Aviation’s Resting Places: Inside America's Biggest Aircraft Boneyards

The biggest aircraft boneyard in the United States is the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG), commonly referred to as "The Boneyard," located at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona. Here’s an overview of its history, significance, and details about visiting it, along with a mention of some smaller aircraft boneyards in the US.

The Boneyard: 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG)

History and Significance

The Boneyard was established after World War II in 1946 to store and preserve military aircraft that were no longer in service. The dry climate of Tucson, Arizona, provides the ideal conditions for storing aircraft, as the low humidity helps prevent corrosion. AMARG is managed by the United States Air Force and spans over 2,600 acres, housing more than 4,000 aircraft, including bombers, cargo planes, and helicopters.

The facility plays a crucial role in recycling and repurposing aircraft parts, saving millions of dollars for the military. It also serves as a repository of historical aircraft, preserving pieces of aviation history.

Visiting The Boneyard

• Tours: The Pima Air & Space Museum offers guided tours of the Boneyard. The tours provide insights into the history and operations of the facility, allowing visitors to see a vast array of aircraft up close.

• Tickets and Booking: Visitors need to book their tours in advance through the Pima Air & Space Museum’s website. The tours typically last about an hour and a half.

• What to Expect: During the tour, you will ride a bus through the vast expanse of stored aircraft, with a knowledgeable guide providing commentary. Photography is allowed from the bus.

Other Notable Aircraft Boneyards in the United States

Here are the next four biggest aircraft boneyards in the United States, based on size and capacity:

1. Mojave Air and Space Port (MHV)

• Size: 2,998 acres (4.7 square miles)

• Location: California's Mojave Desert, near Edwards Air Force Base, 95 miles north of Los Angeles

• History and Operations:

  • Originally a rural airfield in the 1930s, it was taken over by the Department of Defense after the Pearl Harbor attack and became Marine Corps Auxiliary Air Station Mojave.

  • After the Korean War, it was handed over to the City of Mojave and became a major aircraft storage facility.

  • Today, it is a hub of aviation innovation with over 60 companies involved in flight research, testing, and engineering.

  • Recent residents include Lufthansa's Boeing 747s and China Southern's A380s.

2. Southern California Logistics Airport (SCLA)

• Size: 2,300 acres (3.6 square miles)

• Location: Victorville, California, on the fringe of the Mojave Desert, about an hour and a half drive from Los Angeles

• History and Operations:

  • Began as George Air Force Base in 1941, used for advanced flying school training.

  • Closed after WWII, reopened during the Korean War, and closed again in the early 1990s.

  • Transformed into a major logistics airport, with two runways and extensive ramp and hangar space.

  • Can accommodate up to 500 large aircraft.

  • During the pandemic, hosted aircraft like Air New Zealand's Boeing 777s and a brand-new Boeing 787-10 for British Airways.

3. Pinal County Airpark (MZJ)

• Size: 1,508 acres (2.4 square miles)

• Location: Pinal County, near Marana, Arizona

• History and Operations:

  • Opened in 1943 as Marana Army Air Field for pilot training.

  • Given to Pinal County post-war and leased to Intermountain Airlines, a CIA front company.

  • Became a popular storage destination due to its location in the Sonoran Desert.

  • Features a 6,893-foot-long asphalt runway and four helipads.

  • Can accommodate more than 400 aircraft, including some of Virgin America's old Boeing 747s and a stranded televangelist's Boeing 747SP.

4. Teruel Airport (TEV) (Note: While this one is not in the US, it is notable globally)

• Size: 1,359 acres (2.1 square miles)

• Location: Province of Aragon, Spain, equidistant from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, and Zaragoza

• History and Operations:

  • Started as Caudé Aerodrome used by the Spanish Republican Air Force during the Spanish Civil War.

  • Later used as an artillery firing range post-war.

  • Owned by a consortium of the Government of Aragon and Teruel City Council.

  • Largest aircraft storage and maintenance facility in Europe, with a 9,268-foot-long asphalt runway.

  • Can accommodate up to 250 parked planes, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, housed 100 aircraft from European airlines.

Aircraft boneyards like AMARG and others across the United States play a significant role in the lifecycle of aircraft, providing storage, maintenance, and recycling services. They also offer a unique glimpse into aviation history and the future of aerospace innovation. For aviation enthusiasts and curious visitors, these boneyards provide a fascinating and educational experience.

Tips for Visitors

• Plan Ahead: Book tours in advance, especially for popular sites like the Boneyard at Davis-Monthan.

• Check Restrictions: Some sites may have restrictions on photography or specific areas that are off-limits.

• Comfortable Attire: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as tours may involve walking or long periods of standing.

• Stay Hydrated: Many of these boneyards are located in desert climates, so bring water and stay hydrated during your visit.