By Eric McCarthy

I’ve still got a lot of this country to explore, but now that I’ve had a chance to fly on both coasts I thought I’d talk about a couple of my favorite airports – so far! In some cases it’s location, location, location – in other words, just where the airport places you, what’s nearby. In others, it’s the airport itself – the atmosphere, if you will. This may turn into an ongoing thing, and I’d love to hear suggestions from you – I don’t know if I’ll get a chance to visit your favorites, but it’s nice to have a list of recommendations.

Since I spent most of my flying life there, let’s start on the East coast.

To learn more about the mission of the Katama Airfield Trust and to support the preservation of the airfield, please go to the Katama Airflield Trust website: www.katamaairfieldtrust.org. (Photo courtesy Katama Airfiled Trust)First up: Katama Airpark (1B2)– I know I’ve mentioned this one before but it’s really one of my all-time favorites! Katama Airpark on Martha’s Vineyard scores on both points – a great little airport and a fantastic destination. Just a short hop from almost anywhere in southern New England, the airport is located in the southeast corner of the island, just south of the picturesque town of Edgartown. Its offers three well-maintained, grass runways, although in all the times I flew there I only landed on other-than runway 21 once. Runway 21/3 is a 3,700-feet turf runway always maintained in excellent condition. The approach to 21 brings you right over Edgartown Harbor and all the beautiful homes and yachts that line Edgartown Harbor and Katama Bay. There’s usually some interesting planes parked there, and they’ve got a nice restaurant at the airport that often requires a wait to get in, but the real attraction is what’s nearby: the beach! Upon landing and paying your tiedown fee, you can taxi to a parking area literally across the street from one of the best beaches on the island. And when you’ve had enough surf, sand and sun, walk back to the road and a trolley will take you to Edgartown for shopping and restaurants. It’s been a few years since I’ve been able to get to Katama, but it’ll be high on my list when I get back to the Boston area. I can’t think of a better way to spend a summer day!

While we’re ‘at sea’ on the East coast, there are a couple of other island airports that make my list: Nantucket Memorial (KACK) and Block Island State (KBID).