The distinctive Air Service Hangar on Frenchtown Pike (Rte 273)
in New Castle, Delaware is a unique one-and-a-half-story structure that is all that remains
of the once-bustling Bellanca aircraft factory and flying field complex.
Bellanca Aircraft Corporation was founded in 1928 by Giuseppe M.
Bellanca with the encouragement of local city fathers.
The hangar was part of a busy test site for Bellanca aircraft
as well as a general aviation facility from the late 1930's until the late 1960's.
An appealing feature of the Bellanca Field hangar is the graceful arched roof that extends
the length of the building. The impressive, original wooden-beam
truss work survives and is in good condition. The intricate
system provided a span large enough to accommodate the wide wingspan of aircraft.
The preservation outreach group, Friends of Bellanca Airfield, Inc. has been formed
to preserve this classic hangar, owned by the Trustees of the New
Castle Common. The volunteer group FoBA, is working in
cooperation with the Trustees in pursuing an economically feasible
adaptive use for the structure. A key possibility is a
regional aviation museum or an air/water/land transport
interpretive center.
The hangar was recently evaluated by the Delaware State Department
of Historical and Cultural Affairs and was found to be
eligible for nomination to the National Historic Register of
Historic Places. It qualifies on its architectural merit, and
its association with a significant event or person. It is a prime
example of a transportation relic, and is of historic importance to
the city of New Castle and the State of Delaware.
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Please check if interested in volunteering for FoBA, Inc.
Annual FoBA, Inc membership:
Patron: $75
Individual: $25
Student: $5
Professional: $100
Business: $500
Corporate: $1000+.
Please print this application and send along with your checks to:
Friends of Bellanca
Airfield, INC. P.O. Box 267, New Castle DE 19720.
Make checks payable to Friends of Bellanca Airfield, INC.
Email: contact@friendsofbellanca.org
FoBA, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization. Membership dues and contributions
are tax exempt.
