Airfield Near the Arctic

Those who choose to fly to Anchorage may find their aircraft landing at the Merrill Field Airstrip. It has been in operation since 1930 and is located one mile east of downtown Anchorage. The airfield is situated on a plot of land that is just over 430 acres in size. It is known as the first real airport in Anchorage. The mission statement of the airfield focuses on providing an environment that meets the needs of the general aviation community. They also seek to encourage private business, be a neighborly part of the Anchorage community, stay in good financial condition, and promote economic development in the area. Located just 370 miles from the Arctic Circle, the airfield was named for Russel Merrill, an Alaskan pilot who disappeared in 1929 on a flight to Bethel. Merrill Field offers a pilot training program for those with a desire to learn to drive an aircraft. The program teaches lessons in airport operations and safety, and covers terminology, radio communications, airport signage and markings, and driving practices. At the end of the course, students receive a Certificate of Completion. In the airfield's continuing effort to be a friendly neighbor in Anchorage, they have established a noise reduction program. Guidelines are available to pilots that help them make in-flight decisions to reduce the sound pollution that can occur around an airport.