Question regarding abandoned airports

[Coilcop]

I read a post by someone here regarding searching abandoned airports. It got me thinking, and I did some research, and there is one relatively close to me. I saw the aerial view of it from just 2 yrs ago, and it was still an open field, with old hangers located at each end of the airfield. I decided to track down the property owner, and discovered it was a local businessman. I went for a drive to see if it had grown in, or if it was still an open field. I discovered that it is still an open field, and the hanger at the front of the property had been rebuilt. My timing was great, as there were 2 cars parked out front. I pulled in to see if I could have a word with the owner. The hanger was open in the back, and it was full of "toys". Vintage cars, a nice big boat, etc. A woman came out and asked if she could help me. I explained who I was, and what my intentions were. She told me she was the owner's X-wife, and had no problem with me detecting, but it would be best to call her X. She gave me his business number. I decided to call just to find out what business it was, so I could locate it and go in person, which I will do next week. My question is, has anyone ever searched an old airfield? I have pictures and know where the "activity centers" were when it was in its hay-day. Thanks in advance. Hope everyone finds their dream signal, and digs up something that makes them smile!

[I Can Dig It]

I read your post with a lot of interest. I love metal detecting and I am also a pilot and I also owned my own airplane. Funny, I have never detected around an airport. But now that you have me thinking about it I will tell you what I know. I am assuming the one in question is a small local airport. I think there is a lot of potential there for some coins and jewelry. I recall days when the airpots I have flown out of were crawling with airplane enthusiasts most sitting at picnic benches or just on the ground. I have never seen many people standing or sitting close to the runway for obvious reasons, to look there might be a waste of time. I think all the grass areas in the front is your best bet as well as the grass in front of the hangers, Any other places will just be full of junk.....just my opinion of course.
Carl

[Coilcop]

The airport was used for training from what I have been able to read about it, lots of lessons given there. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. This was one with a short grassy runway, not sure of the distance, but it wasn't very large. I am going to see if I can search the areas by the hangers which I'm sure most of the traffic was.

[LeoinPA]

Chances are there wasn't a lot of traffic around where the airplanes were stored. Might be better near the main building where the public can get out of their car and watch. Maybe a small coffee shop, or place where the main pilot school was. Sometimes they are the same building. What airport is/was it?

Thanks
Leo