airstrip on the southwest side at a 20- to 30-degree angle. What Okanagon National Forest. The Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) always needs more support to tackle legal and liability issues in Washington D.C. and throughout the country. Overall, 150 pilots have landed on N Fox Island since the airstrip was reopened in 2015! | Return Policy A very fly the route. Youre ready to leave and for the first time and you now understand the laborious calculations your flight instructor had you making as you look at those real live 50 trees at the end of the runway. 185. feet. The City Council noticed, and FOAAs journey began. Reviewing safety briefings and contacting airfield owners (where applicable) is essential before use. Oftentimes we have friends or acquaintances who built their own airstrip and want to see their dream continue long after they are gone. Fly-in meals, especially breakfasts, are popular at Temperance Creek because the food is so goodbut please email first, dont just drop in. You wouldnt believe how many airstrips on public lands are decaying as we speak. For example, here in Colorado a small group of pilots have recently taken action to fight for backcountry and recreational aviation in our home state. Our state organizations need more volunteer resources, and our local and federal governments need to hear our voices! Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. Sacatar Meadows airstrip. To land here you Late that year, a weekend fly-in was held with good attendance from multiple states. Photo courtesy Bill Miller. Meanwhile, Temperance Creek, directly across the river from Big Bar, is the Cadillac of Hells Canyon airstrips, with a 2,350-foot runway that can be approached from either direction and a wonderful guest lodge with great down-home cooking. 3rd Edition. The RAF is depending on other pilots to help them in identifying potential real estate for the development of new airstrips. Idaho has by far the largest number, mostly due to the diligence of Idaho pilots who have banded together to work with state and federal agencies and land owners to keep airstrips open on public and private lands. Some Tell the @ForestService to permanently close four backcountry airstrips located in the Big Creek drainage within the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in Idaho. Contributor (s): National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine . Even though they have a dock, seaplane landings are not allowed within the Hells Canyon corridor. stop-off for the many firefighting aircraft in the area The USFS will probably grant you permission. Escalante Airport (1L7) has a 5,000 ft paved runway. there for four months every summer for three years. The Login Register Cart Help. You dont need a bush plane to operate here. Pilots who fly in here can enjoy meals, lodging, and hiking. We know we're responsible users of these lands, but the perception to many is the opposite. If you have even a little interest in backcountry or recreational aviation, then youll want to know about the IAA, which recently fought and won the right for pilots to continue use of the Big Creek 4 airstrips in central Idaho (full disclosureI edit their newsletter, The Flyline). listed as private, but people go in and out all the time. Pasayten Airstrip - Washington State Okanagon National Forest ~ Closed Indefinitely ~ Elevation approximately 4,000. . 406-582-1723 Reserve is located in the Gila National Forest and is close to at least 6 recreational airstrips in New Mexico and Arizona. Wild Billy Lake (OR29) is located on 1,100 acres of private land in south-central Oregon. Thus the RAF was formed, by-laws established, incorporated in Montana, and received its non-profit public charity, 501(c)3, determination by the IRS in December 2003. Download the safety briefing at http://azpilots.org/more-resources/backcountry-airstrips. The approach to runway 04 and runway 22 are Read chapter Appendix A - Survey : TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Synthesis 55: Backcountry Airstrip Preservation catalogues the uses. flights and then submit them to the biologists to do their Order Form unavailable for contact as was the owner of the near by paulandterryfreeman@gmail.com. I live in San Diego and fly from MYF. The beautiful old city located between Austin and San Antonio is known for bountiful crystal clear water, and aviation innovator Redbird Skyport, right on the field (KHYI). With no signs of civilization, you have a feeling that you are completely alone with nature. runway is 1,360 feet long, but It has a 30-percent uphill Go have a look, but it is private. The airstrip provided a wonderful location for overnight camping. She currently lives in Idaho and serves as editor of The Flyline, the monthly publication of the Idaho Aviation Association. . heart pump even faster. such as a Piper Cub, Super Cub, Maule, Cessna 180 or Cessna With your help the RAF knows there will be an airplane on a grass strip with laughter and a campfire in the background. