Hawthorne Feather Airpark

Hawthorne-Feather Airpark sits on the western edge of Deering, New Hampshire, a town of fewer than 2,000 residents in the state's south-central region. The airport functions entirely as a general aviation facility, catering to private pilots and small aircraft rather than scheduled airline traffic. It has a single paved runway, oriented roughly east-west, and a layout that feels more like a rural airstrip than a commercial hub. The airpark is known among local aviators for its quiet atmosphere, well-maintained grounds, and the welcoming attitude of those who use it. Recent changes in ownership have brought renewed attention to the property, with cleanup efforts that have noticeably improved its appearance over the past several months. This airport is the kind of place where pilots come to escape the congestion of busier fields, and where the pace of operations matches the surrounding countryside.

Getting There

Deering lies about 30 miles northwest of Manchester, New Hampshire's largest city, and roughly 25 miles west of Concord, the state capital. The most straightforward route from Manchester is via Interstate 93 north to Exit 12, then west on Route 149 through Weare and into Deering. From Concord, take Route 202 west to Route 149 south. Hawthorne-Feather Airpark is located at 26 Airport Road, just off Route 149 near the center of town. The drive takes about 40 minutes from Manchester and 35 minutes from Concord, depending on traffic. There is no public transit directly serving the airport; a car is essential. For pilots arriving by air, the nearest airports with commercial service are Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) and Lebanon Municipal Airport (LEB), but Hawthorne-Feather is strictly for general aviation. The airpark is not served by any ride-sharing services on a regular basis, so arranging ground transport in advance is advisable.

Inside the Terminal

Hawthorne-Feather Airpark does not have a conventional terminal building in the sense of a commercial airport. Instead, there is a small hangar and a modest office structure that serves as a pilot lounge and briefing area. The facilities include a wheelchair-accessible entrance and a wheelchair-accessible car park, making the airpark usable for travelers with mobility challenges. The interior is simple: a few chairs, a table, and basic amenities. On most days, the airport is unattended, so pilots typically handle their own arrival and departure procedures. The atmosphere is calm and unhurried, with none of the queues or security checks found at larger airports. The runway is in good condition, and the taxiways are clearly marked. However, there is no fuel available on site. The fuel pump that once served the field has been inactive for some time, and attempts to contact the previous supplier, Rymes Oil, have indicated that they are no longer associated with the property. Current ownership contact information is not publicly available, so pilots must bring their own fuel or arrange for portable supplies before arriving. The airpark does not have a fixed-base operator (FBO) offering services like catering or crew cars, so self-sufficiency is key.

Hawthorne-Feather Airpark and Deering

Deering is a rural town in Hillsborough County that retains a distinctly New England character. The area is known for its forests, lakes, and rolling hills, offering outdoor recreation such as hiking, fishing, and boating. Deering Reservoir, a 60-acre impoundment, is a popular spot for kayaking and canoeing, with a public boat launch near the town center. The Deering Center Historic District features several 19th-century buildings, including the Deering Town House and the Deering Community Church, which host events and farmers' markets during warmer months. The town's population is small, but its sense of community is strong, with annual events like the Deering Old Home Days drawing locals and visitors alike. The airpark itself hosts the Granite State Truck Show, an annual gathering that brings together truck enthusiasts from across the region. This event highlights the airfield's capacity to handle larger crowds and unique aircraft and vehicles. Additionally, the airport is home to an alternative education program for at-risk youth, known as the Deering Alternative Program. The program uses the airport's facilities as part of its curriculum, providing hands-on learning opportunities in aviation and maintenance. The presence of this program contributes to the airfield's reputation as a place where community and aviation intersect in meaningful ways. For visitors, Deering offers a glimpse into rural New Hampshire life, with quiet roads, small farms, and a pace that stands in contrast to the busy corridors of southern New Hampshire. The airport serves as the town's link to the broader aviation community, and its continued operation is valued by those who appreciate having a local place to fly.

Practical Information

Hawthorne-Feather Airpark is not open to the public on a set schedule. It is available for use by private pilots, but there is no guarantee of staff presence. The airfield is accessible by prior arrangement or by self-service means. The runway is in good condition, and the airport is listed as wheelchair-accessible. The website for the airport is managed by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division and contains basic information but no current contact details for the owner. To obtain access or inquire about tying down aircraft, pilots should try contacting the town of Deering or the state aeronautics office. The airpark does not have a published phone number. The busiest times, based on typical general aviation patterns, are Monday at 9 am and Tuesday through Thursday at 1 pm, though this may vary. The single most important piece of advice for any pilot planning to use Hawthorne-Feather Airpark is to arrive with a full fuel tank, as no fuel is available on site and the nearest service is miles away.