Airpark Living: Waking Up To Your Dream

Even with the pilot population shrinking, airparks are becoming more and more popular. In just the past five years, scores of new airparks have sprung up all over the country. Sources like "Living With Your Plane," a group dedicated to all things airpark-related, report more than 625 active airparks across the country.

For those who may not be quite ready to taxi up to their living room, resort airparks offer relaxing getaways---with enticing amenities, gorgeous surroundings and luxury accommodations---for a few days or a few weeks. Most resort airparks also sell lots, in case you want to turn your vacation into a permanent residence.

If you're interested in airpark living, we suggest you do a little research to find out what's most important to you and your flying mission. Do you need an instrument approach or extensive lighting? Do you prefer the soft swish of grass welcoming your taildragger home, or do you require a mile-long asphalt runway? Do you like mountains, deserts or beaches? Finally, you may want to visit a few resort airparks and get a feel for what living with your airplane is really like. Talk to residents; find out what makes each airpark unique. Here are some great airparks to whet your appetite.

Aero Estates, Frankston, Texas (T25)
Up until about 2002, Aero Estates was still pastureland along the crystal waters of Lake Palestine, 25 miles southwest of Tyler in East Texas. Airport Manager and resident Michael Raichle developed the land together with commercial pilot Robert Huber. Today, Aero Estates offers 150 new homesites with private lake and seaplane access. One of the key features for pilots here is the 3,200x60-foot Bermuda-grass runway; perfect for tailwheels of every feather. The airpark also has a heliport and a VASI.

Half-acre lots start at $22,000, and all have runway and taxiway access, with electricity and water already run to each lot. "This is a bit of paradise," says Raichle, "and what makes us unique is access to the lake for flying or water sports." Visit www.aeroestatesairpark.com.

Airpark Costa Rica, Playa Samara, Costa Rica
"Live in paradise" is a slogan used by many airparks, with varying degrees of accuracy. In the case of Airpark Costa Rica, the phrase rings absolutely true. It's the only airpark in Central America, and it's in one of the most picturesque countries in the world. Playa Samara is right out of a travel brochure, with warm tropical water, giant palms, beach sand that's as fine as sugar and terrific people.

The airpark is more than 90 acres and consists of 40 homesites just over an acre each, starting at around $200,000. The airpark is still being finished, but will feature a 3,000-foot manicured grass strip. Playa Samara is about three miles away, and world-class golf awaits within a 10-minute drive. Airpark Costa Rica brings together many features to make it a true aviator's paradise. Visit www.airpark-costarica.com.

Alpine Airpark, Alpine, Wyo. (46U)
Anybody who has ever been to Jackson Hole, Wyo., knows the beauty of that area. Alpine Airpark is located just 35 miles from Jackson Hole and shares the rugged panoramas of the Bridger-Teton and Caribou-Targhee National Forests that border it. Fifty luxurious homesites and a newly paved 5,800-foot runway highlight the list of unique features at Alpine, which sits on a flat meadow on the shoulders of the Salt River and Palisades Reservoir.

Lots range from $250,000 to $750,000, and based aircraft include many private jets and bush planes. "We have a lot of Husky aircraft here," says owner and resident Bill Wiemann, "and the outdoor activities are amazing." From kayaking to white-water rafting and world-class fishing, Alpine is a luxury mountain resort and community. Visit www.alpineairpark.com.

Big South Fork Airpark, Oneida, Tenn. (KSCX)

There are two main reasons why Big South Fork Airpark exists: airplanes and horses. One feature that sets this airpark apart from others is the equal amount of community interest in equestrian pursuits. "My experience is that one spouse plays with the airplanes while the other rides the horses," laughs developer Bill Armstrong.

The development is only four years old, and Phase I is just being completed, with roads and utilities already finished. Big South Fork boasts a paved and lighted 5,500-foot runway with four instrument approaches. Six homes have been built thus far, and lots-hangar sites are available, ranging from $89,000 to $250,000. The 450-acre airpark bordering on the Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area has dedicated more than 50 acres to equestrian facilities. Visit www.bigsouthforkairpark.com.

Brass Lantern Resort, Cedarcreek, Mo. (MU24)
Brass Lantern is unique in that it'll serve two groups: the lovers of vintage aviation who'll flock to the airpark's 2,000-foot grass runway, and the jet crowd who'll appreciate their GPS approach and 5,000-foot newly paved runway. Brass Lantern Airpark is new but is already over 50% sold out, according to Marc Shubb, marketing director for the resort. "We even have a third ’water runway' on Bull Shoals Lake," adds Shubb. "It's tough to find a mile-long asphalt runway next to a water runway!"

