When selecting airports for refueling while flying across the country, those with lower avgas prices tend to prevail as first choice. But sometimes, there’s a more alluring reason to stop at a particular airport, such as the presence of a memorable, welcoming personality.
Hawthorne Industrial Airport (KHTH) in western Nevada has Betty Easley.
For those who have been fortunate to meet her, that’s enough said. For those who haven’t …
Betty’s imagination was sparked by model airplanes she made as a child, along with the sights and sounds of airplanes flying overhead. She thought it would be marvelous to be a pilot and fly in that heavenly realm, but realized her visual acuity was problematic. Little did she dream that, one day, she would be an integral facet of an airport’s operations.
Hawthorne has been Betty’s hometown since 1965. In 1992, she retired from her career of teaching music to elementary school students.
In 2007, she decided to stroll boldly down an unconventional pathway, volunteering at the airport.
Airport Greeter
Petite in stature, Betty, 83, is extra large in energetic enthusiasm and cheerful assistance. She has a scanner at home tuned to 122.8, which has been on continuously since 2007. As soon as she hears a pilot announcing intentions to land, she dons her orange reflective vest and drives her pick-up truck the short distance to the airport.
“I am on call 24/7 and I have a handheld radio so I can communicate with pilots when necessary,” said Betty. “Over the years I have been to the airport many times in a 24-hour period — night included.”
Betty is happy to give pilots and passengers a golf cart ride from the fuel pump over to the terminal.
While inside, one can’t help but notice the collection of framed certificates on the walls. The realization then dawns that they are in the presence of a VIP.
Wall of Fame
Hawthorne — both the town and the airport — is proud of its roots. A framed black-and-white photo is a tribute to one facet of the airport’s history. Labeled “Destree’s Flying Service 1945,” the photo shows a lineup of planes — an Interstate Cadet, J-3 Cubs, a Davis, and an Aeronca Chief — against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Something else, which can be quite useful but isn’t commonly seen any more, is a huge laminated VFR planning wall chart of the Western United States, complete with a string to measure mileage from Hawthorne.
Perhaps most eye-catching is a large display case, which is filled with more than two dozen embroidered shoulder patches and emblems, neatly arranged on a red felt background. An engraved plaque at the bottom of the display states: “Presented to Ms. Betty Easley – Thank you for your selfless sacrifice and tremendous support. From the Marines and Sailors of the Air Combat Element (ACE) Javelin Thrust 2011. You are a true patriot.”
Another large frame has a neatly-matted photo of a military helicopter airlifting a vehicle over the rugged and desolate mountains. The accompanying plaque reads: “To Betty Easley With Great Appreciation for Your Support of the Marines of HMH-772.”
There are numerous smaller plaques, including: “For your outstanding volunteer service since 2007 to the many grateful flyers with whom you come in contact, the Carson City Sheriff’s Aero Squadron and the Carson City Chapter of the Experimental Aircraft Association recognizes Betty Easley. Thank you for your dedication 2007-2022.”
She’s received numerous certificates of appreciation from various groups, including the 4th Battalion — 160th Soar (A), the Civil Air Patrol, the Reno-Tahoe Aviation Group, and the list goes on.
Betty’s helpful ways transcend more than just transient pilots’ needs. She’s also keenly aware of safety issues at the airport and strives to resolve them.
For example, when the wind litters the airport with tumbleweeds and foreign object debris, Betty makes a concerted effort to clear the debris.
“The wind brings it – we pick it up,” she said with a smile.
A few years ago, as an Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Airport Support Network volunteer, Betty became aware of a “supplemental funding opportunity for airport infrastructure” for airports such as Hawthorne.
“When I got the notice about the Congressional special funding, I passed that on to the airport manager, Mike Trujillo, suggesting he send it on up to Chris Nocks with our airport consultants, Armstrong Consultants.”
Application was duly made, and in 2020, Hawthorne was awarded a Department of Transportation grant of more than $3 million to improve the airport’s 25-year-old taxiway.
