About the Spencer J. Hardy Airport
Livingston County’s Airport is a part of our transportation infrastructure that serves a broad range of community needs. Though general aviation is generally perceived to be an important means of transportation for people and goods, few people recognize that it does much more than this.
The Livingston County Airport serves a broad range of needs including transportation of people and goods, transportation of critical care patients, search and rescue operations, tourism, law enforcement activity, flight instruction and others in a broad range of services. The location of the Airport allows county residents, visitors and commercial interests a high level of utility with easy highway access to I-96, M-59 and US 23.
Our Livingston County Airport is considered valuable to the competitive position of a number of local business organizations. If the facility were not present, it is possible that these firms would choose or be forced to locate elsewhere. These organizations use air charter and general aviation services made possible by the existence of the Airport.
History
1915
First airplane landing in Howell
May 1938
Mail plane
Early 1950s
The City moved the Airport to its present location.
1959
Mid-1960s
A paved runway was installed
1966-1988
Spence Hardy (pictured with Betty Stentz) was the airport manager from 1966 – 1988. He was also the main flight instructor and taught many people how to fly
1977
In 1977, the cost of flight school was a little less expensive than it is today
1981
Aerial view of the Airport in 1981
1988
All graded and ready to add on an extension to the runway and a new taxiway
Present & Future
The Livingston County Airport has had a long history and looks forward to a bright future
