The Charleston Low Country area is awash in golf courses for players at all levels, including the beautiful Harbour Course on the Isle of Palms.However, most golfers probably have little idea that there used to be an airport along the Intercoastal Waterway where they’re playing.

On their website, the Charleston County Aviation Authority has this to say about the Isle of Palms Airport:

The Isle of Palms Airport was built in the early-1950’s to provide a recreational airport adjacent to the island’s beaches. It provided a 2900’ turf airstrip situated along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Originally constructed and operated by the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission, ownership was later transferred to the Charleston County Aviation Authority; however, the airport was located on privately-owned leased land which was recovered in 1983 by the owners for development of the Wild Dunes complex.

This turf airstrip was a bit different: instead of grass, the runway consisted of crushed seashells, and was managed by retired Lieutenant Colonel Heyward Faison.“Woody”, as he was popularly known, was also the chief flight instructor at the Isle of Palms Airport.When the Mt. Pleasant Airport opened in 1986, he set up shop there and for years was the only flight instructor at the airport.

Woody, who solo-ed in his first airplane in July 1936, graduated from the Citadel in 1939.He was a flight leader in World War II, flying B-29s from Saipan, and participated in the Berlin Airlift.In 2000 Woody was inducted into the South Carolina Aviation Hall of Fame and the road to the Mount Pleasant Airport was renamed in his honor. Woody was still teaching people to fly until his death in February 2007 at age 89.

I had the privilege to get my flight training from Woody and later to work for him as a flight instructor.Every time I open my flight log and see his signature, it reminds me of how lucky I was to meet such an extraordinary man.He was kind, gentle, and soft spoken, completely justified to talk of his many accomplishments but instead was one of that rare breed of people who let their actions reflect their dignity.

Fortunately, I fly better than I golf but every time I hack away at the Harbour Course I think of the countless touch and go landings by students who, like me, had the honor of associating with a true American hero.

Click HERE for more information on Haywood “Woody” Faison

-Mike McCurdy