Flying high at VA, Highlands Airport

Hundreds of aviation fans and vintage car buffs turned out in bright sunshine to take in the annual Wings and Wheels at Virginia Highlands Airport in the mountains at Abingdon, Va. Nestled in the southwest Virginia mountains Virginia Highlands Airport is situated close to the Great Smokey Mountains Park, Cherokee National Park, Country Music Hall of Fame and many attractions. You can take many scenic aerial flights from the airport: among them Holston Dam, the Tennessee Valley Authority network of lakes, the Virginia Highlands Festival and more. The airport has a 4,470 foot runway and spaces for many private aircraft, a comfortable lounge and full service for aviation needs. Mickey Hines is airport manager at 276-628-6030 and stands ready to fill any flyers needs.

The July event was strong on antique cars and aircraft. Among them a Stearman and Beechcraft as well as Corvettes, Corvairs, Fords and many others. Among the crowds were some old time pilots who regaled the spectators with daring tales of adventures in the skies while a TV reporter filmed the encounters for the evening newscasts. The Civil Air Patrol was there with an eye to get young members and there were many young people present. Virginia Highlands airport has 122.8 Unicom and Weathermation at 276-628-9764. The airport located at 18521 Lee Highway is just outside Abingdon about halfway between Bristol and downtown Abingdon home of the famous Barter Theatre and Arts Depot. Young people were in the crowds and many said they were thrilled to see the old cars and airplanes. We spent about two hours there but had to cut short our visit to make another appointment. We intend to go back and perhaps take a flight out of this interesting airport located near some many scenic sights. If you go and are lucky you can stay at the nearby historic Martha Washington Inn in Abingdon.

By Steve Walter