Dick's Airport — Personal-Use Private Aviation in Allen County Near Fort Wayne
Dick's Airport is a private-use general aviation facility located in the Fort Wayne area of Allen County, Indiana. Part of the constellation of personal-use airstrips that surround Indiana's second-largest city, Dick's Airport serves its owner's individual aviation requirements, offering convenient ground-to-air access without the overhead of a full-service public airport. Fort Wayne's diverse aviation infrastructure — anchored by the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority's management of both FWA and Smith Field (SMD) — is complemented by private strips like Dick's Airport that allow pilots to operate from their own property.
Allen County's aviation landscape reflects Indiana's broader general aviation culture, where personal aircraft ownership is common among farmers, business professionals, and recreational pilots who value the freedom of unscheduled, point-to-point travel. Private airstrips in the Fort Wayne area operate under FAA private-use rules, meaning they are not required to meet the same certification standards as public-use airports but must still comply with airspace regulations, obstruction lighting requirements, and pilot qualification standards. Indiana DOT's Office of Aviation maintains awareness of private-use facilities across the state as part of its comprehensive airport system planning and rural connectivity programs.
Is Dick's Airport open for public use near Fort Wayne?
No. Dick's Airport is a private-use facility. Pilots seeking public general aviation services near Fort Wayne should use Smith Field Airport (SMD) on the city's north side or Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA) for full FBO services.
What kind of aircraft operate at private strips in the Fort Wayne area?
Private strips in Allen County typically accommodate Cessna 172s, Piper PA-28s, light tailwheel aircraft, and similar single-engine piston planes. Runway length and surface type vary by individual strip — consult current airport data before planning any flight.
Are there aviation events near Fort Wayne?
Yes. Smith Field Airport and Fort Wayne International Airport host periodic aviation events. EAA chapter activities, Young Eagles rallies, and airport open house events are held in the Fort Wayne area and are open to the public. Check local EAA chapter websites for schedules.
Dicks Airport Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
| Name | Dicks Airport |
| Address | 2610 O Day Road, Fort Wayne IN 46818 Map |
| Phone | (260) 625-3002 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Dicks Airport
Airports near Fort Wayne
General Aviation Culture and Private Airstrip Operations Across the Fort Wayne Metro Area
The Fort Wayne metropolitan area supports an unusually rich general aviation environment for a mid-sized city, driven by a combination of industrial wealth, agricultural tradition, and a deeply rooted pilot culture that traces back to World War II's Baer Field training programs. Today's Fort Wayne aviation community is supported by the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority, multiple flight schools at Smith Field, active EAA and AOPA chapters, and a network of private strips — including Dick's Airport — that give pilots in every corner of Allen County convenient access to light aircraft operations. Fort Wayne International's FedEx hub employs hundreds of aviators and maintenance professionals who contribute to the local aviation economy.
Private-use airports in Allen County serve an important social function beyond mere transportation — they foster the intergenerational transmission of aviation enthusiasm, with many private strip owners introducing family members and neighbors to the joys of flight. Indiana's aviation heritage is celebrated annually at events like the Indiana State Museum's aviation exhibits and through the work of groups like the Indiana Aviation Trades Association. For communities in and around Fort Wayne, the presence of private airstrips reflects a broader civic pride in aviation that stretches from the barnstorming era through today's sophisticated light sport and experimental aircraft that increasingly populate Allen County's skies.