Have you ever thought about why Westchester Airport is called HPN? It’s not the most obvious name, right? You’d think it would be something like “WCA” for Westchester County Airport or maybe “WPA” for White Plains Airport. But no, it’s HPN. There’s actually a fun little story behind it, and once you know it, you’ll see the airport in a whole new way.
HPN: A Shoutout to Three Towns
Okay, so here’s the deal. HPN stands for Harrison, Purchase, and North Castle. These are the three towns that border the airport. When it was built in the 1940s, they couldn’t just name it after one town because, as you’ve just guessed, that would’ve caused a whole lot of drama. So, they took a letter from each town’s name and smushed them together.
That’s how we got HPN. It’s like a little tribute to the towns that made the airport possible.
Why Not Just Call It “White Plains Airport”?
This is where it gets a bit funny. The airport is super close to White Plains, and a lot of people casually call it “White Plains Airport.” But officially, it’s Westchester County Airport because the land stretches across multiple towns. They wanted a name that represented the whole region, not just one spot.
Still, people love shortcuts, so the nickname “White Plains Airport” stuck. It’s kind of like when someone calls every soda “Coke” even if it’s not.
A Pilot’s Hidden Gem
HPN has always been a favorite among pilots. Back in the day, when JFK and LaGuardia were already these massive, chaotic airports, HPN was small and chill. Pilots loved landing there because it was quiet, easy to navigate, and way less stressful.
Even now, it’s a great alternative to the bigger New York airports. If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed by crowds, HPN is the perfect escape.
That Short Runway Though
Let me tell you, HPN’s runway is no joke. It’s one of the shortest commercial runways in the U.S. At just over 6,500 feet, pilots have to be on their game to land there smoothly. Imagine trying to parallel park on a really narrow street—that’s what it’s like.
And because it’s so close to neighborhoods, there’s a noise curfew. No late-night flights. So, if you live nearby, you can actually sleep without planes roaring overhead. Pretty considerate, huh?
What’s Up With the “N”?
We get the “H” for Harrison and the “P” for Purchase, but what about the “N”? This part’s a little mysterious. Some say it’s for North Castle, which makes sense since it’s one of the bordering towns. Others think the “N” was just thrown in to round out the code. Either way, it works, and it gives HPN a bit of character.
More Than Just an Airport
HPN isn’t just about planes coming and going. It’s got this cozy, community vibe that you don’t get at bigger airports. It feels more personal, like a neighborhood hangout spot that just happens to have airplanes.
Whether you’re flying out for a family visit or coming back from a business trip, HPN feels manageable. No endless walking or getting lost in a sea of gates. Just straightforward and easy.
Now You Know
So there you have it—the story of why Westchester Airport is called HPN. It’s a mix of geography, history, and a little mystery.
Next time someone wonders about it, you’ll have all the fun facts to share. And who knows, if we ever fly out of HPN together, I’ll let you take the window seat so you can check out that impressively short runway for yourself. Deal?