The airpark is located some 30 miles southeast of Branson, Mo., and even though no homes have yet been built at Brass Lantern, the lodge was just remodeled. "It took the owner of this land 20 years to build this lodge by hand," says Shubb, "and 80% of it was built with materials from the land around it." Lots are still available and range from just under $60,000 to about $400,000. Visit www.brasslanternresort.com.

Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, Ga. (KPIM)
Rather than being just a fly-in community, Callaway Gardens is a 13,000-acre resort that boasts a long and storied horticulture pedigree. It has devoted an enormous woodland garden and butterfly sanctuary to 2,500 of its acres. It's home to many of the Southeast's horticultural experts, and was the location of the famous Victory Garden programs on public television. Started in 1952, Callaway Gardens is environmentally focused and even has a demonstration vegetable garden.

Located one hour south of Atlanta in Pine Mountain, Ga., the resort is now offering homesites that start in the low $100,000s, as well as finished homes and cottages priced from $290,000 to $500,000. Callaway is next to nontowered Harris County Airport, which has a 5,000x100-foot runway and instrument approaches. Visit www.callawaygardensliving.com.

Garland Lodge & Resort, Lewiston, Mich. (8M8)
Garland Lodge features a rustic feel and is tucked away in picturesque northern Michigan. Garland is more of a destination resort, with plenty of golfing, swimming, nature hiking and relaxation amenities to satisfy just about everybody. With summer room rates starting at only $89, Garland is tough to beat, especially with its luxury-resort vibe.

The resort features a 5,000-foot paved and lighted runway at the adjoining Garland Airport. Note that single-engine aircraft pay a $10 landing fee, twins pay $20, and jets pay $50. There's an additional parking fee for overnight aircraft. Garland is located about three hours from Detroit. Visit www.garlandusa.com.

Heaven's Landing, Clayton, Ga. (GE99)
From the air, Heaven's Landing appears as a curious sight. The land around it is covered with lush, green trees and stretches like a thick carpet as far as the eye can see. A tiny open area appears, with the stark, white contrast of a 5,000-foot concrete runway and ramp area. Heaven's Landing is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, about 100 miles north of Atlanta.

The 635 gently rolling acres that comprise this residential airpark house 300 lots encircling the landing strip. Heaven's Landing is surrounded by national forest, and most homesites have taxiway access. Those that don't are part of an innovative hangar complex next to the field, with remote-control bifold doors and mountain views. With an 85-degree F summer average and a 51-degree F winter temperature, Heaven's Landing is even more heavenly. Visit www.heavenslanding.com.

Long Island Airpark, Lake Norman, N.C. (NC26)
If your dream is to fly a seaplane and taxi it up to your home, there just aren't too many options. Long Island Airpark in North Carolina isn't just an option, it's a beautiful haven for seaplane or airplane pilots. Located on Lake Norman, this airpark also has a 3,000x100-foot grass strip. Development started in 1999, and there are currently some 52 lots for sale, ranging from one to four acres. A one-acre runway-access lot runs about $152,000, while a two-acre, water's-edge homesite might run $185,000.

"ET" Tello (he says his first name is too difficult for people to remember) is an active airline pilot who has lived at Long Island Airpark for six months. He says, "It's great here. We're only 45 minutes from Charlotte, but it's remote and quiet." The picturesque lots are in wooded areas that retain the charm that the South is known for. "We just love living here," says Tello. Visit www.flyinhomes.com/103nc/103nc.html.

Mazatzal Mountain Airpark, Payson, Ariz. (KPAN)
The town of Payson, Ariz., is located in the largest stand of ponderosa pines in the world. Mazatzal Airpark (named after the nearby Mazatzal Mountains) is a small fly-in community located within the town of Payson, about 50 miles from Sedona. The airpark is located adjacent to Payson Airport and has full access to its 5,500x75-foot paved runway and fuel, including Jet A.

Mazatzal recently opened a new phase with 40 half-acre lots available. Lots with utilities start at $140,000, and finished homes with hangars are selling for about $599,000. Visit www.flyinhomes.com/238az/238az.htm.

Mountain Air Country Club, Burnsville, N.C. (2NC0)
Mountain Air was developed by two prominent North Carolina families: the Banks and Young families. The community has been around since the early 1990s as a mountaintop retreat that caters to folks looking for relaxation. The community's private airport is located at an altitude of 4,400 feet and features a paved 2,875-foot runway that the resort says "promises an unforgettable arrival."

Mountain Air has the unique distinction that you depart from its runway and fly to any destination east of the Rockies and not climb a single foot. The resort is perched high atop Slickrock Mountain and offers golf, tennis, miles of nature trails and all kinds of restaurants. Mountain Air Country Club even has an organic community garden. The airpark community is located about 35 minutes from Asheville. Visit www.mountainaircc.com.

