The Oakland County International Airport (KPTK) had its beginnings in 1927 when the first, tentative plans made by the City Council of Pontiac were first discussed. About the same time Lindbergh was making his historic solo flight across the Atlantic, the consideration and planning of what would become the Pontiac Municipal Airport was already taking place.

Eleven sites were considered for the airport. The final selection was farmland owned by a man named Beattie. The City of Pontiac purchased the land for $149,198.81.

Because of its geographical location between Flint and Detroit, and Port Huron and Chicago, it was natural that Pontiac became an important part of the Airmail Route System. C.W. “Cliff” Marsh and G.P. “Ole” Oleson, the designated pilots for Thompson Aeronautical Corporation, the airmail contract holders, made the maiden flight in a Stinson-Detroiter Monoplane on November 27, 1928. Besides the “regular” mail, they also carried a “parcel post package” that weighed 149 pound and cost $79.95 to ship. The “package” was a Mr. Russell Nickerson of Edith Street. He was front page news for several days.

Even though the airport opened in 1928, the official dedication wasn’t held until the following summer, the weekend of June 15-16, 1929 and was the finale to the first Michigan Air Tour. The Air Tour was comprised of 50 airplanes that made a 1,200 mile trip, landing at about 30 airports around the state of Michigan, promoting commercial air travel as well as showing the advantages to the industrial south for aerial tourism of the north. The sanctioning permit for this Air Tour is in a showcase in the airport terminal building today. It is signed by Orville Wright.

Because of the care and planning that had been taken in setting up Pontiac Municipal Airport, it was certified as the Nation’s first A-1-A rated airport and issued certificate number #000001 by the United States Commerce Department on February 11, 1930.

Over the years, the airport underwent many changes. The first Control Tower was added in 1960, the same time the terminal and restaurant were built. Runway approach and identifier lights were added a short time later. Installation of the remote radar, or “britescope” took place in 1986. The current tower was completed in 1995.

Today, there are approximately 700 aircraft (worth approximately $130 million) and 150 businesses based at the airport. These businesses provide approximately 900 jobs. Some of these businesses include: charter services, flight schools, pilot supply stores, fuel suppliers, avionics shops, mechanic services and more.

The airport is also a tax-paying member of the community, contributing more than $100,000 in taxes each year. In addition, the businesses at the airport pay approximately $700,000 in taxes annually.

In 1999 Oakland County International Airport (as it is now known) ranked as the 27^th busiest airport in the nation, with 356,573 takeoffs and landing. It is ranked as the nation’s fourth busiest reliever airport, fifth busiest general aviation airport, and 22^nd busiest airport with a Control Tower.

The airport also takes part in a number of charitable events and activities, including Operation Good Cheer, in which pilots distribute donated Christmas toys to needy children across the state, charitable motorcycle rides, and many others.

Some of this material was taken from the 20^th Anniversary Air Fair supplement of the
Oakland Press, dated Sunday, August 7, 2005.