Talking History with Malcolm Van Kirk

By Scott Grove

Photography by Turner Photography Studio

As a sequel to last month’s focus on Frederick’s original airfield, located on the grounds of what is now Fort Detrick, today we talk with aviator Malcolm Van Kirk, who discusses the history of Frederick Municipal Airport, his family’s aviation history and the museum that he and his brother established in 2016. 

Scott: Tell me about your family’s association with flying. 

Malcolm: The Wright Brothers first flew on Dec. 17, 1903. Ten years later, in 1913, my great-uncle, Dean R. Van Kirk, built a seaplane and flew it off the Potomac River. He was making takeoffs and teaching himself how to fly when the forerunner to today’s Coast Guard arrested him. He was fined $550 and put in jail for three days for inappropriate operation of a boat because he had no oars or life jacket on board. The judge didn’t classify the sea plane as a boat and since there were no regulations for planes, he was released. He later donated his plane and himself as pilot and started the District of Columbia Naval Militia. He then became the chief test pilot for the Richardson Brothers, who were building aero-hydroplanes on the Anacostia River. Around 1916, because he was a naval militia officer, he was asked to go to Pensacola, Fla., to become a naval aviator. He lost his life in a training accident there on May 1, 1917. 

My father carried on the tradition and became a pilot in the early 1950s. My brother was a career pilot, retiring from Delta Airlines and having flown 163 different airplanes in his life. I am currently a flight instructor and continue to fly our family-owned airplanes and operate the Ensign Dean R. Van Kirk Aviation Heritage Museum at Frederick Municipal Airport, which uses the airport code FDK.

Scott: FDK replaced the Detrick Field in 1946, with construction there taking place until 1949 when the airport officially opened to the public. 

Malcolm: And the airport’s original administrative building remains, although it now houses the Airways Inn restaurant on the first floor and airport offices above.

Scott: Most people don’t realize that The City of Frederick owns the airport. 

Malcolm: Yes, it owns and operates the airport with a manager, assistant manager and one office person. Since 9/11, there are more complex needs that are addressed by this team due to our proximity to Washington D.C.

Scott: How does FDK support itself financially? 

Malcolm: The airport is funded through grants from the Federal government that are matched by the City of Frederick. Aircraft owners rent hangars and tie-down spaces that creates a revenue stream. Money is also generated through fuel sales and from various businesses like flight schools and other aviation-related tenants on the property.

Scott: Who uses the airport, and to what extent?

Malcolm: I believe there are more than 160,000 operations at the airport each year. Because of its facilities, FDK has become one of the best training airports in the region. The airport is a multi-use facility. It is used not only by local pilots, but also by outside corporate businesses and some military operations especially when government officials are at Camp David.

Scott: When did you and or your family first become involved with FDK and in what capacity? 

Malcolm: My family has used Frederick airport since the early 1950s and has rented a hangar there since the early 1960s.

Scott: You and your brother started the Ensign Dean R. Van Kirk Aviation Heritage Museum in one of the hangars you rent. Why did you do this?

Malcolm: Eight years ago, after having done research on our great-uncle, my late brother Steve and I opened the museum. We were given several real airplanes, over 800 model airplanes and one of the best early airmail displays, along with other memorabilia. 

Scott: Is it possible for people to come and visit the museum? 

Malcolm: The museum is open in the summer months, especially on weekends. Other arrangements can also be made.

Scott: There seems to have been and continues to be a sense of community at the airport—at the restaurant, weekend hangar-based happy hours and other gatherings. Why this?

Malcolm: Pilots make up a small percentage of the overall population. They love to tell their stories to others. Though anyone can learn to fly, only a few do, so there is a sense of community among them.

Scott: Generally speaking, what contribution does the airport make to Frederick? 

Malcolm: The airport is one of the greatest assets that the city and county have. It is important for increased commerce, medical assistance and for many other benefits.

Although Malcolm Van Kirk, 77, generally considers himself to be retired, he still works as a flight instructor and occasional general contractor in the construction of new homes. He is also an aircraft and powerplant mechanic and maintains planes that he and his friends own. Born in Bethesda, he is a resident of Frederick. Scott Grove is the owner of Grove Public Relations, LLC., a marketing and advertising firm. His work also includes interpretive planning and exhibit design for museums and historic sites. For more info, visit www.scottrgrove.com.