New Hampshire Airport Is a Gateway to Hidden Culture

Airport and town have dealt with decades of industrial, economic, and cultural changes.

Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at 04:59 PM ET

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Granite Air Center, the FBO at Lebanon Municipal Airport,, offers a range of aircraft services and range of ground transport assistance. They even have a crew car. [Courtesy: Granite Air Center]

Key Takeaways:

The author describes a general aviation flight from New Jersey to New Hampshire to visit their college son, highlighting the significant time savings compared to driving and the inherent joy and unique experience of flying.
The article details the history of Lebanon Airport (KLEB) from a commercial hub to its current general aviation focus, positioning it as an accessible destination.
It showcases several diverse attractions in the greater Lebanon, NH, area and nearby Vermont, including cultural venues (Lebanon Opera House), outdoor activities (Northern Rail Trail, Appalachian Trail, Mount Ascutney), educational institutions (Dartmouth College), and historic towns (White River Junction).

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After weeks of sketchy weather that kept us grounded, last Saturday’s forecast offered clear skies and favorable winds. So my wife and I packed the Commander 114B with care packages and headed to New Hampshire to deliver them to our college-freshman son. We also treated him to lunch and caught up a bit.

The ability to make this type of trip was a big part of the case we made for buying an airplane. Driving from home in northern New Jersey to see our son in Hanover, New Hampshire, typically takes about five hours each way. Flying direct to neighboring Lebanon (KLEB) at 145 to 150 knots true cuts that to an hour and 20 minutes plus a five-minute cab ride. Without rushing, we could complete the mission in a day and be home for dinner.

Jonathan Welsh

Jonathan Welsh is Lead Editor of Aviation Consumer and a private pilot who worked as a reporter, editor and columnist with the Wall Street Journal for 21 years, mostly covering the auto industry. His passion for aviation began in childhood with balsa-wood gliders his aunt would buy for him at the corner store. Follow Jonathan on Twitter @JonathanWelsh4