in Lycoming County dates back to approximately 1909. Where brothers Fred and Harry Burns worked to build the county's first working and functional aircraft. And seven years after the Wright Brothers of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina successfully took flight did the dream of aviation fully set in. With the inspiration of the Wright Brothers Fred and Harry teamed up with neighborhood friend August Kuntz. And on September 19, 1910 residents of Crampian Hills heard what seemed to be a railroad locomotive, and looking to the sky saw "Great White wings" according to the Sunday Grit. The Burns brothers and Kuntz had built the first ever aircraft in Lycoming county. After several more flights and spectacles the aircraft was sold to the Federal Army of Mexico for scouting purposes. with his flying machine However the three aviators were not alone, famed aviator Lincoln J. Beachey came to Williamsport, Pennsylvania on his many travels across the United States. Local residents gathered to see Beachey's flying machine on July 8, 1911 where it took off from the Kenmore Land Co. field which is where East Third Street and Northway Road are today. Despite the actions of the Burn brothers, August Kuntz and Beachey the region was not struck by the aviation boom until local pilots Captain Cleo Francis Pineau and A.W. Hinaman paved the way. Pineau served with the Royal Air Force during World War I. After which he returned to Williamsport where he helped form the airport. Hinaman was an instrumental in local aviation, eventually heading up Hinaman Aircraft Corp., which sponsored the first commercial flight to New York City. Hinaman also started the regions first flight school which trained pilots during World War II
Formation of an airport
It wasn't until 1929 that Lycoming County had an official airport. About two years prior the city had bought 161 acres from local farmers for about $75,000. Where they constructed a hangar, and a x style cross runway for about $30,000. The airport was dedicated on July 20, 1929 and was heralded as one of the great leaders of the aviation movement on the east coast. An estimated crowd of 30,000 people was believed to be in attendance which is the largest gathering in Lycoming county history. The Airport held its first flight earlier that year and was operational ever since. The first ever commercial flight from New York City to Williamsport occurred in 1931. And passenger service has continued ever since. On April 25, 1993, Thomas L. Knauff set an FAIworld record flying a glider on an out-and-return course of, releasing from tow over this airport, then flying along the Appalachian Mountains to Corryton, Tennessee, and returning for a landing 10 hours later. This world record stood for almost 20 years, and was only recently broken in Argentina, but is still a national record. were encountered normally at airport which was a refueling stop during training exercises The Williamsport Regional Association of Pilots holds a Fly-In every June. From 1996 to 2013 Williamsport Regional Airport held an Air Show and Ballonfest at the airport. Drawing large numbers from the area. Some of the most well known aircraft to arrive to the airport are the following: B-17, 193d Special Operations Wing's EJ-130J and the EC-130 Commando Solo On May 14 the airport held an open house and airshow on the grounds. Some of the aircraft that were at the show were the "Spirit of Freedom" Douglas C-54 Skymaster used in the Berlin Blockade. Also an Ex-FedEx Express Boeing 727 now an aircraft classroom for Pennsylvania College of Technology, and a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Douglas SBD Dauntless and many more.
Modern aviation
is still prominent in the Williamsport area. With one airline still flying into Williamsport on a daily basis.
Notable occurrences
September 19, 1910 — First ever flight in Lycoming County
