Felts Army Air Field, Washington

Felts Field is a historic airfield and former military base located along the Spokane River in Spokane, Washington. Established in the early 20th century, it played a significant role in U.S. Army aviation, regional air transport, and the development of civil aviation in the Pacific Northwest.

Felts Field began as the Parkwater Airstrip, serving as one of Washington's earliest airfields. During the interwar years, it hosted U.S. Army Air Corps units for training and operations, becoming a key regional military facility. In World War II, the site supported Civilian Pilot Training Program efforts and auxiliary military flight training.

The airport was Spokane's primary commercial aviation hub until Spokane International Airport (then Sunset Field) opened in 1941. Several pioneering airlines, including Northwest Airways (later Northwest Airlines), launched scheduled passenger and airmail service there, helping integrate eastern Washington into the early U.S. air transport network.

Felts Field retains notable 1920s-1930s hangars and an Art Deco terminal that reflect the golden age of aviation architecture. The complex was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991 for its contribution to early air commerce and military aviation heritage.

Today, Felts Field functions as a general aviation airport managed by the Spokane Airports Board. It supports private pilots, flight schools, air charter services, and the Historic Flight Foundation. The airfield also hosts aviation events and continues to serve as a living link to the region's pioneering air history.