Pope Air Park — Airlifters!

Pope Air Park — Airlifters!:

Pope Air Park — Airlifters!

35º 09′ 59″ N / 79º 00′ 14″ W

My first visit to Pope Air Park was close to two decades ago. Then it was within the boundaries of Pope Air Force Base which was entered first through Fort Bragg. The Air Park has aircraft on both sides of Reilly Road with fighter s on the west and cargo aircraft on the east.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain — photo by Joseph May

Things change, the base has reverted back to the U.S. Army and is know now as Pope Army Airfield. The fighter aircraft have been relocated to other museums — memorials now take up the positions — but the cargo aircraft remain and are in mint condition. I’m not sure what the official name is but, as it is dedicated to cargo aircraft of the U.S. Air Force, I call it Pope Airlifter Air Park.

Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar — photo by Joseph May

There are several aircraft and, naming them in order from north to south there are: Lockheed C-130 Hercules, Fairchild C-123 Provider (a model with two piston engines), Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar and Douglas C-47 Skytrain.

Fairchild C-123 Provider — photo by Joseph May

All look new and the C-47 is displayed above ground and looking quite impressive. All the aircraft liveries are in excellent condition and are best viewed in an afternoon light or cloudy diffused light, The park designed for walking in and around these aircraft which have been so important in the nation’s history. Nothing happens unless guns, butter and beans are delivered to front and in time — these aircraft are part of making such things happen.

Lockheed C-130 Hercules — photo by Joseph May

The museum is free and entry is gained onto the base only by the security gate on the All American Highway (take care to be in the left hand most lane when approaching the gate). It’s a bit tricky, but once cleared through security (have a license/passport, insurance card as well as open the trunk, hood and all doors ) one has to cross three lanes of traffic in 0.2 miles (0.3km) to take the Reilly St exit north about 1 mile (1.6km) later. Pay close heed to speed limits and travel 1.9 miles (3.1km) to the Air Park where parking can be found on its northern side. There are no facilities so plan well though it is only a slight inconvenience given the museums near the air park.