In these days of shuttered airports, chain link fences and encroaching suburban sprawl, it’s refreshing to find a new airport, built from scratch, with private funds.  Massey Aerodrome (MD1) is a public-use airport that was started in 2001, as a true “Grassroots” aviation project. The aerodrome was carved out of Maryland farmland by four partners, who bought the earthmoving equipment, built the runway, and then sold off the stuff that wasn’t needed. They have a clubhouse that is part of the museum, and host Chili cook offs, Young Eagles events, a Vintage Sailplane meet, and open houses regularly.

The Massey Air Museum, begun in 2002 is a living museum where anybody can drop by and watch airplanes and aviation artifacts being restored, for flight and education. Last December we dropped by, and found several people working on projects and had a delightful visit with Ralph DeGroot who took time from recovering a Piper Vagabond to show us around. The museum is working on an extensive library collection, available to the local pilots and aviation enthusiast. They have a Wright R-2600 exhibit with moving parts and exposed crankshaft that demonstrates the impressive guts of this ubiquitous 14-cyclindar radial workhorse.

At the Aerodrome/Museum, you can see a Stearman BT-17, Bucker Jungman, Aeronca Champ, a ’57 Piper Colt, a ’39 J3 Cub, and a ’37 Stinson Reliant, all in pristine and quite flyable condition. Undergoing restoration are a ’43 Stinson, and a C-47 (although, you might imagine from the pictures that this Gooney bird may be ground-bound indefinitely).

Massey Aerodrome is nestles against the Delaware border on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, about 20 miles NW of Dover, and 75 miles NE of Washington DC. It is accessible by air or by car, Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00AM - 4:00PM, or anytime by appointment. www.masseyaero.org

Piper, repainted in Loch Haven Yellow.