I have discovered a hidden jewel of an airport that would remind anyone of the way airports used to be and ought to be. Here there is no 12 foot barbed wire fence, just a friendly community of aviation enthusiasts who want to share the magic of Sugar Valley Airport. Located just outside of Mocksville, NC, 5NC2 is a 2400 foot runway located beside a lake. They have camping facilities, canoes to use, and a brand new 5820 square foot heated hanger that is sometimes used by the community as a meeting space.
This past Saturday, I went to the Sugar Valley Airport to attend a Women in Aviation Symposium that brought in 14 women who are at various stages of their flying lives. Presenters included Linda Finch who recreated Amelia Earhart's voyage around the world in an Electra, Capt. Bridgett "Atlas" Fitzsimmons
of the 335th Fighter Squadron, an F-15E Strike Eagle pilot, and 10 other accomplished women in the field.
The volunteers were friendly and went out of their way to make the 150 or so guests feel like part of the Sugar Valley Family. Coffee and danishes were available as the event kicked off at 9 a.m. When the panel discussions and presentations were over at 12 noon, EAA Chapter 1083 provided a delicious lunch. My daughter and I sat by the runway, ate our lunch, and watched the Young Eagle Flights come and go. It was delightful.