First Flight Airport FAQ — KFFA Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions from pilots and visitors about First Flight Airport (KFFA) in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina.

What is the FAA identifier for First Flight Airport?

The FAA identifier is FFA. The ICAO identifier is KFFA. Both refer to the same airport in Kill Devil Hills, NC.

Is First Flight Airport towered?

No. KFFA is a non-towered, uncontrolled airport. All operations use CTAF frequency 122.9.

Is there fuel at First Flight Airport?

No fuel is available at KFFA. The nearest fuel is at Dare County Regional Airport (KMQI), approximately 7 nautical miles south in Manteo.

How long is the runway at KFFA?

Runway 03/21 is 3,000 feet long and 60 feet wide, asphalt surface. Elevation is 13 feet MSL.

Can I land at night?

No. First Flight Airport has no runway lighting and is restricted to daytime use only — sunrise to sunset.

Can I park my plane overnight?

Yes. Tie-downs are available with a 24-hour limit. Pilots should bring their own ropes. There is no fee but tie-down space is limited.

How far is the Wright Brothers National Memorial from the airport?

About a 10-minute walk. The airport sits on the grounds of the Wright Brothers National Memorial and the Visitor Center is a short distance from the tie-down area.

Are there deer on the runway?

Yes, frequently. Deer are common at and near Runway 03/21. Pilots are strongly advised to buzz the runway before landing to clear any wildlife.

Who operates First Flight Airport?

The airport is operated by the National Park Service as part of the Wright Brothers National Memorial. It is one of the only NPS-operated public-use airports in the United States.

Is there a landing fee?

There is no landing fee at KFFA. The airport is free for public use during daylight hours.

What type of aircraft can land at KFFA?

The 3,000-foot runway accommodates most light single-engine and light twin-engine general aviation aircraft. Larger aircraft should use Dare County Regional (KMQI) or Currituck County Regional (KONX).

Where can I rent a car after landing?

There is no on-airport car rental at KFFA. For ground transportation options including 4×4 vehicle delivery to the airport, see our Ground Transportation page. Rental agencies are available at KMQI in Manteo.

More questions pilots ask about KFFA

Can you actually land at the Wright Brothers National Memorial?

Yes — that’s exactly what First Flight Airport is. KFFA sits inside the boundary of Wright Brothers National Memorial and is owned and operated by the National Park Service. It’s the only public-use general aviation airport in the United States that is part of a national park unit. After landing, you can walk from the tie-down area to the Memorial, the 1903 Flyer reproduction shelter, and Kill Devil Hill.

Is First Flight Airport open to the public?

Yes. KFFA is a public-use airport. There is no prior permission required (PPR), no landing fee, and no based aircraft. The runway is open during daylight hours only (sunrise to sunset).

Do I need prior permission (PPR) to land at KFFA?

No PPR is required for normal daytime VFR operations. However, NPS does request that pilots be courteous of Memorial visitors on the ground, observe published noise abatement procedures, and check current NOTAMs before departure.

Is there a control tower at KFFA?

No. First Flight Airport is non-towered. Use CTAF 122.9 for all radio calls. The nearest towered field is Norfolk International (KORF) to the north.

Can student pilots land at KFFA?

Yes, student pilots may land at KFFA. There are no special restrictions beyond standard FAA student-pilot rules. That said, the 3,000-foot runway, frequent gusty crosswinds off the ocean, and the daytime-only restriction make it a field worth briefing carefully with your instructor before your first solo trip in.

Where do helicopters land at KFFA?

There is no published helipad. Helicopters operate at the airport using normal runway procedures or land on the ramp area at the operator’s discretion, in coordination with any other traffic. Be courteous of fixed-wing traffic and NPS visitors on the ground.

Is there an FBO at First Flight Airport?

No. KFFA has no FBO, no fuel, no maintenance, no flight planning services, and no transient-pilot lounge. There is a small park-service shelter near the tie-downs and restrooms inside the Memorial visitor center during park operating hours. For full FBO services, fly to Dare County Regional (KMQI), just 7 nm south.

Can I camp at the airport or stay overnight in my plane?

No. Overnight camping at the airport is not permitted. The field closes at sunset and reopens at sunrise. Lodging is available within a short drive in Kill Devil Hills, Nags Head, and Manteo — see our Ground Transportation page for getting there.

What’s the density altitude situation in summer?

KFFA’s field elevation is just 13 feet MSL, but summer heat (90+°F) and high humidity can still push density altitude over 2,000 ft. On a 3,000-foot runway with potentially gusty coastal winds, that matters for heavier piston singles and underpowered aircraft. Run your performance numbers; don’t assume a sea-level field is “always” easy.

Are there really deer on the runway?

Yes. The airport is surrounded by NPS land with active deer populations. Wildlife on or near the runway is the most commonly reported KFFA hazard, especially at dawn and dusk. NPS posts NOTAMs when deer activity is unusually high. Always do a low pass or careful pattern scan before landing if you suspect wildlife on the field.

What airspace surrounds KFFA?

KFFA sits in Class G surface airspace, transitioning to Class E above. There is no Class B, C, or D in the immediate area, but be aware of the Norfolk (KORF) Class C to the north and the W-72 and R-5314 special-use airspace areas offshore. Check the sectional and current NOTAMs for any temporary flight restrictions.

When is the First Flight Anniversary fly-in?

Every year on December 17, the National Park Service hosts a First Flight Anniversary commemoration at the Memorial. Many GA pilots fly in for the event, and the airport sees significantly more traffic than usual that day. Plan to arrive early and expect tight parking. See the NPS Wright Brothers site for the current year’s program.