Over 80% of all land animals can fly.
When will you start?”
So read a sign at Bay Aviation at Hummel Field airport.
Flying is an adventure easily attained at the Rivah’s three airports — Tappahannock-Essex County Airport, Virginia’s newest airport; Hummel Field airport, one of the state’s earliest airports; and the Middle Peninsula Regional Airport, a World War II military training facility that can handle jets.
Beyond transportation, airports offer aviation experiences, such as, sightseeing tours, charter flights, flying in an antique open-cockpit military plane, and for the daring with a bucket list, there’s skydiving. Add to this list a seaplane that uses rivers and creeks as runways.
Hummel Field
Aviation pioneer Fred Hummel built his modest airport in 1941. He gave it to Middlesex County in 1970. Hummel Field airport on the Rappahannock River near the Norris Bridge has been described as “The little airport that could.”
It has recently changed remarkably. State Department of Aviation investment has realigned and lengthened the runway to 3,150 feet, built a terminal building in 2026, installed a “PAPI” pilot guidance system, increased paved aircraft tie-down area and more.
These major improvements have given Hummel Field a new identity as “Virginia’s Gateway to the Bay.” It’s a starting point for discovering the area’s attributes.
The Virginia Department of Aviation has identified Hummel Field as one of the fastest-growing general aviation airports in Virginia. Under construction now are the first of 42 hangars planned.
The airport’s updated website, www.flyw75.com, provides essential pilot information, airport updates and live camera views of the runway and airport grounds.
“Off we go”
Flying adventures at Hummel Field include flying in the 1943 PT19 open cockpit World War II trainer of Bay Aviation, owned by Mike Kuhnert, who also offers flight instruction and sightseeing flights in a Cessna 172.
Coastal Sky Taxi, owned by Davy Nichols, offers charter transportation to Tangier Island and other destinations.
Coastal Seaplanes, owned by Sam Riggs, provides scenic flights and charter services using local waterways as runways.
Since Hummel Field’s new terminal opened in mid-May 2026, it has recorded more than 2,000 aircraft operations, said Middlesex Airport Committee member Eric Deagle.
using local waterways as runways
“Although the airport itself does not directly provide flight services, the presence of these independent operators creates opportunities to develop new visitor experiences and transportation options for the community,” said Deagle.
Three restaurants are located close to the airport and are within walking distance, including The Pilot House Inn, Prime Mediterranean, and Pig and Pie. Others can be accessed using the airport courtesy car.
The Pilot House Inn motel is located directly next to the airfield.
History & golf
Nearby attractions about 10 miles away include the Piankatank River Golf Club, and a trio of waterfront campgrounds.
car and boat show. Its 30th annual show is on Sept. 26.
Also 10 miles away is the colonial port town Urbanna — a quiet town that time bypassed. There’s not much traffic in this 300-plus-year-old town. But there are restaurants to choose from, and a museum with the rare Mitchell Map of colonial America printed about 1760. Urbanna Founders Day is Saturday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Wings Wheels & Keels
Hummel Field is home to Wings, Wheels & Keels, celebrating its 30th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show goes on rain or shine.
See unusual aircraft, antique military planes, cars and trucks of your youth, and boats built by craftsmen of a bygone era.
Middle Peninsula Regional Airport
The Middle Peninsula Regional Airport, two miles from West Point, boasts a 5,000 foot-long runway, and facilities to accommodate jets.
It was completed in 1944 as an Army Air Corps training facility with three long runways. Today, one runway remains.
shown above in front of the terminal. Skydiving is also offered there.
Through Colonial Air Tours, visitors can arrange sightseeing tours of Williamsburg, Jamestown, Yorktown, the Middle Peninsula and Northern Neck.
Life Evac Helicopter Service medical helicopter is based at the airport.
The airport averages 20 aircraft movements per day including military traffic.
The regional airport is approved for NetJets, FlexJet, Plane Sense, and Wheels Up Flight Service charter and fractional jet ownership (owned by a partnership).
The airport also has a courtesy car and rental cars, giving visitors a way to visit nearby West Point, where they’ll find several restaurants including The Blue Crab, Tony and George’s, Albaro Italian Restaurant and 3 Rivers Seafood Market, along with Lovell’s Place.
Skydiving
in this photo captured by Nancy Lewis.
Those looking to check off a thrill on their bucket list may try “tandem skydiving” through No Limits Skydiving. First-time jumpers are connected securely to a specially certified tandem instructor who will handle everything including the free fall and the parachute ride down. Tandem skydiving has been around for about 40 years. Jumps are from between 10,000 and 14,000 feet and land at the airport, where family and friends are welcome to watch.
Learning to fly
There are four flight schools including Hill Flying Service, Youth Aeronautics Education Foundation, Wing Man Aviation, and Semper Flight Aviation which also teaches flight and does maintenance.
Currently 45 aircraft are based at the airport and by summer’s end it will have 45 hangars, said airport manager Joel Mooney.
Find more at fly-fyj.com.
Tappahannock-Essex County Airport
Tappahannock-Essex County Airport is Virginia’s newest airport, built in 2007, is located off of Route 360 five miles south of Tappahannock.
It’s located on a major air intersection, but away from large metropolitan and industrial areas. About 95% of those who own aircraft based at the airport don’t live in Essex County, said Manager Jim Evans. “They come here for the quiet,” he said.
It’s not busy so there are no holding patterns on landing. And, there are no landing fees.
The James Moore Terminal Building includes a spacious waiting area, pilot lounge, flight planning room, and pilot supplies.
History
About six minutes away from the airport is the town of Tappahannock, with all the conveniences of a small city.
It also is historic. Located on the Rappahannock River, Tappahannock is older than Richmond, Fredericksburg, and Colonial Williamsburg. Captain John Smith first visited present-day Essex County in 1608, just a year after Jamestown was settled.
Built on 404 acres by the federal government that paid 98% of the costs, the airport gets no funding from the locality, but derives income from fuel sales and hangar rentals, said Evans.
Its 4,300 foot-long runway and facilities accommodate jets.
There are aviation services that maintain vintage and modern airplanes, said Travis Martin, a part-time airport employee. “The planes of the 50s and 60s are still running strong.”
