to the capitol has added great complexity and red tape to flying in and out of this airport. Roger Wilco Wear dedicates these t-shirts to this great airport.

We offer both a short sleeve t-shirt in olive($27) and a black long sleeve($33). On the back it refers to the airport by the nickname “Cradle of Aviation”.

I was disappointed to learn today that on December 3rd the Schwan Food Company decommissioned The Red Baron Pizza Squadron. The team flew the historic Stearman biplane and has thrilled airshow attendees for 28 years with their acrobatic act.

I have had the pleasure of seeing the Red Baron’s fly at least five times at a variety of airshows. Last summer I had the opportunity to take a flight with the team.

The Squadron was made up of four great pilots whose love for flying was evident the moment I met them. They were as disappointed as I was that the weather prevented them from putting me through a full acrobatic flight. Though I still enjoyed my flight in the Stearman with this great flight team

The folks at AirShowBuzz.com are trying to get people to sign a petition to bring back the Red Baron Squadron. You can sign the petition here then Digg the story as well.

You can show your support for the the Save the Red Baron movement with this t-shirt. The red short sleeve t-shirt is available for $21.00.

Last week, we featured the busiest General Aviation Airport in the United States, Van Nuys Airport. This week, we feature the highest airport in North America. Leadville Airport (AKA Lake County Airport) sits at an elevation of 9,927 feet. As pilots know, an airplane’s performance is affected by altitude and deteriorates the higher you go. Leadville is a perfect place for high altitude flight training and for manufacturers to perform high altitude testing. Leadville has been a base for manufacturers and training programs for some time.

Flying in and out of Leadville can be a challenging endeavor even for experienced pilots. It is not just the adverse effects on the airplane’s performance at such high altitudes, but also navigating mountain passes as Leadville has several peaks over 13,000 feet surrounding the airport.

According to Wikipedia, pilots that land at Leadville receive a certificate commemorating their landing at the highest airport in North America.

Roger Wilco Wear offers both a short sleeve and a long sleeve version of our Leadville Airport t-shirt. The design includes the airports designation as the highest in North America. Check it out in our online store today!

Leadville Airport photo by BillVietti (Flickr)