Cheraw Municipal Airport/Lynch Bellinger Field

Cheraw Municipal Airport sits two miles southeast of downtown Cheraw, South Carolina, a general aviation facility serving private and corporate aircraft with a single asphalt runway measuring 5,000 feet. The airport operates on a limited schedule, closed on certain days of the week, and its principal draws are the well-regarded service center and the flea market across the road – a pairing that makes the field more than just a place to land.

For pilots and passengers arriving by air, Cheraw Municipal is a straightforward field with no commercial flights. The airport sees its busiest periods early Monday mornings (2 am), Tuesday evenings (7 pm), Wednesday afternoons (4 pm), and Thursday afternoons (3 pm), reflecting the irregular schedules of private aviation. What distinguishes this airport from many similar facilities is the integrated service center and the adjacent flea market, which together create a small but functional community hub.

Getting There

Cheraw Municipal Airport is located off South Carolina Highway 9, about two miles from downtown Cheraw. By car from the city center, take US-1 or SC-9 southeast; the airport entrance is clearly marked. There is no public transit to the airport, so a car or taxi is required. Parking is ample and free, with a designated wheelchair-accessible car park near the main entrance. For those coming from outside Cheraw, the nearest major city is Florence, South Carolina, about 45 minutes south via US-52. The airport's zip code is 29520, and GPS navigation works reliably to the terminal.

Inside the Terminal

The terminal at Cheraw Municipal is compact, a single-story building that houses the airport office and a small waiting area. A wheelchair-accessible entrance is located at the front. The key facility is the service center, which offers aircraft maintenance, fueling, and hangar space – rated highly by pilots who use it. There is one toilet available for passengers. The terminal lacks food or beverage concessions, but the nearby flea market (directly across the road) provides snacks and drinks during its operating hours. The atmosphere is quiet and unhurried; most visitors are pilots or mechanics. The flea market itself is an open-air affair with vendors selling odd and end items, and the people running it are notably friendly. Bargaining is common, and good deals are available.

Cheraw Municipal Airport and Cheraw

Cheraw, known historically as the "Prettiest Town in Dixie," is a small city in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, with a population just under 6,000. The town's historic district features antebellum architecture, a courthouse square, and several blocks of well-preserved 19th-century buildings. Cheraw State Park, located on Lake Juniper, offers fishing, hiking, and a golf course, making it a destination for outdoor recreation. The town also hosts an annual Jazz Festival and is the birthplace of musician Dizzy Gillespie, whose legacy is celebrated with a small museum.

The airport plays a key role for the local economy, particularly for businesses that rely on private aviation. The service center attracts pilots from across the region who need work done on their aircraft – a notable example of a niche facility drawing traffic to a small town. The flea market, meanwhile, brings in local residents and visitors alike, creating a cross-section of the community. For travelers passing through, the combination of aircraft maintenance and bargain hunting is unusual but practical. The airport staff and the flea market vendors contribute to a reputation for friendliness, making a stop here more pleasant than at many equivalent fields.

Practical Information

Cheraw Municipal Airport is not open every day. Hours may vary, so calling ahead (+1 843-537-6423) is recommended. The website (https://www.cheraw.com/residents/life_in_cheraw/transportation.php) provides general transportation information but not specific airport hours. The service center operates during airport open hours and is the primary reason for many landings. For passengers waiting, bring your own food and water; the flea market may be closed if arriving at odd hours. One concrete tip: if you need to use the toilet or access the service center, plan your arrival during the airport's open hours – the airport is not staffed around the clock, and the terminal may be locked when closed.