Brady Landing Airpark – An Affordable Community for General Aviation Pilots and Aviation Enthusiasts

NC – Are you looking for an affordable place to live and fly your airplane? If you are, then Brady Landing Airpark at Currituck County Regional Airport (ONX) may be right for you. It’s located in Maple, North Carolina, in Currituck County, next to the Outer Banks. It’s about 46 miles south of Hampton Roads, 25 miles northeast of Elizabeth City, and 35 miles north of Kitty Hawk, where the first powered flight occurred.

Brady Landing – An Airpark for the Working Class

Brady Landing Airpark wasn’t designed and built for the rich and famous executives or CEOs. Instead, it was created for people who love aviation and airplanes. The community encompasses teachers, mechanical engineers, construction and project managers, and software designers. It’s an airpark where couples and families with private airplanes can taxi through the fence onto the airport property and take off for a family breakfast at one of their favorite locations in North Carolina, Virginia, or even the Outer Banks.

What is the history of Brady Landing Airpark?

Brady Landing Airpark was started in February of 2000 by Tom Brady. He was determined to create an affordable airpark for the pilot community, with through-the-fence access to an airport. The airport he chose was Currituck County Regional Airport. Today, numerous houses are in the community, and those residents can taxi their aircraft through the fence and take off to their favorite destinations. Some of the community members even use their airplanes to travel to work.

What makes Brady Landing Airpark different from other hangar home communities?

Brady Landing Airpark is considered very affordable when compared to other airpark communities. This is because it was constructed with pilots and aviation enthusiasts in mind who want to live with their airplanes and enjoy the ability to walk into their private hangars and taxi their airplanes to the runway. The community was built in four phases: Phase 1, Phase IIA, Phase IIB and Phase IIC. An HOA operates Brady Landing Airpark, but the fees are pretty reasonable compared to other hangar home communities. As of January 2023, those fees were $300 a year. A $120 through-the-fence fee is also paid to Currituck County. The HOA and through-the-fence fees are both paid in January.

Why do pilots love Brady Landing Airpark?

Brady Landing Airpark is conveniently located near all the major destinations on the East Coast. It also boasts mild weather. It’s far enough north to experience all four seasons, but it typically has mild winters with little ice or snow. Pilots love the airport because the runway is generally aligned with the wind. The community is also close-knit, and they have plenty of community spirit.

What types of airplanes call Brady Landing Airpark home?

The runway at Currituck County Regional Airport (ONX) is paved 5,500 feet long and 150 feet wide. ONX offers 100LL and Jet A and major airframe and powerplant servicing, meaning community members can access fuel and maintenance services. The CTAF is 122.9, and the Oceana Approach and Departure can be reached at 123.9. ONX has three instrument approaches so that pilots can land in less-than-desirable weather. The airport is home to 58 aircraft, including 52 single-engine airplanes, five multi-engine airplanes, and one helicopter. Fifty-six percent of their operations are transient general aviation aircraft, 28 percent are military, and 2 percent are air taxi services.

Does Brady Landing Airpark hold any events or fly-ins?

The community holds a pig pickin’ cookout nearly every year, and the HOA holds several meetings throughout the year to discuss budgets and special assessments. Community residents also have quick access to many of the events on the Outer Banks. While not all events are fly-ins, the Outer Banks hosts a kite festival, 5k and 10ks, and surfing and fishing tournaments. They also have a big event at Kill Devil Hills for National Aviation Day on August 19th. If you’re looking for fun places to fly your airplane in North Carolina, consider the 57 Alpha Cafe in Rutherfordton, NC. They are open Tuesday through Sunday. There’s also the Hickory Aviation Museum in Hickory, NC, and the First Flight Airport at Kitty Hawk, where you can learn about the first flight.

Check out their website if you’d like to know more about Brady Landing Airpark.