New Rules for Flying to Crested Butte Airpark

The Crested Butte Airpark is part of the Buckhorn Ranch Subdivision. The Avion Club is a private fly-in, fly-out community at Buckhorn Ranch. Recently there have been same changes and new rules for flying to Crested Butte Airpark, specifically on WHO can fly there.

My friend Bob Schutt, who was a US Airforce combat fighter pilot and surgeon before retiring here in Crested Butte, referred me to Erik Klemme who is on the board of the Crested Butte Airpark. Erik is a resident in Crested Butte and also a pilot with Frontier Airlines. Erik also provided me with an update on the guidelines for using the Crested Butte airstrip.

What Are the New Rules for Flying to Crested Butte Airpark?

Previously only homeowners of Buckhorn Ranch and their approved guests were allowed to land at the Crested Butte Airpark. But now they have opened up the possibility for people to become MEMBERS of the Airpark which would allow them access to the airstrip without having to buy land adjacent to it. You can find the document that has details about Non-Proprietary Members here. Or you can access all other documents pertaining to the airpark here.

Here are the facts

The runway is PRIVATE and the local adjacent landowners in the Airpark pay for and maintain the runway through their HOA fees.

The Airstrip is found on aviation maps and designated with an “R” for RESTRICTED. Pilots could have their license restricted and pay expensive fines as a result of landing without approval. The FAA and the Crested Butte Airpark have and will enforce fines. One plane landed a few years ago but was not permitted it to take-off again, and the plane subsequently had to be disassembled and put on a truck.

Guests are permitted to use the runway if they:

• Have prior approval and proof of insurance
• Have appropriate training and they must pass a test to ensure safety of high-altitude landing / taking off on the short runway
• Submit aircraft information including their aircraft tail number

Official FAA information

Effective 12 September 2019

Location

• FAA Identifier:  0CO2
• Field Elevation:  8980 ft. / 2737 m (estimated)
• Dist. From Crested Butte:  3 miles SE / 10 min drive

Airport Operations

• Airport use: Private PPR (prior permission required)
• Control tower:  No
• Wind indicator:  Yes
• Segmented circle:  No
• UNICOM:  122.8
• WX:  AWOS at KGUC (19 nm S): 135.075 or (970)-641-3240
• Nearest NAVAID: HBU 114.90 (Blue Mesa VOR/DME)

Runway Information

• Runway 11/29
• Dimensions:  4000 x 40 ft. / 1219 x 12 m
• Surface:  Asphalt

All information and additional details can be found here.

So Where Else Can a Pilot Land?

The Gunnison Airport is only 25 minutes South of the Crested Butte Airpark. Car rental is available at the Gunnison Airport, if you need a car to drive to Crested Butte with. Additionally, there are public buses that run between Gunnison, Crested Butte and Mt. Crested Butte. 

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