Where’s Boca Raton?
Boca Raton is a bustling city of just less than 100,000 that rests on the canal that is the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s known for its golf courses, parks and beaches. Attractions include the oceanfront Red Reef Park which is home to the Gumbo Limbo Nature Center with trails, a butterfly garden and a sea turtle sanctuary. Downtown, Boca Raton Museum of Art has modern and contemporary American and European collections, and a sculpture garden. The Mizner Park Amphitheater hosts concerts and events. The city is home to the famous resort The Boca Raton. The Seminole Tribe has inhabited the region for centuries.
Boca Raton Airport
Boca Raton Airport (IATA: BCT, ICAO: KBCT) is a state-owned public-use airport located two miles (3 km) northwest of the central business district of Boca Raton, a city in Palm Beach County, Florida, United States. The airport is immediately adjacent to Florida Atlantic University and to Interstate 95 highway.
Boca Raton Airport is designated as a general aviation facility governed by a seven-member Authority appointed by the City of Boca Raton and Palm Beach County Commission. The airport sees flights from as far as the New York metro area but mostly serves the Bahamas, considering the flight is swift at around 45 minutes. The most common route from BCT is to Westchester County Airport in Westchester, New York (For the snowbirds like @Anthony_Gulluscio). The route runs 8x a week. Morristown is also very well-served.
History of the Airport
1936 - The airport was founded as a grass strip in 1936 next to Florida Atlantic University (We love our Beach Boys), helping to better connect the small community to the rest of the nation and the state of Florida.
1940 - As the United States enters World War II, the airport is transformed into the Boca Raton Army Airfield (BRAAF). It will go on to play a crucial role in the war effort, as the exclusive Army Air Corps training and installation ground for emerging radar technologies.
1948 - After the war, ownership of the property was transferred from the United States to the Town of Boca Raton for public airport purposes. The Boca Raton Airport (BCT) was then formally established, helping to continue the legacy of the BRAAF’s aviation.
1957 - 1,000 acres of airport land are released for educational use, starting the foundation for Florida Atlantic University.
1962 - With an expanding general aviation fleet, the Boca Raton Airport welcomed its first Fixed-Based Operator (FBO), which was the Florida Airmotive of Boca Raton.
1975 - Boca Raton Airport sells 24 acres in order to facilitate the construction of I-95, enhancing connectivity and accessibility throughout Southern Florida. The sale helps finance an airport project that results in enhanced roadways, lighting, parking, and ramps.
1982 - The US Congress sets forth the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982, requiring that airports aim to be as self-sustaining as they can. This Act led to the creation of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). The Boca Raton Airport Authority was also established in this year.
1994 - The first ever Boomers location is built next to the airport grounds.
2000 - An ATC Tower is finally built.
2023 - BCT Airport celebrates its 75th Anniversary
Airport Layout
The airport features one runway-length taxiway to the side of the runway in addition to several runway exits. There is extended space on the 05 side of the taxiway for backtracking and wide turns. The runways are number 05/27. The runway is about 5,000 feet long and there are about 100 GA stands and a few hangars.
My Visit to the Airport
I spotted a nice private tri-jet while I was at the observation deck
We passed the brand new customs facility on our way to the observation deck
Shoutout to fellow Boca resident @Goldy
