South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center (SCTAC)

 airport, industrial park, science park

formerly : Donaldson Center Industrial Air Park
Airport Identifier: GYH
Elevation: 955 ft / 291.08 m (Surveyed)
Land: 1300 acres
From nearest city: 6 nautical miles S of Greenville, SC
Location: Greenville County, SC
Magnetic Variation: 04W (1985)

As a unique 2600-acre business and industrial air park located in one of the top ten growth markets in the United States, the South Carolina Technology & Aviation Center offers an attractive mix of industrial, distribution, and aviation facilities. Strategically located in Greenville, South Carolina along the I-85 corridor, the Center provides accessibility and convenience, and a pro-business attitude.

The U. S. Government originally built the facilities in 1942 in support of the wartime effort. The Greenville Army Airbase was used from 1942 to 1945 as a training base for B-25 "Mitchell" medium bombers and some B-24 "Liberator" heavy bombers. After the war, the base was deactivated for two years before being reactivated as the Global Headquarters for the Military Air Transport Services. In 1951 the base was renamed from Greenville Air Force Base to Donaldson Air Force Base, in honor of local WW1 hero, John O. W. Donaldson. The base became an important airlift center for the military in the 1950's in support of many conflict and operations such as the Korean Conflict and the resupply of Antartica. In 1963, the base was deactivated for the last time and the lands were returned to the City and County of Greenville.

Airfield operations at the Park are divided between the larger aircraft service centers located on the eastern side of the runway and the smaller general aviation aircraft service areas located on the west side of the airfield. Firmly established as an aircraft maintenance and modification center, the Park also serves as a corporate aviation facility with the complete services of two Fixed Base Operators. The primary runway is an 8,000-foot by 300-foot concrete runway that is capable of handling virtually any landing gear configured aircraft. It has a Category I ILS, NDB and AWOS III weather station.

Total aircraft operations number approximately 62,000 per year. Aircraft, which use the airport, include the DC-9, DC-10, B-727, A320, C-141, C-5, C-17, the Russian An-124 and IL 76, and nearly every type of corporate jet. A number of corporate aircraft operations make use of this single runway airfield on a daily basis, including some of the largest corporate aircraft in production. Services Include tie-down and hangar storage; 100LL, Jet-A Fuel, Major Airframe Repairs, Major Powerplant Repairs, Aircraft Rental, Air Cargo, and Instruction

This uncrowded airfield currently boasts undeveloped acreage available for any size aircraft manufacturer, aircraft maintenance facilities or air cargo operations. Donaldson Center has historically received federal funding for all capital airfield improvements through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airports Improvement Program. As part of the assurances to receive funding, the Donaldson Development is required to publish an Airport Layout Plan that defines its different stages of development. This master plan outlines the development for increased aircraft operations well into the 21st century.

Long-term plans include the construction of an air cargo terminal, the reactivation of the air traffic control tower and Donaldson's additional runway. Current projects that are underway include: runway pavement rehabilitation; the construction of new, full-length, parallel taxiway; installation of high intensity runway lights and approach lighting. With over 700 acres of yet undeveloped property, including 400 acres with direct access to airfield facilities, there is remaining potential for the development of aviation industries at Donaldson Center.

2 Exchange Street, Greenville, SC 29605-5151
(864) 277-3152

www.sc-tac.com/
www.airport-data.com/airport/GYH/
www.globalair.com/airport/airport.aspx?aptcode=KGYH