Mandan Regional Airport Brings a Hometown Feel to General Aviation

Lawler Field at Mandan Regional Airport supports the community's general aviation needs. There are currently 106 aircraft based at the field, including two jets and two helicopters. This airport is an asset to residents who both enjoy flying and need access to a local airport for business travel.

“About 60-70% of our air traffic comes from residents,” says Lindsay Gerhardt, Manager of Mandan Regional Airport. “The rest is transient general aviation.”

The airport currently has five T-hangars, holding 52 aircraft, and there is a waiting list of 16 aircraft for a space. Mandan Regional Airport also has privately owned hangars and multiple businesses operating out of them.

The airport staff works hard to make Mandan a hometown airport, with amenities that provide comfort and support for local pilots. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy flying into Bismarck-Mandan when the trip involves Lawler Field. 

The Airport Supports Multiple Aviation Businesses

Several companies rely on Mandan Regional Airport to conduct their day-to-day operations. The airport is home to Eagle Point Aviation, a flight training school led by Kevin Todd. The school rents both a hangar for aircraft storage and an office space for education and student development.

Another valuable tenant is Mandan Aero Center, which offers a wide range of aircraft maintenance services. Pilots use the maintenance company for their annual inspections and oil changes, and then return for any necessary repairs. The mechanics at Mandan Aero Center can also perform complete aircraft overhauls to get them flying.  

The businesses that operate out of Mandan Regional Airport support the entire region. Southwest Ag uses the field to reach farmers across North Dakota and spray their crops. “Farmers appreciate it because their crops are treated faster,” says Gerhardt. “I think we should all appreciate it because they’re growing our food.”

Mandan Regional Airport serves all kinds of local industries, from agriculture, as seen with Southwest Ag, to medical, with doctors flying in and out to see patients. 

Pilots Enjoy Sweet Treats and Cool Amenities

Mandan Regional Airport takes steps to make pilots and their guests feel comfortable when visiting from outside the community. There’s a sleeping room for those who need it, like pilots on overnight trips or those who need breaks before returning to the skies. The airport also has two crew cars for visiting pilots to head into town. Mandan is only four miles away, so visitors can easily head into the city for meetings or a meal.

However, one of the coolest features might be the 1950s-style Clear Prop Malt Shop in the kitchen. This self-serve malt shop lets pilots make their own milkshakes while they rest after a trip. A regular at the Malt Shop is a grandfather who takes his kids flying on the weekends and lands in Mandan for a milkshake stop.

If you don’t feel like a milkshake, there are ice cream bars, popsicles, and other snacks available. Mandan Regional Airport also keeps frozen meals stocked for anyone who needs something more substantial. 

Mandan Offers a Safe General Aviation Experience

Bismarck Airport offers several aviation services, but Mandan is also a valuable general aviation hub. Many business owners prefer to fly into Mandan and appreciate how quickly they can get in and out of the nearby cities.

“Mandan is an old school general aviation airport,” says Gerhardt. “We strive to create a hometown feel and want to offer affordable rates to serve the people who use this airfield.”

Just because Mandan Regional Airport is comfortable for pilots doesn’t mean it’s outdated. The airport has a state-of-the-art Automated Weather Observing System that broadcasts current weather conditions every two minutes. Pilots can tune in to the radio for updates or check the weather visually on screens in the airport’s offices. These immediate updates keep aviators safe. 

There Are Several Great Ways to Reach Bismarck-Mandan

Businesses and visitors can reach Bismarck-Mandan via Mandan Regional Airport, Bismarck Airport, and several interstate highways. Infrastructure in this region is strong, and the central location of this metropolitan area makes it an asset to the North Dakota economy. See why businesses choose Bismarck-Mandan and explore the tools that make site selection easy.

If you have any questions, our team at the Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out and let us help you grow.