Considered one of the most hazardous airfields in the United States, Hoover Field suffered from short and unpaved runways, numerous life-threatening obstructions around the field, poor visibility (due to a burning garbage dump to its northwest), and poor drainage.
It was purchased by the owner of nearby Washington Airport in early 1929, causing a brief merger of the two fields.

A military road cut the land in two.
Traffic lights were installed for the safety of drivers during landings.