On May 3, 1913 Alys McKey is the first woman to fly in the state of Washington. She takes off from the racetrack at the State Fair Grounds for a successful flight in her Curtiss Pusher airplane.

Ernest Schneider establishes in Yakima the first aviation company in the Northwest, the Yakima Aviation Company. Jack Parshal flew for Schneider and carried mail between Yakima and Seattle. The airstrip and hangar were located on S. First st. where Goddard Mini Mall was located.

Two Army fliers make a photographic air map of the Yakima Valley. On Sept 13, 1927 Charles Lindbergh flies over Yakima and dropped a streamer to the crowd attending the Washington State Fair. His flight is to promote aviation across the USA. Orville Wright signs Charlie McAllister’s pilots license.

Just before the wall street crash Charlie McAllister buys a new Waco-10 aircraft.

The first major improvements were major improvements were accomplished in 1932 with the installation of a drainage system and a 2,600 foot long gravel landing strip.

Two more airstrips of 3500′ each are added to the airfield. An additional 45 acres were purchased and a WPA project was completed that cleared, graded, and surfaced a primary runway (9/27) of 3,750 feet, and a crosswind runway (4/22) of 3,000 feet. The WPA brings in 500 men to do the clearing, grading, draining and surfacing of the new airstrips. This was a pivotal point in the airport’s history. After the completion of these improvements, the first scheduled mail service and commercial airline service was initiated. The building just south of McAllisters was the first terminal building constructed by West Coast Airlines.

Fred Schweitzer a student of Charlie McAllister opens Schweitzer Flying Service with partner Miss Helen Ernsdorff. Civilian Pilot Program begins in preparation for our possible involvement in the European War. McAllister Flying Service, Schweitzer Aircraft Co. and Central Aircraft start training pilots.

The first control tower was constructed in 1942 to assist with pilot training. In 1943, telephone and power lines were relocated along the approaches improving the airport to existing standards for military aircraft.

Wars end and the GI Bill brings a serge in training for civilian pilots to the airfield.

Wars end and the GI Bill brings a serge in training for civilian pilots to the airfield.

The Yakima Municipal Airport, Administration Building is dedicated. The facility includes the control tower and a parking lot. This is the core building for the 1968 expansion.

Approach lighting is installed.

In 1967, the present concourses were added to the terminal building, a concrete air carrier apron was constructed, runway 27 was lengthened to 6,600 feet, a new parallel taxiway was built to accommodate the runway extension (abandoning the old runway section that was used as a taxiway), and a new fire station and weather service building was constructed. The airport was coming in to the modern ‘jet age’.

Efforts began in the mid 70’s to extend the runway even further to put less weight restrictions on the DC-9’s that had began service to Yakima. Also, Washington Avenue was extended around the west end of the airport to provide better access. An extensive land acquisition project was started in 1974 and continued until 1977. A total of 41 parcels were either purchased outright or avigation easements were obtained over the property to protect the approached and to provide room for expansion. A lot of the parcels closest to the runways were purchased for noise mitigation.

In 1982, on July 1, the City and County enacted a Joint Use Agreement. The City gave the County an undivided 50% interest in the airport and a Board of Directors was appointed to oversee the airport. Since the Board has been operating the airport, the following improvements have been made: Repaired and overlay of Runway 4-22 Constructed B-1 Taxiway Purchased larger snow removal equipment and expanded snow removal equipment storage buildings. Constructed East and West Itinerant ramps. Reconstructed the McAllister, Nolands and Central Building GA ramps. Totally reconstructed runway 9-27. Added new runway lights on 9-27. Added emergency generator to cover all airfield lighting. Added security fencing and gates on the North, East and West portions of the airport. Installed taxiway guidance signs and distance to go markers. Purchased a aircraft rescue vehicle and 1500-gallon crash truck. Rehabilitated terminal building (ongoing process) Updated the Airport Master Plan twice. Updated the Terminal Area Plan. Performed a Part 150 noise study. Removed 18 underground storage tanks. 1987 was the first year of the Yakima Air Fair

Terminal Remodeling Project Underway. This remodel addressed the Main Dining Area of the Restaurant and new roofing. Portions from news articles during the remodel: The Restaurant At The Airport has been closed temporarily for remodeling. The contractor, Huylar Construction, is busy repairing flooring (kitchen floor replacement shown in photo), replacing plumbing and electrical systems, adding insulation, installing new heating and air conditioning systems and fire sprinklers. Main Dining Area Remodeling Most of the remodeling work is in the basic building infrastructure rather than cosmetic changes. However, there will be some nice improvements to the main dining area. A new window in being installed on the east wall which will brighten up the area and enhance the view toward the airfield. The dining area and banquet rooms will also get new ceilings and new lighting fixtures. The restaurant will re-open later in October. New Roofing The building is also getting a new roofing. Those of you that have visited or passed through the terminal in the past have more than likely seen the bucket brigade in operation when it rains. Hopefully, the bucket brigade can now retire. The terminal project is being funded by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration and the airport’s Passenger Facility Charge. Total construction costs are $1.1 million dollars for the Phase II portion. Construction on this phase of the project is scheduled to be completed in January 1999. The Phase II – Concourse Expansion project will begin in the spring of 1999 and be completed by mid-year. This work will include a 4,900 square foot addition to the concourses and add restrooms in the departure waiting area. Other Airport Work In Progress Other work on and around the airport includes: Central Building Parking Lot Paving Project. Superior Paving Company of Yakima was the successful bidder for the new parking lot at the Central Building. This project involves adding drainage and paving approximately 19,000 square feet of parking area. The Central Building (which got it’s name from Central Aircraft Manufacturing in the 1940’s) is the round-topped wood building between the tower and Ted’s Aircraft Services. Water Main Construction – Armory Project. Construction of the water main to service the new Armory complex on the south side of the airport is going to begin on October 12th. It will start on West Washington Avenue and proceed south across the infield at the approach end of runway 4-22, across the Cub Crafters and McAllister Ramp, then across the infield off of the approach end of runway 9-27.