Paradise Ranch Resort, Grants Pass, Ore. (3S8)
Oregon seems to be a growing airpark state with airparks popping up in various locations. Paradise Ranch is rich with history, and many of Hollywood's golden-era movie stars visited often, including Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Orson Wells and others. The area's lush fruit orchards and vineyards contribute to the resort's classy feel.

Paradise Ranch is located at the Grants Pass Airport and, for you golfers, is the only Nicklaus Championship Course in the country with fly-in access. A full concierge service is available to pilots, and the resort is in the process of building a 12,000-square-foot heated hangar. The airport has a 4,000x75-foot lighted, paved runway with a GPS-A approach. Visit www.paradiseranchresort.com.

Piney Creek Airpark, Altamont, Tenn. (88TN)
Joe and Jeff Greenwell have developed a 303-acre airpark paradise on the largest remaining forested plateau in the continental U.S. Located in rural Tennessee between Nashville and Chattanooga, this privately held aviation community features large homesites at low prices and enough activities to satisfy any outdoor enthusiast. Piney Creek Airpark is at an elevation of 2,000 feet in the midst of the heavily wooded Cumberland Plateau. "This airpark is literally carved out of a hardwood forest," explains Joe Greenwell.

What the Greenwells have done is create a beautiful haven for people who love airplanes. Much of what they've designed here is unique. Piney Creek's centerpiece is a brand-new, professionally engineered 3,000x50-foot paved runway. The four-year-old development is finishing Phase 1 and will eventually feature about 50 lots ranging in size from 2.5 to 3.5 acres, all attractively priced from $80,000 to $150,000. Greenwell emphasizes this is a family-oriented airpark, with four-wheeler and horse trails, gorgeous waterfalls and state parks. Visit www.pineycreekairpark.com.

Rocky Mountain Airpark, Parker, Colo. (ICO8)
The rugged beauty, mild climate and mind-blowing panoramas have drawn people to the Rockies for centuries. Rocky Mountain Airpark continues that tradition with developer and pilot Pete Vinton's vision of aviation nirvana at Everitt Airfield.

Ten-acre homesites are situated to access two manicured and irrigated grass runways, at 3,000 and 2,500 feet long. Twenty luxury lots with runway access range from $175,000 to $325,000. Visit www.rockymountainairpark.net.

Sandy's Airpark, Clermont County, OH (I69)
Sandy's Airpark in Batavia, Ohio, is the headquarters for Sporty's Pilot Shop, and it's also the new home of former AOPA Chairman Phil Boyer. The airpark is 25 minutes from downtown Cincinnati and is accessible from the 3,700-foot paved runway at Clermont County Airport. The gated community features wooded, picturesque homesites with underground utilities starting around $250,000. Finished homes with attached hangars start at $599,000. Visit www.sandysairpark.com.

SilverWing At Sandpoint, Sandpoint, Idaho (SZT)
SilverWing is an exclusive residential airpark/resort with a luxury feel and 18 acres of development. Forty-four lots were designed for homes that feature a spacious hangar on the ground level and residential living space on the upper level. Lots start at $250,000.

The airpark features a paved 5,500-foot runway with an IFR approach. Owner John McKeown tells us that the airpark is comfortably private but not remote. "We're more in the middle of town," he says, "not in the middle of nowhere. If you come and visit, you'll have a car and be at a restaurant or shopping within minutes." McKeown says summer is a great time to come. "Come out to the Sandpoint Fly-In," he adds. "It's the second weekend in August." Visit www.silverwingatsandpoint.com.

Spruce Creek, Daytona Beach, Fla. (7FL6)
With 1,200 homes and a history that goes back to WWII, Spruce Creek is a model for the airpark world. The airpark was developed during the 1960s from an abandoned Armed Forces training field and encompasses more than 1,200 acres. Spruce Creek is home to more than 650 based aircraft, a hard-surfaced 4,000-foot runway with instrument approaches and its own EAA chapter (#288). Visit www.fly-in.com.

Sunriver Resort, Sunriver, Ore. (S21)
Sunriver is a true luxury resort that also offers permanent hangar homes. The resort is set in a breathtaking part of Oregon near the Cascade range, in an idyllic, serene valley about 15 miles south of Bend. The resort was developed some 40 years ago as a destination fly-in resort, and is known for its rustic lodge and uncompromising views of nature. This past April, a new 5,500-foot asphalt runway was built to accommodate the growing number of private jets. Sunriver boasts two IFR approaches and full lighting.

Sunriver frequently runs a "$99 room special" for pilots so that they can get acquainted with all that Sunriver has to offer. Visit www.sunriver-resort.com.