Jack Barstow Municipal Airport

About the Airport

Jack Barstow Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport located in the northwest area of Midland adjacent to the Midland County Fairgrounds and the City forest. The airport's airfield encompasses over 500 acres and serves the needs of 65 based pilots, many of whom fly for recreation and business.

A small airplane waits for action at Barstow Terminal 2.

Runways

The airport has 2 runways to accommodate various wind conditions in flight and various sizes of small aircraft. The airport handles about 20,000 operations (take-offs and landings) each year, and approximately 40 aircraft hangars can be found on site.

Terminals

A 2,100-square-foot terminal building that opened in summer 2005 is centrally located within the airfield at the end of Barstow Drive. Pilots and visitors alike can enjoy the use of the new terminal building, which includes a pilot's lounge for tired travelers, a conference room for meetings, and an aviation weather service to assist pilots with flight planning.

Quick Facts About the Airport

  • Leasing Hangar Space: Call 989-835-3231 to review available hangar locations and building sites at the airport.
  • Flying Lessons: Contact the airport at 989-835-3231.

How It's Funded

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and State of Michigan provides the majority of funding for capitol improvements at the airport. On typical projects, the City of Midland's share is only 2.5% of the total cost. Proceeds from aircraft hangar rental and land lease rentals also help fund operations, and aircraft fuel sales make up a small amount of revenue.

Aviation Advisory Commission

The Aviation Advisory Commission advises the Midland City Council on user charges and other aviation costs affecting the use and development of the airport. The commission also advises the City Council on airport development plans including runways, hangars, building construction and other improvements.

Aviation Camp

Each summer, teens have the chance to learn about the wonderful world of flying through the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Aviation Camp at Barstow Airport. This 5 day day camp is open to teens entering 10th - 12th grades in the fall, and offers a variety of information on:

  • Aeronautics
  • Aircraft
  • Airports
  • Aviation history
  • Occupations in aviation
  • Weather
  • And much more

Camp Experiences

Local aircraft builders invite campers to their hangars to view the variety of unique airplanes based at Barstow Airport. The students also visit MBS International Airport to get a 1st-hand look at the control tower, fire barn, and corporate hangars. Campers get lots of hands-on experience including planning a cross-country flight.

Classes

Classes are held at the Ormond Barstow Educational Center at Barstow Airport. Classes are taught by volunteer pilots, flight instructors, and special speakers from a variety of aviation fields who introduce young people to the aviation/aerospace world.

For more information, visit the EAA website, call 989-615-1103, or send an email.

Automated Weather Observation System

Operational as of April 2009, AWOS has put Midland on the National Weather Service map. This data-gathering system allows pilots to get up-to-the-minute data about the weather in mid-Michigan, and helps ensure safe takeoffs and landings.

The new system is certified through the Federal Aviation Administration, and gauges information such as:

  • Rainfall in the area
  • Temperatures
  • Wind speeds and direction