Orlando Executive Airport - History. Where did this airport come from?! FTHVN 501

During the 1980s and 90s I was based at what I knew as the "Herndon" Airport. I was Director of Operations for a FAR 135 air courier operation and was far too busy to concern myself about the airport history. However, during a recent trip to ORL I did some research into the airport history and found it to much more rich and interesting than expected. Hope you enjoy the story behind the Orlando Executive Airport as much as I did making it!
FTHVN 501
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[@BSBPE]

The WW2 era Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics (AAFSAT), forerunner of today's Air University, was primarily a "train the Trainers" operation. They first trained the cadres how to fight a modern air war using numerous airfields throughout Central Florida. The cadres then built new units and late trained individual replacement crews.
The later Orlando Air Force Base served a number of important functions. It was the primary location train crews tactical missile (ground launched cruise missile) like the Mace and Matador. Orlando AFB was ideal for this due to the proximity to Canaveral Air Force Station and the Martin Co (now Lockheed Martin) plant. The base was also the headquarters of the Air Rescue Service, Air Photographic and Charting Service, and support functions for Pinecastle/McCoy AFB. It also continued flying operations with a reserve airlift unit through the mid-late 1950s. The Air Force finally left in 1967 as a result of Vietnam-era consolidations and closures.

[@bobmichaelsphoto]

Thanks. I grew up in Orlando when my grandparent's farm was what is now the Lake Baldwin dog park, accessible only through the Air Corps base. Back then, the lake was Lake Corrine, later changed to Baldwin. I learned to fly and we kept our family plane at Orlando Executive Airport in late '50's early '60's. Still remember the great buffet at Champ Williams' Skyline Restaurant.

[@rishabsaigal-sm9bg]

Thank you for making this video. I’m from INDIA and I trained to be a pilot at this airport in the 90s. Brings back great memories. Special attachment to this airport ….

[@juliusgreen7495]

Thanks sir for taking me back into time I remember sac my dad served there at McCoy afb thanks again so faithful

[@ThePeasantsCottage]

A crash was involved at this airport too. Long ago. I remember my parents telling of a the tragic aftermath. I am a FL native & grew up in the Colonial Town area.

[@richardc7721]

My dad was involved in building this airfield and others around Fla for the War Effort, WW2.
That was how he served,

[@FlynBrian]

Thanks for the nice comment. Glad you like it and thanks for watching!!

[@JagBetty]

Crikey, very professional Brian. Good research there.

[@FlynBrian]

Thanks Jag! Very kind of you.

[@drewjl0]

I planespot there everyday

[@FlynBrian]

Hope you found the history of the airport interesting and thanks for watching!

[@williamschroeder3070]

Good video, but ruined by music.