Mason City Municipal Airport
Mason City Municipal Airport serves Mason City, Iowa, the inspiration for Meredith Willson's The Music Man and the last stop of the Winter Dance Party tour that ended in the tragic plane crash killing Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and The Big Bopper (the Day the Music Died). Located 3 miles northwest of downtown Mason City, MCW offers a 6,501-foot runway accommodating most heavy jets with proper weight planning. Estimated charter rates to Mason City via MCW: light jets from $4,000 per hour, mid-size jets from $5,500 per hour, heavy jets from $8,500 per hour.
Transworld Jets Insider Tip
Mason City is forever linked to music history through the Day the Music Died (February 3, 1959). The Surf Ballroom, where Buddy Holly played his final concert, still hosts concerts. The nearby crash site in Clear Lake is a pilgrimage for rock music fans. The Music Man Square celebrates Meredith Willson.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can heavy jets land at Mason City?
Yes. Mason City Municipal's 6,501-foot runway accommodates most heavy jets with proper weight planning.
How close is MCW to the Surf Ballroom?
Mason City Municipal is approximately 8 miles from the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, typically a 15-minute drive.
Where is the Buddy Holly crash site?
The crash site is approximately 5 miles north of Clear Lake, in a field accessible by a walking trail from the road.
Aircraft Compatible with Mason City Municipal Airport
Based on the longest runway (6,501 ft), the following aircraft categories can operate here.
Runway Information
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface | Lighted |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18/36 | 6,501 ft | 150 ft | Asp | ✓ Yes |
| 12/30 | 5,502 ft | 150 ft | Asp | ✓ Yes |
Nearby Alternative Airports
More Airports in Iowa
Southeast Iowa Regional Airport
BRL — Burlington
Northeast Iowa Regional Airport
CCY — Charles City
Des Moines International Airport
DSM — Des Moines
Dubuque Regional Airport
DBQ — Dubuque
Fort Dodge Regional Airport
FOD — Fort Dodge
Ottumwa Regional Airport
OTM — Ottumwa
Sioux Gateway Airport / Brigadier General Bud Day Field
SUX — Sioux City
Waterloo Regional Airport
ALO — Waterloo
Charter a Jet from Mason City
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- IATA Code
- MCW
- ICAO Code
- KMCW
- Elevation
- 1,213 ft
- Runways
- 2
- Longest Runway
- 6,501 ft
- Location
- Mason City, Iowa