On Tuesday morning, September 9, 1919, the first airplane flew over Susanville. Who the unknown aviator was has never been determined. It was believed by some to have been a Forest Service plane used to spot fires.

By the 1920s, pilots were regularly visiting Susanville. An impromptu airstrip was developed in the Milwood section, at the north end of Spring Street. By the late 1920s it had become apparent that an airport was needed. E.G. Scammon, Robert M. Cook and Charlie Bridges were appointed to a special aviation committee to locate  suitable site for an airport. They selected the Hanford Tract near Johnstonville. It met several criteria, as the property was inexpensive and required a small expenditure to construct an airport. In addition, there was plenty of open space for expansion and equally important few homes in the area. Aviators, on the other hand, complained that it was too far from Susanville. Yet, it met the approval of federal aviation officials.

On July 17, 1928, the Lassen County Board of Supervisors met in special session to discuss the airport. At the conclusion of the meeting it was agreed to purchase the property. On August 22, the County bought the 60-acre Hanford Tract from W.V. Warren for $1,700. In 1929, the City of Susanville bout 40 adjoining acres from May Hemler for $400 to extend the runway. On April 8, 1932 the County assigned all of its interest in the airport to the City.

The years 1931-32 witnessed significant changes at the airport. First was the oiling of the runways. That was followed by a fuel station and beacon light. In 1932, the City moved a two-room cottage on the premises. This was occupied a by a caretaker, whose main responsibilities were maintenance, i.e. no stray cattle on the runway and tending to the needs of the pilots who arrived at the airport.

In 1939, the Susanville Flying Club was organized, and it had a major impact on the airport. It employed the services of licensed flying instructor, Al Reese and flying lessons were now available. In 1940, additional improvements were made at the airport. That year Lassen Junior College offered civilian pilot training, with initial enrollment of twenty-two students. In September, the Civil Aeronautics Board rated Susanville seventh out of 183 California airports. The airport was earmarked with $371,000 for immediate improvements as part of the national defense program. In 1942, the U.S. Navy Department took control of the airport for flight training of cadets. The Navy retained control of the airport until the conclusion of World War II.

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