Quonset State Airport
Quonset State Airport, or NCO to the IATA and OQU to the FAA, is a joint civil-military public airport in North Kingston, Rhode Island. Categorized by the FAA as a regional general aviation facility, it is one of six airports operated by the Rhode Island Airports Corporation. NCO lies within Class D airspace and has an operating non-federal air traffic control tower (closed on Mondays). In the 12 months ending July 31st, 2007, there were 20,750 aircraft operations, 68% general aviation, 28% military, and 4% air taxi. At the time, there were 48 aircraft based at the airport, 60% single-engine, 4% multi-engine, 10% helicopter, and 25% military. The airport covers 754 acres, and there are two runways: 16/34, which is 7,504 by 150 ft (asphalt), and 5/23, which is 4,000 by 75 ft (asphalt).
Airport history
NCO originated as Naval Air Station Quonset Point in 1941. It was a major facility during WWII, with pilots of the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm trained at the base to fly the Vought F4U Corsair (which was to be brought into service on British vessels). Furthermore, anti-submarine patrols were also flown from the base. During the Cold War, the base was home to several flying squadrons and a major overhaul and repair facility. The Naval Base remained active until the early 1970s when the military presence on Rhode Island was scaled down (with the base being closed in 1974). After its closure, the airport became home to the 143rd Airlift Wing of the Rhode Island Air National Guard. Furthermore, NCO is also home to an Army Aviation Support Facility. In the early 1980s, the airport was serviced by Providence Airline Corp with regional flights to Boston; Hartford County, Connecticut; Syracuse, New York; Buffalo, New York; Chicago, Illinois; and more.
Airport location
The airport is located on Quonset Point, adjacent to Narragansett Bay.
Airport facts
- On May 19th, 2021, U.S. President Joe Biden landed at NCO aboard Air Force One before boarding Marine One bound for the Coast Guard Academy in New London.
- The FBO at NCO is FlightLevel Aviation.
- Parker Aviation, LLC is NCO's flight instruction and airplane rental company.
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