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Merrill Field

Welcome to Merrill Field, the not-so-secret airport in (more specifically) Anchorage, Alaska. This public general aviation airport is located one mile east of downtown Anchorage. The airport that opened in 1930 and was first known as Anchorage Aviation Field. It was later renamed in honor of Alaskan aviation pioneer Russel Merrill. Merrill Field is a great location for travelers wanting to get up close and personal with the wonders Alaska has to offer. This is the only real airport experience in Alaska about which you can expect quite a bit of romance, so whether you're flying to or from here, you'll be issued a one-of-a-kind send-off — or greeting.

Live Air Traffic

Merrill Field is a busy general aviation airport in Anchorage, Alaska. It is located a mere mile east of downtown. During the day, you can watch planes coming and going. Originally named Anchorage Aviation Field, the airport opened in 1930. Russel Merrill initial, as the name suggest — a pioneer aviation in Alaska Merrill Field accommodates many private and small-type aircraft. It is a lovely place that will be best for aviation enthusiasts or travelers! Gaze at the Alaskan landscape as you stroll and take in the vibrant energy of this place.

air Arrivals
air Departures

Basic information about airport

Airport code: PAMR
Type: medium
Continent: NA
Country code: US
Country: United
City Anchorage
IATA: MRI
Longitude: -149.843994140625
Latitude: 61.2135009765625

Merrill Field on Google Maps

metkaAnchorage
Today 3 °C / 37.4 °F
  • sunOvercast clouds
  • humidityHumidity: 69
  • WindWind: 1.82 m/sec
Tue

2 C / 35.6 °F

Wed

-0 C / 32 °F

Thu

-1 C / 30.2 °F

Fri

-1 C / 30.2 °F

Sat

-8 C / 17.6 °F

Merrill Field, the General Aviation Airport in Anchorage

Introduction

Deep in the heart of Anchorage, Alaska is Merrill Field (IATA: MRI; ICAO: PAMR), a bustling general aviation airport that has been an important part of Alaskan flying since the early days. Named for Alaska aviation pioneer Russell Merrill, the airport could be considered a symbol of everything that is challenging about life-sustaining transportation in Anchorage.

Airlines and Destinations

Merrill Field is an unfenced, city-owned general aviation airport that in 2011 had averaged over 850 aircraft operations per day. Instead, it is mostly used by private and corporate aircraft with some flight training activity. The airport has three runways, designated 5/23 (3,500 ft), 7/25 (1,400 m), and an asphalt/turf runway numbered 16/34 to facilitate different forms of general aviation ranging from recreational flying through aerial photography and medevac services.

Passenger and Flight Numbers

Merrill Field itself does not report passenger numbers, but it is a very active general aviation airport. It comprises a blend of private, corporate, and charter aircraft types all utilizing the relatively busy airport. Merrill Field, which is an integral piece of Anchorage's transportation infrastructure, provides essential support to the economic and recreational aviation needs in Southcentral Alaska.

How to Get Here

Situated just one mile east of downtown Anchorage, Merrill Field is a highly accessible airport for both local pilots and those visiting from afar. It is owned and operated by the Municipality of Anchorage,[1] which has its main office at Merrill Field. The airport's IATA code ANC is based on this terrestrial name, Anchorage (ANC).[2]

Parking

Pilot and Public Parking Options at Merrill Field Parking Facilities: The airport has parking aprons, both paved and unpaved, for aircraft as well as tie-down car-parking areas. Rates and availability at each parking lot or garage are subject to change, so you may want to visit the airport's website or any office concerning parking management on that day for the most current information.

Transportation Price

Merrill is a general aviation airport, so there really isn't any central terminal system or shuttle to grab. Ground transportation: All visitors and pilots must organize their ground transport (e.g., taxis, ride-share services, or rental cars). The cost for these services will range by provider and also by mileage.

Terminal Layout

The airport is not a conventional airport terminal building but Merrill Field. The airport facilities are instead spread around the airfield, with several Fixed Base Operator (FBOs), hangars, and other support buildings located in many areas. Pilots and visitors alike will have to navigate through the airport's layout on their way to find the services or amenities they require.

Navigate the Airport

Getting around Merrill Field is not too difficult, but pilots need to understand the layout of the airport and signs. The three runways, taxiways, and numerous service facilities at the airport are particularly well-signposted, making it easy for aircraft to navigate between them under guidance from the Anchorage International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) so that takeoffs abide by safety regulations.

Getting Between Terminals

Since Merrill Field lacks any centralized terminal building, it is unnecessary to pass through separate terminals. If necessary, pilots and visitors can get from one FBO to the next or access a hangar either by walking or using their own ground transportation.

Services and Amenities

Merrill Field presents various services and amenities for field-specific general aviation. Services comprise fuel services, aircraft maintenance stations, flight-planning facilities, and pilot lounges. The airport also has security and emergency response in-house to keep all users safe.

Restaurants and Shops

No on-site restaurants or retail shops are available at Merrill Field, though it resides not far from the bustling downtown Anchorage area where pilots and guests have access to several dining choices as well as shopping opportunities.

Security and Customs

Merrill Field, a general aviation airport, does not have customs or immigration facilities. Pilots and passengers arriving from international points of origin will have to clear customs at their first port of entry in the U.S. This may be possible at another airport or a specific customs facility.

Accessibility

Merrill Field is designed to serve a number of different users, including those with disabilities. The ACI's audit takes into account these accessibility standards, and the airport management team is working to make a welcoming environment for all guests.

Travel Tips

Pilots and travelers visiting Merrill Field should know how the airport operates as well as current weather information, notices to airmen (NOTAMs), or restrictions. The lesson learned is that pilots should always receive a thorough preflight briefing and be ready to find their way in both the airport layout and the airspace arrangement. A smooth and effortless experience comes with proper planning, so be sure to plan the ground transportation and parking in advance to get that comfortable feeling.