Very few South Dakota communities
Hoven’s size offer airport services.
Even fewer can boast FAA approved
facilities. The Hoven Municipal
Airport was built according to
Federal Aviation Administration
specifications in 1966 and has
maintained FFA approval all through
the last 40 years. Federal and state
officials inspect the airport every
year.
The Hoven airport was built as the result of a
community effort led by Hoven
booster, Bob Gabrielson. The city
council at that time included Mayor
Al Klocker and Councilmen Jerome
Klocker, Jake Hettich, A.J. Van
Well, Dr. Mark Carter, Clarence
Reding and Edwin Reuer. Money in the
form of a federal grant was secured
in 1965, with additional funds
coming from the City of Hoven and
the Walworth County Commission. The
city purchased the quarter section
of land northwest of town where the
airport is now located from Martin
Abler for $125. According to the
Hoven Centennial Book, "The surveyor
stated he had never seen such a
level piece of ground. It had to be
sloped so the water would run off.
He claimed it is the most level
airport in the State of South
Dakota." Vanderpol Construction Co.
of Geddes started work on the runway
on July 1, 1966.
The airport is situated near the corner of Highways 20
and 47 in Walworth County. The
landing strip runs for 3700 feet in
a southeast to northwest
orientation, and is 60 feet wide
with a well maintained asphalt
surface. The strip is long enough to
accommodate the smaller planes used
for business and some small twin
engine jets. The lighting system
features low, medium and high
intensity lights that are on from
dusk until dawn. The flashing beacon
light is familiar to local nighttime
travelers. Aviation grade 100 low
lead fuel is available. Free pickup
is available although most people
make arrangements for pickup prior
to landing.
Several upgrades were made to the facility in 2006. New
lights were installed that feature a
precision approach system known by
pilots as PAPI, which warns the
pilot if his approach is too high or
too low. A new administration
building was also erected with
bathroom facilities, a waiting area,
and telephones with phone number
listings for emergencies, mechanical
help and fuel delivery. Snow removal
equipment is kept on site on the
west side of the administration
building. No fee is charged to use
the airstrip.
Other pilot information is available on www.hovensd.com.
Another website with flight
information is flightaware.com.
Hovenites might be interested to
know that St. Anthony’s church
steeple and deer and birds on the
runway are listed as possible
hazards on flightaware.com.
The City of Hoven owns the airport, maintains the
grounds, and makes decisions
regarding operations. Only a small
percentage of airport expenses are
paid by the city. Most of the
funding comes through federal and
state channels. Eric Stuwe has
managed the airport for the past
three years.
Gary Lowinske is the person most familiar with the
Hoven airport. His father, Aurie
Lowinske, first had a crop spraying
business based in Watertown and was
one of the first to use Hoven’s
airstrip. Gary has based own
business, Lowinske Flying Service,
at the airport since 1972. During
peak spraying season, he sometimes
calls in extra help, making for busy
days at the airport.
The airport makes it possible for Holy Infant
Hospital to transport patients to
larger facilities quickly. Years
ago, it was common for specialists
to fly in.
Cass Clay/AMPI businessmen come in via the
airport. Prospective buyers
interested in Rausch Hereford stock
also use the airport. Construction
firms working in the area will fly
in small parts and equipment. Fall
is a busy time at the airport as a
number of hunters come to Hoven by
plane.
The airport has several hangars where a number of local
pilots have kept planes over the
years. Mark Weber is one local who
uses the airport regularly.
The availability of a nearby airport spawned a new
hobby for some Hovenites. A
skydiving club organized in 1970
under the guidance of Larry Boyd who
was a licensed instructor. For
several years, the Hoven Country
Mixed Doubles Tournament featured a
parachute drop as part of the
activities. Local skydivers included
Arlyn Minnerath, Terry Klocker and
Liz Sutherland.
In the 1970’s and early 1980’s the airport was
occasionally turned into a dance
venue that attracted large crowds.
Voters in Walworth County Precinct 2 have marked their
ballots at the Hoven airport for
many years.
Other FAA approved airports in the area are at
Gettysburg and Mobridge.
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