Information
Landmark: Pearson FieldCity: Vancouver City
Country: USA Washington
Continent: North America
Pearson Field, Vancouver City, USA Washington, North America
Pearson Field is a public airport located in Vancouver, Washington, USA.
It serves as a general aviation facility and a historical aviation site.
Visual Characteristics
Pearson Field is characterized by its asphalt runways, a control tower, and several hangars. The primary runway is oriented roughly north-south. The surrounding area is a mix of airport infrastructure and urban development.
Location & Access Logistics
The airport is situated approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) south of downtown Vancouver, Washington. Access is via SR 501 (Washington State Route 501), also known as the Port of Vancouver Way. Parking is available on-site in designated lots. Public transportation options include C-TRAN bus routes that stop near the airport entrance.
Historical & Ecological Origin
Pearson Field was established in 1925. It was originally named Vancouver Barracks Airfield and served as a military aviation facility. It is one of the oldest continuously operating airports on the West Coast. The site is located on relatively flat terrain adjacent to the Columbia River.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can observe aircraft operations. The Pearson Air Museum, located on-site, offers exhibits on aviation history. Static displays of vintage aircraft are sometimes present. Flight training operations are ongoing.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available within the Pearson Air Museum. Limited shade is present around the museum building. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available. Food vendors are not typically located directly at the airport; dining options are available in nearby downtown Vancouver.
Best Time to Visit
For photography of aircraft, morning hours offer favorable lighting conditions due to the runway orientation. The airport operates year-round, but clear weather in the spring and summer months provides optimal visibility for observing operations.
Facts & Legends
Pearson Field was a crucial stop for early transcontinental flights. A notable historical event was the landing of Amelia Earhart in 1937, though she was not flying her Lockheed Electra at the time but a smaller aircraft.
Nearby Landmarks
- Fort Vancouver National Historic Site (0.8km North)
- Vancouver City Hall (1.2km North)
- Esther Short Park (1.5km North)
- Columbia River (0.3km South)
- Port of Vancouver USA (0.6km West)