AOPA Pilot Magazine - December 2021 - 36

BRIEFING
A IRPORTS /
Visit this airport
with your Pilot
Passport on the
AOPA app.
aopa.org/travel/
pilot-passport
Dare County, North Carolina
Outer Banks beaches and lost colonies
BY DENNIS K. JOHNSON
I DON'T KNOW any pilot who hasn't dreamed
of flying to Kitty Hawk on the Outer Banks of
North Carolina to land where the Wright brothers
made mankind's first powered flights in 1903.
The modest First Flight Airport (FFA)-with one
3,000-foot by 60-foot runway-lies at the base
of Kill Devil Hill, a tall sand dune on which
the Wright Brothers National Memorial was
erected in 1932. It's a significant American historical
site, especially meaningful for pilots, but
the airport lacks any amenities for aircraft, such
as fuel or hangars. You can only tie down for a
maximum of 24 hours, and only twice a month.
Food, lodging, and beaches are within walking
or biking distance, but unless you're only staying
for the day, a better base for your aircraft may
be on nearby Roanoke Island. So, after visiting
the Wright brothers' sites at Kill Devil Hills, fly
over to Dare County Regional Airport, seven
miles southwest across Albemarle Sound, to fuel
up, tie down, and explore the mystery of the
" Lost Colony. "
36
AOPA PILOT / December 2021
Dare County Regional Airport
For aircraft that require longer runways and fuel, or if the sea breeze is too brisk and
you need a choice of runways, Dare County Regional Airport (MQI) is the place to
land on the Outer Banks. It has two intersecting runways, 5/23 and 17/35, with the
longest being 4,300 feet long. The airport can provide 100LL and Jet A fuel, oxygen,
aircraft repairs, hangars, and tiedown space. The staff can also arrange for a
rental car to be delivered or call a taxi.
Check notams before arriving at Dare County, as this can be a lively airport.
With so many tourists making the Outer Banks a vacation destination, the airport
often needs a temporary control tower during peak months. It's also a feeder airport
for FedEx and UPS, and a base for banner towing, skydiving, and scenic flights,
so keep your eyes open and check for ATC tower operations.
A civil airport was under construction at this site in 1941 when the Japanese
attacked Pearl Harbor. It was quickly completed and commandeered by the Navy
to train pilots for carrier-based aircraft such as F4F Wildcats, F6F Hellcats, and
F4U Corsairs. The U.S. Navy and Coast Guard flew anti-submarine patrols from
the airport until the end of the war when it was returned to Dare County.
The airport is located on Roanoke Island in Albemarle Sound and sheltered
from the ocean by barrier islands, so there's less salty spray blowing here. It's a
quick drive over a bridge and causeway to the Outer Banks beaches, hotels, and
restaurants. A couple of the best-reviewed restaurants in the area are along this
road, overlooking Albemarle Sound.
DAVID TULIS
http://www.aopa.org/travel/pilot-passport http://www.aopa.org/travel/pilot-passport
AOPA Pilot Magazine - December 2021

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of AOPA Pilot Magazine - December 2021
