Bethel Airport is a popular destination and fueling stop

    A look at the Bethel Airport’s logbook entries from 2009 provides a bit of insight into the types of flights coming in and out, as well as how the airport is viewed by the pilots.
    Most planes hailed from within New England, and almost all were from the Northeastern U.S.
    Among the comments and reasons pilots listed for coming to Bethel: sight-seeing; great experience – skiing; medical emergency/LifeFlight helicopter; U.S. Air Force; cross-country flight – first visit; worried about hail – wish town had hangars; office looks great; excellent services/beautiful airport; best airport in New England; would love an instrument approach; nice airport – needs a pedestrian gate; Inland Fisheries & Wildlife aircraft; Maine Forest Service aircraft; great fuel price – best in state; when is the next cookout/flyin?
    More recently, pilots can comment about airports on the website AirNav. com.
    Comments about Bethel from 2011 and 2012 include:
    “We base about 50 miles away, but buy nearly all our gas at Bethel due to consistently low prices. Great little airport with good basic facilities. Interesting area as the climb out from RWY 32 can take you over Sunday River Skiway (if you can climb at least 1, 000 feet per minute).”
    “This is one of the best places in the nation to stop for fuel —    imagine this: attractively priced self-serve, comfortable, heated pilot room with self-serve food and drink. Clean and comfortable!”
    “Great fuel stop on our way from Baltimore to Bangor. Saved $60 in fuel by stopping. Nice compact terminal office with all the required facilities.   
    “Was delayed here on our cross country flight in a very slow plane and was happy to find coffee, a warm building and Internet. Thanks! The only thing missing was a car to look at the area and drive to the local restaurants.”
    “What a fabulous general aviation facility that allows day trips (or longer) to the Bethel ski region! Many thanks to the town for its forethought in putting together this package for us, which has brought me back 2x this year for skiing when I otherwise would not have traveled there.”
    Airport Coordinator/Assistant Manager Tony Milligan said significant effort has gone into making the airport more attractive to pilots.
    “We have worked hard in recent years to make the Bethel Regional Airport a place to be proud of,” he said. “We offer aggressively priced aviation fuel as an attractive motivation to draw people in to the airport. We also provide a clean, friendly welcoming atmosphere to demonstrate what the Bethel area is all about.
    “Because of these proactive steps, we have seen a substantial increase in the use of our airport and in fuel sales. That often brings people to the area for the first time.
    “Many have told us that they have flown in to buy fuel and have taken the time to enjoy the shopping, dining lodging and entertainment that Bethel has to offer.
    “Although many of our customers are repeat customers, with our services and what Bethel has to offer, word has spread and we continue to see new people every month, and we have every expectation to see this continue.”