Newark, Illinois – Cushing Field (FAA LID: 0C8), a privately owned, public-use airport located two miles southwest of Newark, Illinois, continues to serve as a vital hub for general aviation in the region. The airport, which boasts a rich history and a dedicated community, recently received recognition for its contributions to Illinois aviation, earning the Illinois Airport of the Year Award in the “Privately Owned/Public Use” category in 2019. Cushing Field offers a range of services and facilities catering to pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike, though fuel is not currently available on-site.
Established in August 1975, Cushing Field operates under the Chicago Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC) and receives flight service station support from Kankakee Flight Service Station (IKK). AirNav details the airport’s operational characteristics, including its single turf runway (18/36) measuring 2,831 x 180 feet. The airport’s elevation is 640 feet above mean sea level (MSL), and its communication frequency is 122.7 for CTAF/UNICOM. The pattern altitude is 1440 feet MSL.
A History of Service and Recognition
Cushing Field’s commitment to aviation excellence was formally acknowledged with the 2019 Illinois Airport of the Year Award. This accolade, recognizing privately owned, public-use airports, highlights the dedication of the field’s operators and its positive impact on the local aviation community. The award underscores the importance of general aviation airports like Cushing Field in supporting regional transportation and economic activity. The airport’s continued operation and maintenance, despite being privately owned, demonstrate a commitment to public access and safety.
Operational Details and Airport Services
While Cushing Field doesn’t offer fuel sales, it provides essential services for pilots, including tiedown parking and access to weather information. The airport utilizes an AWOS-3 weather station located 10 nautical miles southeast at C09 (118.175), and pilots can also access ASOS weather information at ARR (16 nm north, 630-466-5649) and JOT (19 nm east, 119.975). The airport’s runway, a turf surface, is reported to be in good condition, though edge lighting is non-standard and FAA-unapproved. Runway 18 has a displaced threshold of 380 feet, marked with white-painted wood and threshold lights adjacent to each marker. Pilots should be aware of a 24-foot power line located 100 feet from the runway, marked with orange balls, and a controlling obstruction exceeding a 45-degree slope.
Navigational Aids and Airspace
Pilots approaching Cushing Field can utilize several nearby navigational aids. The Joliet VOR/DME (112.30) is located 261 nautical miles at a distance of 13.0 nautical miles, while the Dupage VOR/DME (114.5502E) is 205 nautical miles at a distance of 25.0 nautical miles. The Peotone VORTAC (113.2002E) is located 290 nautical miles at a distance of 39.6 nautical miles. The airspace surrounding Cushing Field is conditional, requiring runway thresholds to be located to provide minimum obstruction clearance. The airport’s location within the Chicago ARTCC necessitates adherence to established air traffic control procedures.
Recent Activity and Aircraft Operations
According to data from July 31, 2021, Cushing Field averaged 33 aircraft operations per day, totaling 12,000 operations for the year. SkyVector reports that all operations were general aviation. At that time, 66 aircraft were based at the field, comprising 50 ultralights and 16 airplanes – 15 single-engine and one multi-engine. This level of activity demonstrates the airport’s continued relevance to the local aviation community and its role in supporting recreational and business flying.
Safety Considerations and Obstructions
Pilots operating at Cushing Field should be aware of several safety considerations. The runway 36 approach ratio is 13:1 to the displaced threshold. The airport’s documentation highlights the presence of obstructions, including a 24-foot power line and a controlling obstruction exceeding a 45-degree slope. These obstructions require careful consideration during approach and departure procedures. The segmented circle is not present, and the wind indicator is not lighted. The runway edge lights are non-standard and their intensity varies.
A Look at the Virtual World: Flight Simulation
Beyond its real-world operations, Cushing Field has gained attention within the flight simulation community. Scenery add-ons for Microsoft Flight Simulator (MSFS) are available, enhancing the virtual flying experience by converting the grassy strips into a more detailed and realistic representation of the airport. These modifications allow virtual pilots to experience the unique characteristics of Cushing Field from the comfort of their home computers. This growing interest in virtual aviation further underscores the airport’s appeal and its place within the broader aviation landscape.
Past Incidents
Records indicate a past incident at Cushing Field. On May 27, 2007, a Purvis Rans S6S aircraft crashed during a takeoff attempt. Witnesses reported the pilot pulling the aircraft into a 90-degree nose-up attitude, resulting in a stall and subsequent loss of control. The probable cause was determined to be the pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and control of the aircraft. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper flight technique and adherence to safety procedures.
Looking Ahead
Cushing Field continues to operate seasonally, with full attendance from November through April. Future developments and continued maintenance will be crucial to ensuring the airport’s long-term viability and its ability to serve the aviation community. The airport’s operators are committed to providing a safe and accessible facility for pilots and aviation enthusiasts. The next available operational data will be released following the end of the current operating year, providing a comprehensive overview of aircraft movements and based aircraft.
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