Wright Brothers National Memorial

at First Flight Airport

From Todd Fuller on 12-Jul-2009

Nice place to land. No fees, can park up to 24 hours w/o permission. You won't have to pay the park entrance fee if you fly in. Runway good shape, no aviation services/unattended. AOPA facility by airstrip in great shape has A/C, bathrooms, and nice flight planning equipment. If you want something to eat, walk down Collington Road. Do not attempt to walk out the main entrance of park after viewing the memorial and exhibits. You will see Collington Road on the approach threshold to runway 2, and also runs just a couple hundred yards beyond the brown metal mockup of the Wright Flyer and the renditions of the Wright Brothers and their staff, which sits just south of the base of the memorial. There is a nice and safe bike/walk path along the road, and it is about a one-mile walk to a Subway and Dairy Queen. Furthermore, from this intersection (Collington Road/US-158 Croatan Hwy) you have a short walk of less than a half-mile to a very good public beach access complete with a bathhouse.
 

From Linda Cioffi on 29-May-2008

Great experience to land where it all began! Yes, we were welcomed by the deer (as advertised) and even a red fox! The National Park staff made us feel so welcomed because we flew in! Great volunteers and narratives from the Park folks! Learned a lot! What an experience! Camped at a nearby campground with tent sites (about a 15-20 min walk). Had one of the best meals ever at the Colinton Cafe (10-15 min walk). Other food is farther in another direction. The beach is about a 10 min walk too! The AOPA pilot lounge was very welcoming and a great resource for our next fuel stop! Thank you, AOPA!!! Restrooms seem to be locked once the park closes. Can you tell by the exclamation points that we had such a great time?!
 

From Lin Caywood on 24-Mar-2008

Stopped in yesterday for a quick visit. Landed about 6 pm. was able to access the pilot lounge but the restrooms were locked. Will e-mail AOPA and ask them to hide a key in the lounge or change the locks to passcodes too. Awesome place to visit. Monument is blocked off because of repairs being done but view is still stunning. Watch out for the deer. Had over a dozen jump out on landing. Was able to hit the brakes in plenty of time. Planned to do a full taxi before taking off to try to clear them but another visitor cleared the way with his Cherokee first. Practice your crosswind technique before attempting to land here. There's a reason why Wilbur and Orville picked Kitty Hawk -- there is always wind and almost always a gust to humble you a bit.
 

From George Pfeiffer on 27-Aug-2007

Nice little airport with much historical significance. But the place is lousy with deer. When I landed, there must have been 25 white-tailed deer on either side of the runway. In view of the damage deer do to autos, it is scary to think of the consequences of hitting one with an airplane.
 

From Mike Salatti on 20-Nov-2006

Flew in on 11/19/06 with a couple of flying buddies from Long Island to build our multi-time. Been to the Outer Banks many time however, this was the first time flying in. Great approach to runway 2 and the scenery was fantastic from the air. Walk across the street to the beach road were we went to the Nags Head hotel where we got a cab to Awful Arthur's for some great seafood. Every one should fly in to KFFA at least once. Great Time!