Kissimmee Gateway Airport
Kissimmee Gateway Airport, or ISM, is a public airport in Kissimmee, Osceola County, Florida. The airport does not offer scheduled passenger service but specializes in general aviation and is considered a general reliever airport to Orlando International Airport. In 2001, the airport had 150,388 aircraft operations, 98% general aviation, 2% air taxi, less than 1% military, and less than 1% scheduled commercial. At the time, there were 206 aircraft based at the airport, 71% single-engine, 22% multi-engine, 4% jet, and 3% helicopter. The airport covers 892 acres, and there are two runways: 6/24, which is 5,001 by 150 feet (asphalt), and 15/33, which is 6,001 by 100 feet (asphalt).
Airport history
ISM opened in April 1940 as Kissimmee Army Airfield, to be used by the U.S. Army Air Forces as part of the University Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics (AAFSAT) tactical combat simulation school. In January 1944, training was moved to southern California, and military use of the base was phased down. In 1947, the airfield was turned over to the City of Kissimmee on the condition that it would continue to be used as an airport. In the 90s, the main runway was lengthened by 1,000 feet, allowing ISM to begin attracting corporate jets. Furthermore, in 1997 an air traffic control tower was completed, and in 2007 the FAA constructed an Instrument Landing System, thereby giving ISM some of the best infrastructures of any general aviation airport in the country.
Airport location
The airport is located 16 nautical miles southwest of the central business district of Orlando.
Airport facts
- ISM has a major restoration facility for bringing aircraft from WWII back to flying condition.
- ISM is home to eight training and educational centers for aviation through Aerospace, including pilot training, aircraft technician, and more.
- ISM has two FBOs: Signature Flight Support and Odyssey Aviation.
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