Lee County Airport
A reliable human resource born in the 1920’s in the City of Bishopville relates the following history starting with his memory of the airport and aviation as an 11 year old boy.
- Airport was constructed in the 1930’s most likely using mules to carve out the runway.
- There were two runways, laid out in the shape of a V to best accommodate landing and taking off with the minimum of crosswind for conventional landing gear (tail wheel) equipped airplanes.
- An industrious South Carolinian crop duster and flight instructor operated the airport from 1945 to the 1970’s.
- In the 1940’s there were as many as 6 aircraft based there.
The Kiwanis Club in 1970 spearheaded an effort to improve the airport as follows:
- Change the V runways layout to a single runway.
- Lengthen one leg of the V runways from 1000 feet to 3000 feet with 1000 feet overrun to the Northeast.
- Install low intensity runway lighting.
These improvements would entail the acquisition of additional land not owned or controlled by the County. When the negotiations with private land owners it went smoothly until there was someone who wanted a sum of money the County could not afford. The County made an offer considerably lower than the asking price and the deal could not be closed. The County started eminent domain proceedings and in Court, the County loss. However, a deal was eventually reached on land use and control making the project possible. All three goals of the Kiwanis Club were realized.
Privately owned hangers, shade type, also existed, but in 1989 HURRICANE HUGO destroyed them and airplane owners moved elsewhere. The County constructed one hanger to house the airplane available to law enforcement if needed. This hanger still stands. An ultra-light was also based at the airport until a wind storm destroyed it.
The airport has had several setbacks other than funding. Four pilots and their passengers have been killed flying out of the airport. These were citizens of the County and their untimely and unnecessary deaths made aviation receive an unfavorable requirement, impeding future airport improvements. With the passage of time these sad events have been forgotten.
In addition to the informal Kiwanis Club 1970 efforts, there have been two other attempts to get Federal and State funding for airport improvement, but both failed due to a lack of support by the Community. The third attempt by Mr. Ray Butters resulted in funding to date in excess of $750,000. There is also a 5 year Capitol Improvement Program agenda calling for airfield lighting, security fencing, weather system, maintenance/administration building and paved parking ramp. There are also plans for the construction of an Fixed Base Operations building to provide a place for passengers, the public and pilots to be afforded traditional airport services.
The singular efforts of the Airport Commissioner, Mr. Ray Butters, who labored tirelessly, willingly and feverishly in obtaining funding, resolving environmental concerns, working with the Engineer and Consultant and the Construction Company are commendable. The citizens of the County have recognized his hard work and have named the airport, Butters Field, in his honor. He has brought aviation to the forefront through sponsorship of Young Eagles youth flight programs and the 3 rd Annual ultra-light aircraft fall gathering.
From the 1930’s with a V layout for runways to the present paved 3200 ft runway, Lee County can no longer lay claim to being the only and last Country Airport that had a turf landing surface.