Betty’s diligent safety-related work was formally recognized by the Western-Pacific Region Flight Standards Division with a surprise presentation of a certificate and challenge coin during the 2015 Reno Air Races.
Betty’s volunteerism doesn’t stop at the airport perimeter. She’s assumed the role of general aviation ambassador by writing a regularly featured “Wings-n-Things — Airport Happenings” column for the Mineral County Independent-News.
When Betty can’t be at the airport, her counterparts, Tony Hughes and Jim Holland, are usually there.
“Tony Hughes became a greeter to help me out in 2012 and normally covers Mondays and Wednesdays, but is my wonderful ‘can call when needed’ man anytime he is available,” said Betty. “We also have a third greeter, Jim Holland, who takes Tuesday. But even then, the rule is, call me if there is a problem, call me if someone comes in to visit me because I probably want to see them too, and call me if an aircraft comes in that would be a good possibility for a Wings-n-Things article.”
True Rewards
“My intent from the beginning was to serve our visitors and by doing so, make it a welcoming place and bring people to the airport and to the town of Hawthorne,” she explained. “My true rewards have come from being able to assist pilots in special situations and to have made a positive difference in someone’s life.”
“I have had wonderful opportunities through my contact with the aviation world,” she continued. “I am so grateful and blessed to have this happiest time in my life because of the wonderful acceptance the aviation community has given me.”
Another aspect that Betty finds rewarding is learning more about the intriguing variety of pilots and aircraft that arrive at the airport. In her 17-year tenure at the airport (and counting), Betty has enjoyed flights in every type of aircraft on her bucket list, made possible by generous and appreciative pilots.
Betty pours not only her heart into her volunteer work, but her personal resources as well, ranging from purchasing courtesy cars to keeping bottled water on hand for thirsty pilots.
Betty’s love for, and devotion to, all things aviation makes a lasting and positive impression upon aviators, and compliments about her have been posted on Foreflight and AirNav.com.
After all, what’s not to love about Betty?
it would great to have friend at all air ports like Betty 🙂
The aviation world needs more Bettys.
I just met Betty on a solo cross country as a student. She drove out to say hello. Amazing human
Betty is an institution at the airport in Hawthorne. The first time I landed there she said she heard me fly over while working in her yard, so she rushed to the airport to greet my as I taxied in. What a delight! Recognition is well deserved!
I had the privilege of meeting Betty through a friend’s misfortune. While flying through the Hawthorne area, his aircraft suffered an engine loss and he literally dead-sticked onto the Hawthorne runway. When he slowly rolled to a stop, an angel came to greet him and offer assistance. That event triggered the beginning of a wonderful friendship as I flew in to Hawthorne to pick up my friend. Betty has been a loyal and caring friend since then.
I retired from flying for the airlines and I miss the days when I would fly over and call out to say hello. Even now I stop into the airport whenever I drive by on my way to Lake Tahoe.
Betty is an incredible asset to the aviation community and Hawthorne is so lucky to have her represent the community.
My son got his initial glider pilot rating from instruction from Tom Knauff, a HOF instructor in the glider HOF. He has over 125 dead stick landings. He breezed through his instruction to get his PPL. Tom told him he would be a better pilot with his glider rating. It has proved out.
Flown in there many times! Betty is a gem to general aviation.
Great article about Betty. It’s nice she gets the recognition. Any airport would be fortunate to have someone like Betty as the Ambassador for the airport and the community. It’s dedicated people like her who make aviation so much fun.
While flying south from the San Juan Islands to San Diego in our 1927 TravelAir biplane,
we had to divert from the west side of the Sierra’s due to smoke and had the pleasure of spending the night in Hawthorne. It was quite a treat to spend time with Betty and I have great photos and memories.
She is what makes x-country flying truly memorable and she is an aviation treasure!
I have been through KHTH a couple of times, & have had the distinct pleasure of meeting Betty each time! Every wonderful thing that is said here about her is true, & then some! Meeting Betty, & spending time with her (as well as the fuel price) is always a good reason to stop in at KHTH! Being able to run across the street (please be careful doing so) for a sandwich & a coke is another great reason.