Rock Hill Airport
Rock Hill is located in the north-central area of South Carolina approximately 20 miles south of Charlotte, NC along the I-77 corridor. The City is a growing community encompassing over 31.8 square miles with a population of approximately 60,000. Rock Hill is the largest city in York County, SC and the only major South Carolina city in the Charlotte area.
The City’s and airport’s close proximity to both I-77, an 8 lane interstate connecting Charlotte to the north and Columbia to the south, which runs through Rock Hill, and I-85 and the I-485 beltway, both only minutes away, gives business easy access to major transportation routes. The airport is served via a 6 lane highway with direct access to I-77.
The Rock Hill/York County Airport-Bryant Field is the major business airport serving the area. Bryant Field is named for South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame inductee Robert E. Bryant, who was awarded two international aviation records from the Federation Aeronautique Aviation. The airport is owned and operated by the City of Rock Hill and has a joint city/county airport commission.
Rock Hill/York County Airport is the designated reliever to Charlotte-Douglas International Airport and must meet certain criteria to achieve and maintain this designation. Fully capable of serving your needs, there is a lack of congestion and minimal delays.
The 5,500 ft. runway is IFR certified having a full Category I ILS with 200’ ceiling and 1/2 mile visibility minimums. Communication with Charlotte Clearance Delivery (126.85) on the ground provides a direct, from the airplane communication link. And an on airport ASOS (120.775) provides up-to-the-minute weather information.
Skytech, with corporate offices in Baltimore, is a first class FBO that can handle every aspect of your service requirements. You will find a modern two story brick terminal building that houses the airport administration, the FBO executive and sales offices along with FBO services. On the ramp level, you will find crew lounges, flight planning, a pilot shop and reception. On the second level, there is a conference room available for your business meetings. We also offer onsite auto rentals, crew car, made to order catering for your aircraft along with nearby overnight lodging and restaurants. Next door you’ll find the FBO’s extensive maintenance facility and storage hangar, large enough for just about any sized corporate jet. Here are just a couple of comments from customers posted on an aviation comment website:
“Very nice treatment. Presence of all ILS is great in bad weather. Good pilot if you need something.”
“Was totally surprised to find such a new, modern, spacious and state of the art facility…Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. A first class facility…A first-rate choice.”
Everything you need without all of the Charlotte delays. For more information, you can contact Skytech at 803-366-5108 or visit their website at: www.skytechinc.com.
There is also a flight school on the field. Rock Hill Aviation provides both ground and flight instruction, aircraft rental, sightseeing and aerial photography. Visit their website at www.flyuza.com or contact them by phone at 803-366-5111 or via e-mail at rockhillaviation@flyuza.com.
As a design for the future, the Airport Master Plan was adopted by the Federal Aviation Administration on September 26, 2003 to guide airport development for the 20-year period of 2003 – 2022. The goal of the Master Plan is to provide guidelines for future airport development, in a cost-effective, feasible manner. Over the years, the runway will be extended an additional 1,000 – 1,200 feet supporting transcontinental operations, additional aircraft storage hangars will be constructed and the terminal building will be expanded. An on-airport restaurant will serve both the community and airport clientele.
You will also find that the region is a great place for business. With three high-amenity business parks; Waterford, TechPark and Antrim and three industrial parks; Southway Industrial Park, Airport Industrial Park and Rock Hill Industrial Park, Rock Hill offers sites and existing facilities to meed your business location and expansion needs. Information on City and County economic development opportunities are available at the following websites:
www.citofrockhill.com/ecdev/
www.ycedb.com
And what about recreation in the area? We are ready to “rock you” with sports, outdoor recreation, art, special events and more. We have facilities and activities for every age and ability. From nature parks to sports parks to trails and greenways, Rock Hill and York County offer a healthy lifestyle and good natured activities – all in a beautiful college town atmosphere with wide open spaces. More information about recreation in the area is available on the following websites:
www.rochhillrocks.com or www.visityorkcounty.com
So What Does Rock Hill Have To Offer?
The absolutely best choice when you are flying into the Charlotte Metro area. With I-77 in our backyard and I-85 and the Charlotte beltway only minutes away, you and your group can be at that business meeting or relaxing destination quicker than flying into the major airline hub. What you’ll find is a first-class facility with first-class treatment. And when it’s time to depart, there will be no long taxiways to maneuver or multiple airliners lined-up in front of you to ruin your day.
Chronology of Rock Hill Airport
Chronology of Rock Hill Airport (Bryant Field) (Based on City Council minutes through 1965, and minutes of the Airport Commission thereafter).
The “York County-Rock Hill Aviation Commission”, Dr. H. H. Plemmons, chairman, and L. S. Dickert, treas., reported to City Council on their meeting of September 16. (No details of the report itself are in the minutes).
December 1956
The Commission reported to City Council of its search for property on which to establish a municipal airport. Prior to this time a private airport, owned by the John T. Roddey family, off Saluda Road, had served Rock Hill. The Roddey airport was unavailable for purchase and inadequate in other ways for development.
The Commission had located a 364 acre tract, listed as “Farm 1324”, beyond Ebenezer at the intersection of (old) York Road and Celanese Road. The Simrils were willing to sell the land for $100,000. In general, the tract was fully adequate for development of an airport. Some small exchanges with neighboring landowners would be necessary.
The Council also adopted a resolution praising the Roddey family for providing an airport privately.
March 1957
City Council agrees to purchase the “Simril Tract.” The terms were $25,000 down and the balance at 3% interest payable $15,000 in one year, and $10,000 per year for six years.
January 1958
City Council approved acre-for-acre exchanges with Steele, Barron, Hollis, and other landowners for property and clearance rights.
March 1958
It was reported that the exchanges were complete.
September 1958
Based on bids received in August, the following contracts for airport development were approved:
Site Preparation W. R. Randall and Son $ 94,587.00
Paving W. R. Randall and Son 16,838.10
Lighting Rockwell Radio & Electric 13,049.00
Turfing Howard Hickory Co. 11,589.30
Total $136,063.40
Council also authorized Mayor Hardin to execute a federal grant.
October 1958
The “Rock Hill Airport Committee” is listed as composed of Mr. Carroll, Robert E. Bryant, and Dr. Plemmons.
The Civil Aeronautics Administration had offered the City a grant of up to $126,000 for an airport. City Council agreed to accept the grant.
Council arranged to pay the balance due on the Simril tract to a trustee so the grant could be accepted.
January 1959
First reading of an ordinance to create the Airport Commission, Original appointees were:
Mr. Carroll, chairman, Mr. Bryant, Dr. Plemmons, J. J. Adams, and H. Basil Munn. The City Manager was to be an ex-officio member.
April 1959
The ordinance was adopted and members confirmed
June 1959
Contract let to Roebuck Building Co. for a 60x80 foot hanger wit 16 foot clearance. The amount was $10,632.
August 1960
A 66 foot right-of-way was granted for the Airport Road.
December 1960
F.A.A. amended grant to add $1,674.28. New total $127,674.28.
March 1962
City applied for 50% grant from Federal Aviation Agency for paving taxiway at estimated total cost of $15,480. (York County performed grading and topsoil.)
August 1962
F.A.A. approved grant of $7,740.
June 1963
Grant offer increased to $10,300 for taxiway. A contract was approved with Neal Hawkins of Gastonia for paving. Construction under the grant was for $17,701.85 and other work amounted to $4,899.70.
