PIREPS - Airfields

7-21-21 Runway was as expected, clumpy and bumpy. Windsock OK.

Due to lots of monsoon moisture, it is expected that the runway will have moderate to heavy brush and vegetation growth. A low pass to have a look prior to landing is advised, and the runway is probably only suitable for large tire aircraft.

Runway condition unknown, but suspect heavy brush and vegetation due to heavy monsoon moisture.

May be suitable for only large tire aircraft, if any.

As of 5/26/23

Mowed full length and width of runway 6/24. Some areas on the runway have ruts and erosion, mostly near mid field.

The centerline seems pretty good at the approach end of runway 6, upslope for about 2000 feet before the ruts get noticeable.

The windsock looks like it was replaced recently, and is working well. Numerous large rocks and boulders are along both berms, and in some cases, are slightly onto the runway footprint. The centerline seems to be free of almost all rocks with the exception of a few 3-4" sizes. The runway is landable if you have a plane with medium to large tires, as long as you stay out of the ruts and erosion.

The USFS District Ranger is willing to do/allow what work is needed to improve the runway surface and the airfield in general. Expect to see more work in July. BTW, there was a large (about 30) elk herd at the bottom end of the airfield. No recent sign of cattle though. Cell coverage was pretty good with Verizon, but it was using an AZ tower, so the time was 1 hour behind.

As of 7/27/23

I used a tractor and box blade to fill in the erosion at different areas, and scraped the entire centerline to repair the ruts left by a vehicle. I also measured and placed markers for displaced thresholds at each end as suggested by recent inspection, and painted them white. Runway 24 is displaced 90 feet, and runway 06 is displaced 330 feet to provide a 20:1 clear approach. Then I dragged the center 12 feet of the runway full length to further smooth out the vehicle ruts, and dragged the areas where I filled in the erosion.

After dragging, I tossed a couple hundred rocks from the centerline. I think I got most, if not all 4" and larger rocks cleared. Outside of the centerline, there are some old cattle tracks and some rocks. I was able to achieve 60mph comfortably in my pickup. The best area seems to be mid field where it flattens out, but I would consider the entire runway landable with most backcountry planes. I also scraped out a small parking area on the SE side of the runway about 1000 feet from the approach end of runway 06. There is a small tree there and flat enough to pitch a tent. This is a public use airstrip, so no need to call first. It is only open from May through September.

Ron, were you able to take your trailer up to the airfield easily? In other words could an RV get there?

Jim,

Yes, it's easy to get to. The airstrip is closed during winter months October-April. Will open again May 1st.

As of 8/7/24

Stopped by airstrip to secure displaced threshold markers and possibly mow. Due to a very recent rain, runway was too wet to mow. Runway is in pretty good shape from what I could tell by walking the NE half. The surface is smooth, with vegetation about 10 inches high, and some scattered thin stalk thistle about 24 inches high. The runway is landable, depending on rainfall, but probably better for tailwheel airplanes until it is mowed. Windsock is good.

As of 8/16/24

Was able to mow entire length and most of the width, about 35 feet. The portion un-mowed is on the NW side, and is for providing a margin to some large rocks. There are displaced thresholds at both ends, marked by white tires. The centerline is fairly smooth and rock free. The sides get pretty bumpy. This airstrip is probably best suited for big-tired airplanes, but not big tired pilots. The windsock is good. Cell reception is fair with Verizon.