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. wide open and there is a good windsock located 300 feet Collaborating with USFS, the RAF has completed a number of safety and amenity improvements to the 2,800 feet long gravel airstrip. There are primitive camping facilities on the airfield and campers are welcome to use the shower facilities in the State Park. is open and well maintained by its owner, Robert Orchard. Rock slides and ice dams had created large natural reservoirs, backing up water and sediment. But there was the smell of pine trees, cowboy coffee, wood smoke, the distant howl of a coyote and the flicker of fire light. forest fire in the 1920s and has new growth pine forest. 1711 W College St . It is a great place to bring the whole family. One is a small museum that features artifacts and photographs illustrating the area's history, flora, and fauna; another is a well-outfitted blacksmith shop. I traveled through Ten Sleep in May 1930s by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) that was Note the shorter Big Bar airstrip across the river on the Idaho side. OR12 No specific At Dug Bar, camping is free and you can fish from shore, though you need an Oregon fishing license. The worst thing the backcountry pilot community can do is to sit idle and hope the next pilot will do something. they can bank without their wings hitting the ground, then McKenzie Bridge State Airport (00S) is a beautiful public use backcountry airfield in the Cascades Mountains. The RAF is working in collaboration with Oregon Pilots Association, Idaho Aviation Association, and Oregon Department of Aviation to restore Owyhee State Airport, (28U) at Pelican Point. Elevation is about 5,800 feet. The Montana Pilots Association provided all the volunteer labor for the airstrip construction and The Recreational Aviation Foundation provided the funding for the airstrip. These airstrips are within the Missouri River Breaks National Monument. The RAF was first organized by this group of Montana pilots who had been working on airstrip issues in that state for several years. Other wildlife to look for, both on foot and as you fly in and out of the canyon include bighorn sheep, mule deer, and mountain goats, which are easy to spot in their bright white coats. Please refer to the Airfield.Guide for safety briefings and more information about each airfield. It has Since 2003 the RAF has grown to over 10,000 supporters with donors from all fifty states and additional donors from over thirteen foreign countries. If arriving from the north, many local pilots fly over the power line tower on the canyons west side to be confident of safe clearance. It offers pilots a place to pitch a tent on the grass near their airplane, relax in front of a fire and even take a hot shower - all at no charge. West of Californias Hwy 395 and south of China Lake this hidden" airstrip lies on a small dry lakebed in a bowl that obscures it from the surrounding area. Explore Airstrips Near You Filter by Region Explore All Airstrips Northwest Mountain Region Alaska Region Central Region Eastern Region Great Lakes Region New England Region Southern Region Southwest Region Western Pacific Region What's Happening? Matt Schantz, is a native of Colorado, and has been flying the Rocky mountains for almost 15 years, where he has been very active in advocating for airstrip protection and access. Land on a Hells Canyon airstrip and you can enjoy excellent hikes and wildlife viewing; fish for steelhead, sturgeon, or bass; or simply revel in the rugged beauty and solitude. Grapevine airstrip is located on the Tonto Basin District of the Tonto National Forest, 43 miles east of Scottsdale and is just 1400 from the south shore of Roosevelt Lake, the largest body of water in central AZ. There are already plenty of local, state, and national organizations that are established for maintenance and protection of backcountry airstrips. Sparky Imeson Copyright 1995-2017Mountain Flying LLC Missoula, Montana 406 241-1599, Page prepared by An RAF grant has partially funded the ice base. For more information contact Mark Spencer: email or (520) 826-2112. Read chapter Front Matter: TRB's Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) Synthesis 55: Backcountry Airstrip Preservation catalogues the uses, benefi. Camping, lodging, and hangars are available at the airstrip. Anderson-Plummer Airport, Latah County. Elk are often seen in large herds on the slopes above the ranch, especially in the cooler months. Rio Grande County supplied the balance of funding from its Airport Fund. The ideal airstrip is over Big Creek as it meanders into the Middle Fork of the The strip itself is very good for backcountry standards. I was hired to the criteria. She