Plans to close South Carolina’s Loris Airport have sparked strong pushback from local pilots, business owners, and state aviation officials. Discover how community advocates and state leaders are working together to secure FAA funding and keep this general aviation airfield open.
Why Is 5J9 Being Closed?
Horry County’s decision to close Twin City Airport (5J9) in Loris, South Carolina, has sparked fierce pushback from the local aviation community. While officials cite high rehabilitation costs and low usage, local pilots and business owners argue the airfield has been systematically neglected for decades and are fighting to save it. It’s a story that’s common among small general aviation airports across the country.
A Lifetime Of Flying
At 88 years old, South Carolina aviator Steve Hawley is still living his childhood dream. With over seven decades in the cockpit, he maintains, flies, and restores vintage airplanes. He’s now working on his 29th restoration.
From A Brown Truck to Alaska’s Blue Skies
There’s probably no one more surprised than North Carolina pilot Dawson Simmons that he spends May to October in Alaska, flying guests in an iconic bush plane to some of the most beautiful fishing and hunting locations in the world.
One big aviation family
Sometimes a fly-in plan comes together perfectly as was the case for the Carolinas Virginia Antique Airplane Foundation 2025 fall fly-in at historic Woodward Field (KCDN) in Camden, South Carolina.
A hobby that got out of control
The Creve Coeur Historic Aircraft Restoration Museum in suburban St. Louis, Missouri, offers visitors an exciting window into what is often called the Golden Age of Aviation from 1920 to 1941.
Living the dream
Crosswinds-Wilson Airport (SC37) is home for Jim and Eileen Wilson, owners of four antique aircraft and a country flying spread most people who love general aviation would consider the epitome of living the dream.
Flying, friends, and food
Since 1938, pilots have flown to airports across the Palmetto State to participate in the South Carolina Breakfast Club.
Historic Utah airfield honors pilot
The base museum’s newest exhibit, “Decker Field: The Untold Story,” chronicles the efforts of a then Utah pilot, Douglas Decker, to transform the former Air Force base into a civilian use airport.