How it started/how it's going

And, with three public-use airports on the islands and more on the mainland, pilots can skip some of the traffic to enjoy attractions ranging from hang gliding to history.

Popular historical markers include lighthouses that guided sailors navigating the Graveyard of the Atlantic, from the northernmost Currituck Beach Lighthouse to Ocracoke Island Lighthouse. Wild Spanish mustangs, brought to the Outer Banks in the 1500s on Spanish ships, still roam the northern beaches, accessible only by four-wheel-drive vehicle. Several companies offer guided tours; if you drive yourself, deflate your tires before driving onto the beach, remain at least 50 feet away from the horses, and do not feed the animals.

Of course, most visitors come to the Outer Banks for the beaches. Miles of coastline are popular for relaxing, kite flying, and fishing, while the sound side offers watersports including kayaking, parasailing, and jet skiing. And, for an aviation fix, consider hang gliding off the dunes at Jockey’s Ridge State Park in Nags Head with Kitty Hawk Kites. The company also offers tandem hang gliding lessons out of Jarvisburg on the mainland.

First Flight Airport (FFA) in Kill Devil Hills is walking distance from the Wright Brothers Monument and visitor center. Visitors to the national memorial grounds can commemorate Wilbur and Orville Wright’s accomplishments by walking the flight line of the Flyer’s first flights and exploring interactive exhibits in the museum, reconstructed 1903 camp buildings, and more. Aircraft parking is limited to 24 hours and no more than two overnight stays per month.

In the southern banks, Billy Mitchell Airport (HSE) in Hatteras and Ocracoke Island Airport (W95) have 3,000-foot-long paved runways and parking for transient aircraft. Pine Island Airport (7NC2) in Corolla to the north is private use.

The three public-use airports on the islands are closed to nighttime operations, and none have fuel. The best airports in the area for fueling are across the sound: Dare County Regional Airport (MQI) in Manteo and Currituck County Regional Airport (ONX) in Maple. Currituck County’s Runway 5/23 is an appealing option when arriving from the north; the airport has no fees for piston aircraft, and car rentals are available with advance notice. Manteo’s two runways on Roanoke Island give more options for the coastal winds, and it’s a quick hop from Manteo to any of the island airports.

Tiedown fees are waived with fuel purchase at Dare County Regional, and rental cars are available on site. You won’t even need a car, however, to get to the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island, adjacent to the
airport property. Reservations are encouraged for the
facility, which sits on 16 acres overlooking the Croatan Sound.

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