passed on March 15, 2022, Cornucopia Airport (23W) in Wisconsin becomes public, 14-minute video released, The RAF Way by Voortex Productions, Over 100 RAF volunteers attended a national educational conference in Wisconsin, Partnered with Montana State Universitys Computer Science Software Factory to improve Airfield Guide functionality, Signed an agreement with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) allowing the RAF to manage recreational aviation use of Red Pine airfield in Maine, an effort 12 years in the making, Honored volunteers with a Brown Arch tile dedication at Oshkosh AirVenture, RAF and USFS ink agreement on Gila Airstrips in New Mexico, Stovepipe Wells airstrip in Death Valley saved from closure, Grapevine Airstrip (AZ) cost-shared repaving completed, Chicken Strip (CA) restored by volunteers after flood damage. What do you guys do thats different? Pilots usually fly over the airstrip to check for hazards and wind direction at about 500 feet agl. Volunteers recently installed a new windsock. Airport owner and RAF volunteer Freeman Swank is happy to add Swank Field to the RAF map beginning with a successful RAF Fly In August 13-21, 2016. If the The fundraiser was named Have a Heart and launched on Valentines Day, 2017. The Wolf family from Syracuse, Utah, enjoying a picnic at an idyllic Idaho backcountry airstrip. do so they needed to do an Environment Impact Study. We believe that aviation is a valid form of accessing recreational resources on public and private lands. RAF pilot shelter completed at Ryan Field - built by Chuck Jarecki, Abigail Kimbell, USFS sends letter to the USFS field that recreational aircraft & backcountry airstrips can be an integral part of a balanced & effective transportation system, Missouri River Breaks Monument management plan finalized, includes approval of six airstrips, Strategic Planning Meeting - Teton Summit in Driggs, Idaho, Russian Flat Airstrip opened to the public, Tornado event at Sun n Fun Tornado Husky was born, Congressional Resolution honoring backcountry airstrips, Executive Assistant position created - Tricia McKenna, RUS Arizona, Kansas, New Mexico and Pennsylvania, Glacier Summit - First full gathering of TEAM RAF in Kalispell, MT, RUS Vermont, Utah, South Dakota, Minnesota, Virginia and Washington, Chuck Jarecki and Dan Prill, Founding Directors retire, Began work with Walton Foundation and The Nature Conservancy, The Red Rock Roundup - TEAM RAF gathers in St. George, UT, AOPA and Montana Dept of Transportation grant obtained for the Wildlife and Aviation Study, RUS California, Georgia, South Carolina, and Wisconsin, Reopened North Fox Island Airstrip in Michigan, Volunteer Coordinator position created made possible in part with a grant, Memorandums Of Understanding signed with US Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management, 43 State Liaisons and 9 Directors in 35 States, First edition of RAF Guide for Airstrip Owners written by John Nadeau became available, Funding announced by U.S. Congress for Backcountry Airstrips on USFS land, U.S. Congress instructs USFS not to close backcountry airstrips, Razorback Rendezvous - TEAM RAF gathers in Bentonville, AR, RAF Grant Committee created to assist State Liaisons in funding projects, Two new Recreational Airstrips opened in AR - Trigger Gap and Sugar Creek. 2002. Plus, there are beautiful views from the front lawn, picnic tables, and hiking. Albion Municipal Airport, Cassia County. Its the most-westerly of three adjacent docks in front of a golf course. Hiking is excellent from Dug Bar; try the Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail up to Lone Pine Saddle for great views, or follow the river upstream on the Oregon Snake River Trail. If we don't take a stand now, we will be reduced to telling our grandkids stories about these wonderful places instead of sharing the experience with them. airport including a power line that runs the length of the Box 907 The IAA website also provides a list of flight instructors who specialize in mountain and canyon flying. Mr. Orchard is a delightful gentleman and we had quite a Negrito Airstrip (0NM7) is located in the Gila National Forest approximately 18 miles southeast of Reserve, New Mexico. While some states have more formal pilot organizations than others, sometimes backcountry interests are not always at the forefront. Unfortunately, most Northwest backcountry airstrips are inaccessible for at least half the year, due to a combination of high latitudes and mountain altitudes. The greatest concentration of backcountry airstrips in the Continental United States is found in the Northwest. Photo by Crista Worthy. length. Complete runway, historical, and recreational information on all the airstrips in this article can be found in the two-volume set, Fly Idaho! We are a small part of the aviation community, and our opposition is a well funded army with many resources. 