Last updated: March 18, 2021
Place
Billy Mitchell Airstrip
Quick Facts
Location:
Frisco, NC
Significance:
Airstrip
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Restroom
Located near the village of Frisco, North Carolina, Billy Mitchell Airstrip (HSE) is a 3,000-foot, unattended airstrip within Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The airstrip is operated by the North Carolina Department of Transportation Division of Aviation, through a special agreement with the National Park Service.
There are minimal facilities at this airstrip consisting of two portable restrooms and a pilot operations room. No water or fuel is available.
Air Power Demonstration
My children in the lifetime will see aeronautics become the greatest and principal means of national defense and rapid transportation all over the world and possibly beyond our world into interstellar space.
-- Brigadier General "Billy" Mitchell, 1933
In September 1923, Brigadier General "Billy" Mitchell provided a chilling view of the effectiveness of aerial bombardment on surface vessels to skeptical government and military observers. Taking off from his temporary Hatteras Village airfield, Mitchell rendevoused with Martin bombers from Langley Field, Virginia. Equipped with newly developed bombsights and super-charged engines, the bombers quickly sank the obselete battleships "Virignia" and "New Jersey" anchored just 20 miles off the Hatteras Island coast.
Improvised Airfield
Responding to General Mitchell's urgent call for construction of a temporary airfield, local Hatteras residents built a landing strip by filling holes, tidal pools, and marshy areas and packing level the ground. This was all done with shovels, hoes, horse-drawn carts, and a tractor pulling a weighted pallet. Their quick work helped ensure the success of Mitchell's demonstration.
Operating Hours
The airstrip is open from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Pilot Facility
Access by using "Squawk VFR."
Parking
There are 39 tie-down locations, 31 near the pilot facility and 8 located mid-field. Aircraft are allowed to park for 14 consecutive days during any 30 day period.
Fuel
There is no fuel. The closest airports with fuel are Dare County Regional Airport (MQI) to the north and Michael J. Smith (MRH) to the south.