The Very Low Cost of Private Airports!

I had a great conversation today with the owner of Lake Arrowhead Airport in the desert Mountains north of Los Angelos, California. They are interested in the Aeroblue Aviation Foundation approach to do fundraising for the public-type assets for their (currently) private airport. These improvements will enable them to meet FAA requirements for "Public-Use" - and remove that pesky "R" from the LA sectional over their strip. Essentially this will create a NEW airport available to the public 24/7/365.

Currently, the airport is open 'with prior permission' which is freely granted. It is frequently used by public agencies for Search and Rescue, Forest Fire suppression, and is a key element in disaster response such as earthquakes. It also provides great access to the LA basin to the resort area of Lake Arrowhead. The improvements will allow them to operate at night, and establish instrument approaches which are planned.

While any local, county or state government would pay tens of millions to create a new airport, this facility only needs $2.5 Million to install a Unicom, Runway lighting, and pave the existing runway and taxi surfaces.

This is a great deal for taxpayers. But why would the FAA or State of California not provide funding? Mostly because they are private. The FAA has a strong bias against private ownership of airports. And because the FAA would like 500 acres clear of any obstacles except the ones they put there. This airport is in a desert mountain location, and the FAA would require them to cut the few trees that exist on the property.

We are thrilled to be working with the airport to meet these goals.

Their immediate need is a Unicom Base Station (new or used) that will meet the FAA certification requirements. If anyone could donate a used system or help with the $2000 for a basic system, this would be a great start to a great project.