Hagerstown’s Rider Jet Center Reports Record Summer Growth

The facility is currently working with Washington County and the Hagerstown-Washington County Industrial Foundation to restore a 15,000-gallon fuel tank that has been offline since 2003. This infrastructure project, supported by the George Edwards Fund, aims to stabilize inventory levels following a period of intense operational pressure. Between 2024 and 2025, total Jet A fuel throughput jumped by 40 percent, signaling a rapid shift in regional aviation traffic.

Beyond fueling, the center has become a critical staging ground for high-profile government activity. This summer, it hosted NOAA’s Twin Otter aircraft for two weeks of air quality research under the SOCCER-AQ project. The site also serviced a variety of military assets, including U.S. Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy aircraft, notably the F/A-18 Super Hornet. Rider Jet Center remains the only civilian operator among Maryland’s 34 public-use airports authorized to provide contract fuel for such government missions.

Local business partnerships are also expanding. South Mountain Aviation, which operates out of the center, recently secured FAA Part 145 Repair Station Certification. This milestone allows the firm to perform regulated maintenance and overhaul services, solidifying its reputation as a regional specialist for small-jet repairs. As the facility prepares for its 20th Annual Aviation Education & Career Expo this November, which will distribute over $200,000 in scholarships, the focus remains on balancing industrial growth with community engagement.