Located just north of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, Franklin County Regional Airport (FCRA) is a general aviation airport poised for growth.

Owned and operated by the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA), FCRA handles over 13,000 takeoffs and landings annually. FCRA supports recreational flying activities, corporate travel, medical transport, agricultural services, and community events.

Franklin County Regional Airport supports 18 jobs and generates over $2.4 million in annual economic output, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Franklin County’s development.

A Look Back: FCRA’s History

FCRA’s roots go back to the first Chambersburg airport, also known as Sunset Airport, built in the mid-1930s near the intersection of PA-433 and PA Route 11. In 1936, the airport launched an air mail route, establishing its significance in the region’s early aviation history. The airport supported the Letterkenny Army Depot during World War II in military logistics operations.

In April 1968, construction began on the current-day FCRA, which opened for public use in July 1970. Ownership transferred to SARAA in 2004. The airport is located just five miles from downtown Chambersburg and 55 miles southwest of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania’s capital.

Infrastructure Investments: Building for the Future

Through nearly $7 million in infrastructure improvements, SARAA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have transformed FCRA into a full-service general aviation airport. Key projects include:

• Runway Resurfacing: Enhancing safety and reliability with a 3,300-foot-long, 75-foot-wide renovated runway.
• Parallel Taxiway Construction: Increasing operational efficiency and reducing congestion.
• Advanced Navigation Systems: Improving safety and accessibility with an instrument landing system and an automated weather observation station.
• Obstacle Removal: Clearing approach paths for safer landings and takeoffs.
• Community Building: Offering convenient meeting rooms, restrooms, and a pilot lounge.
• Self-Serve Fueling Station (privately owned): Providingconvenient refueling options.
• Hangar Building 400 Renovation: Upgrading a 2,840-square-foot facility with office space, ready for aviation tenants to establish or expand operations.
• Updated Airport Master Plan: Guiding future investments and long-term growth.

Today, FCRA handles approximately 13,000 operations annually and is home to 20 based aircraft, with room for expansion.

Economic Impact and Strategic Location

Situated along the Interstate 81 corridor, FCRA is located within a 500-mile radius of half the U.S. population. Franklin County, one of Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing counties, is home to nearly 158,000 residents and several major employers, including Letterkenny Army Depot, The Chambersburg Hospital, Wal-Mart Associates Inc., Target Corporation, Manitowoc Crane Group, Ulta Beauty Distribution LLC, Ventura Foods LLC and Volvo Construction Equipment NA. In 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation estimated FCRA’s economic output at $2.4 million, demonstrating its importance as a public-use airport connecting residents and businesses to state, regional, and national markets.

Discover Franklin County

Franklin County offers year-round options outdoor recreation and leisure. From hiking, biking, and skiing to bird watching, golfing, fishing, and hunting, the county offers endless opportunities to explore and unwind. For more information about local attractions, visit Explore Franklin County.

The Future of FCRA

With its modern facilities, strategic location, and dedication to ongoing improvement, FCRA is poised for growth, and ready to take on an even greater role in the region’s growth and development. To learn more, visit FCRA General Aviation Page.

Hangar 400 at FCRA is Available for Lease

A 2,840-square-foot facility with office space, is available for aviation tenants looking to establish or expand operations. Proposals to lease Hangar 400 are being accepted via PennBid now through January 10, 2025.