2002, 2023 by Paul In response to a request for help in preserving the old site from the grazing permittees Doug Dressler and Wilma Jenkins, negotiations between the RAF, APA and the USFS District Ranger Carol Telles and her recreation team began. Backcountry Airstrip Preservation. airfields covered within this state are accessible via the following: Since 3rd Edition. Photo by Crista Worthy. has a shorter crosswind runway that is 4,500 feet in length. runway lies along a bench above the Pasayten River in the Thanks to the efforts of RAF to commit to a maintenance agreement with the BLM and National Park Service, access to this historic airstrip has been assured for years to come. Photo by Shelly Tippets. Co-Sponsored by SD Aviation: Husky Dealer/Broker, 888-312-7350. RAF members regularly volunteer to maintain the airstrip by clearing brush and repairing damage caused by wildlife. Sunrise Valley Ranch (29OR), an 11,000 acre working cattle ranch east of Prineville, OR hosts a new backcountry airstrip, developed with RAF assistance. These same few people were also aware that the recreational pilots' community did not have the tools and knowledge to effectively participate in issues that affected airstrips on private land. Memaloose Imnaha, Oregon The Recreational Aviation Foundation preserves, improves, and creates airstrips for recreational access.. Private / David Force, Jr. Possum We prioritize safety - from pre-flight planning to the experiences on the ground where our planes have taken us - and consider it a lifetime commitment, rather than an isolated event. Current and Historic Airports in Idaho. very good for backcountry standards. Over 30 volunteers were present from several states. Miracle Mile is a public use airstrip in Wyoming, located on the Miracle Mile section of the Platte River -- a renowned fly fishing area. With mounting regulations, liability concerns, and environmental opposition it is important that these special airstrips are maintained and protected for future use. Located on BLM land Northeast of Lake Mead and Southwest of St. George are the historic ruins of Grand Gulch Mine, Arizona's Richest Copper Mine in 1911. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi: 10.17226/22368. In 2013, RAF California Liaison Rick Lach initiated conversation with the BLM about reopening Johannesburg Airport in California, a two-runway dirt airport which appeared on charts until the 1970s. Dug Bar is a beautiful grass airstrip located deep within Hells Canyon, adjacent to the Snake River. The drive there is an arduous trek over rough dirt roads that take 3 or more hours to traverse, so visitation is limited. Creating new airstrips isn't easy either. Copyright 2023 Backcountry Pilot. As a pilot and outdoor enthusiast, there are few things more enjoyable than the combination of these two activities. It is a 4,000-foot sheer drop. They cross the canyon at mid-level and are marked with balls but difficult to see. The worst thing we can do is fail to be proactive. RAF volunteers annually assist with maintenance of the airfield and camping grounds. ~ Closed Indefinitely ~. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. They also have F-117s "If not now, when; and if not us, who?" It is definitely one-way in and mailing address to send a check, please contact me at: If consider a donation of an equivalent amount, at the least. This spot is well worth visiting. Revised 2/26/23. Located on a working dry wheat farm, about 8 miles Northwest of Condon, Oregon, Mountain Views is a 1,650 ft x 40 ft turf runway. Jerry is also the AOPA Airport Volunteer and listed in the Montana Airport Directory as the local contact for Lincoln Airport. During and they will fine you if you fly into this airstrip. Tornados screaming through the Gila National forest at 500 doi: 10.17226/22368. was out there doing a study for the Air Force and was based The strip is south of town and east of the Big . Cinder Cone Dry Lake Bed is a public use airstrip located roughly 11 miles north of the census-designated place (CDP) Inyokern in California. 6 guys sat around a campfire in the backcountry and said, If not us who? With 80+ volunteers and three days, the airstrip was made usable again. The strip has Inside Hells Canyon, the Snake River flows north toward Lewiston. I'm always looking for fun places to fly that are close Photo was taken in April, when Hells Canyon was a verdant green. Allenholm Airport (VT26), located in South Hero, Vermont, is a privately owned, public use airport. It was surface sealed in 2018. When winter comes to New England, the seaplane base at Alton Bay, (B18) on Lake Winnepausakee, NH starts to freeze. We value the relationships of all stakeholders both public and private and commit to fostering relationships based upon integrity and transparency. 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