HAMPTON
AIRFIELD
Are you a pilot who loves Fenway Park, the oldest major league ballpark in America, built in 1912? (Scheduled to open the same day the Titanic sank!) Do you love its quirkiness; the Green Monster, the Pesky Pole, the Red Seat, the retired numbers in right field (1,9,4,8,27) and its history in general? If you do, and you enjoy New England history, than you’ll love the first airfield in this series, Interesting Airfields of New England. The Hampton Airfield in North Hampton, NH is certainly unique and is that kind of place. Mike and Cheryl Hart have owned the field since 1975 and it truly represents a step back in time. Located in the Seacoast region, this 2,100-foot grass airfield is home to a variety of Cubs, Chiefs, Luscombes, Stearmans, Maules, Aeronca’s and even a 1930’s era Stinson Detroiter, restored by retired UAL captain Ken Perkins. His Stinson had been owned and operated by American Airlines and Ken restored it with its original American paint scheme.
Opened in 1945, shortly after flying activities were allowed to resume near the coast after World War II, some 75 aircraft are based here…mostly of the tailwheel variety. The Quonset style office, manned by George and Charlie, display cut shirttails, representing first solo flights, old pictures and magazines. A good many conversations are held here in “The Cloud Room”, where the floor creeks, and the over stuffed chairs and couch provide a comfortable spot to read, talk or nap! Be careful though, don’t sit on the cat. Not only can you acquire your tailwheel endorsement here, all of their primary training is done in J-3 Cubs, and you can rent them when your training is complete.
On weekends, or by appointment, pilots Mike Hart and Dick Cumming (retired Northeast Airlines pilots, Delta too) fly open cockpit bi-plane rides in their 1929 New Standard. Fitted with helmets and goggles, as many as four passengers can experience early American barnstorm flying right here in New Hampshire. Restored here on the airfield by Craig Sinclair, this spectacularly beautiful biplane is one of only four New Standards flying in the world today.
Mike and Dick are not difficult to find, they’re usually relaxing in the shade, under the open tent, referred to as “Gate 1”, located next to the New Standard. Accommodations include picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, a storage rack for the helmets and goggles and is yet another place to enjoy conversation. There is no Gate 2.
Until recently, the airfield was home to Mike Farreys, DAKOTA AVIATION MUSEUM, which operates a restored, 1943 Douglas DC-3. Mike, with the help of many others involved in New England aviation, restored and painted the “Three” in a 1957 Northeast Airlines livery…”First in New England Skies”. Mike, retired NEA/DAL, has moved the “Three” to his home field in Mason, NH. but visits Hampton regularly and draws a huge crowd when he lands on this 2,100 foot grass field. He’s a talented fellow and presently is in the process of restoring a Beech 18. For more info concerning The Dakota Aviation Museum, see the July 2000 issue of AIRWAYS MAGAZINE or the January 2000 issue of THE ATLANTIC FLYER.
Annually, Hampton hosts two aviation events that are wildly popular. The first, held on the 3rd weekend in May, is the ever popular, Hampton Aviation Flea Market. Well stocked by aviation vendors/collectors, you’ll find all sorts of “stuff”, but stuff that you’ll likely need.
From old magazines and pictures to antique airplane parts, to vintage flying togs, it’s all here and it will take you all day to wander through it. This event also attracts many unusual antique flying machines from throughout New England and is the social event of New England summer aviation.
The other fly-in event is their Fall, Labor Day Pig Roast, bomb drop and spot-landing contest. This attracts hundreds of airplanes and participants to celebrate the end of another New England summer flying season. The food is great, the airplanes are wonderful and you’ll see a-lot of old friends here. And when it’s time to leave, you won’t have to search too far for someone who knows hot to prop your airplane.
But what would a vintage airfield be without a restaurant? A place to eat and talk and harass the waitresses. And Hampton has one of the best, in the form of AVERSANO’S AIRFIELD CAFÉ. Joe Aversano has created the most “eclectic” airport menu I’ve experienced and caters to pilots and non-pilots alike. Get there early on weekends, because space inside and on the deck are limited, but provide a glimpse into aviations past. Breakfast or lunch on the deck anytime is a front row seat to a classic airshow. Drive in or fly in because Joe, his son Scott and daughter Theresa provide a great breakfast, a wonderful lunch and ice cream too, served by a group of waitresses that are friendly and efficient.
If you’re looking for a place to hangout with your airplane, that’s a little different than most “airports”, then don’t miss this place, it’s certainly
unique. If you own and fly a Cessna 172 or 182, you’re welcome to join in, but don’t become alarmed, when after a few visits here, you start reading the “For Sale” wall in search of a taildragger. Keep your eyes open when you enter the pattern though, as many of the airplanes here don’t have electrical systems, let alone a radio.
