Page 10 - June19 Twin and Turbine

blue marlins or albacore. The waters are so attractive for these billfish that the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament has been hosted in the area for more than 60 years. The popular tour- nament, with a prize purse of more than $1 million, has been quoted by some as the “Super Bowl of Fishing.”
For those more apt to stay on land, the town boasts several acclaimed restaurants, several of which overlook the ocean. The eateries, ranging in price and formality, offer an array of “water to table” bites, with dishes including seafood often caught in the water just feet from the restaurant.
Also along the sea, the area’s sandy beaches are pristine and quiet, representative of the small town itself. One example of a picture-perfect, undeveloped beach is that which surrounds the Cape Lookout Lighthouse – reached by a short ferry ride from the mainland. The 163-foot lighthouse is open to climbers from mid-May to mid-September and boasts amazing views of the open ocean and the South Core Banks (island it sits upon).
Back on the mainland, there are numerous lodging options from Airbnb bungalows, to vacation home rentals, to standard hotel rooms. Aside from all the above activities, downtown Beaufort houses several shops, galleries, museums and eateries. Dr. Robert Coles, a local who flies an MU-2, says that the town is a “great destination for the weekend, a week, or even longer.”
Flying into Beaufort
For pilots considering a visit to this great getaway, Michael J. Smith Field Airport (MRH) is located just one mile north of the town.
“MRH is an uncontrolled field that is easy to fly in and out of,” said Coles. “A big plus is it never has much of a crosswind due to its three runways.”
Each runway is at least 4,000 feet and offers an RNAV (GPS) approach, enabling just about any twin or turbine owner to make the field their landing spot of choice.
The field has one FBO, Crystal Coast Aviation, which has 100LL, Jet-A, tie-downs, rental cars and hangars. Additionally, the FBO offers scenic flight tour packages for those who want to better experience the area’s beauty from the air in a lower and slower fashion than their aircraft may allow. However you decide to spend your time in Beaufort, it will be a trip to remember.
Grant Boyd is a recent MBA graduate of Wichita State University. A private pilot, Boyd is currently working toward his instrument rating, with the ultimate goal of combining his love of business and aviation with a career at a general aviation manufacturer. You can contact Grant at grantboyd2015@gmail.com.
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8 • TWIN & TURBINE / June 2019