By Frank Daniels and Elena Marsh
Moore County Airport has been many things over its 95-year history: humble grass landing strip, U.S. Army Airborne practice site, commercial service provider.
Today, it is a hub for private plane traffic and aviation businesses. Its tomorrow? Depending on whom you talk to, that course may follow one of several paths.
“The county airport is unique in that it’s a gateway to our community,” said Ron Maness, who was the county’s airport director — four times — for almost two decades.
Upgrades and improvements in its infrastructure — parts of its terminal date to the 1950s — are underway. Early discussions about returning part-time commercial service have resumed. And as the golf, military and health industries continue to grow locally, so too does demand for expanded airport services.
Whichever path the airport fulfills, growth presents an abundance of opportunities and challenges coming down the runway, mirroring the county it serves.
“It is not just an airport,” says Maness, who grew up in High Falls before having a successful career as a U.S. Air Force and commercial pilot. “It’s a gateway for the USGA, Pinehurst Resort and all the golf courses, a huge wonderful hospital complex.
“I would say it’s an airport, yes, but it’s actually the doorway to Moore County.”