Connecting Aviators Across the Carolinas

Shiflet Field (9A9) Nestled in the foothills of North Carolina, Shiflet Field (9A9) has long been a beloved hub for general aviation and the tight-knit community that surrounds it. Dedicated in 1928 as Francis Marion Field, this small but mighty airfield has served as a training ground for countless pilots, a gathering place for families, and a symbol of aviation’s grassroots spirit. Generations have grown up watching airplanes glide over the mountains here, and Shiflet’s charm has always been its people—volunteers, hangar neighbors, and aviators who treat the airfield like home. It is also established its own EAA Chapter in 2021- Chapter 1662. But in 2023, everything changed.
When Hurricane Helene tore through the region, Shiflet Field was nearly wiped off the map. Floodwaters and winds left the runway, hangars, and surrounding infrastructure devastated. For a moment, the future of 9A9 seemed uncertain. What followed, though, is what truly defines Shiflet: resilience, community, and grit.
With the dedication of local pilots, volunteers, and supporters, Shiflet Field fought its way back—one repair, one cleanup effort, and one donation at a time. And against all odds, the airport officially reopened, standing stronger than ever. This year marks one full year since Shiflet’s remarkable comeback, and we’re celebrating the only way pilots know how—by flying in. CAN and GGMF are proud to cohost a One-Year Comeback Fly-In honoring the spirit and determination that saved 9A9. It’s a celebration of the people who rebuilt it, the airport that refused to disappear, and the aviation community that rallies when it matters most.