12
$\begingroup$

I've always wondered what it would take to build my own airfield. I live close enough to an area where this would likely be possible (50 NM radius around Front Royal, Virginia, obviously outside the DC SFRA) and there are a number of private strips in the valleys adjoining mountain range I live near:

enter image description here

Here are the parameters I would consider, which would allow operation of one or more small general aviation aircraft:

  • Runway width - 50-75 feet
  • Runway length - 2200-2500 feet.
  • Runway surface - grass
  • Buildings - Space for a hangar (converted barn?) and a moderately sized house.

Answered Questions:

  • What are the legal implications in the United States? Do you have to get permission from the government to do this? Is this airspace dependent? Answered in linked post and this post.
  • What about permission from neighbors? I'm going to guess this will be harder to answer, since it likely depends on jurisdiction. However, if anyone has done this, perhaps they can share their experience in this area. Somewhat answered in revised post. Still interested in additional experiences.

Outstanding Questions:

  • What would it cost to maintain this installation, above and beyond the cost of maintaining any piece of property of this size? What's included in these costs?
  • Are you required to pay to have an airfield listed on charts?
  • Do the parameters I've listed seem reasonable for the requirements I've mentioned?
Improve this question
$\endgroup$
5
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ You have many questions in one. Perhaps focus this question on the regulatory aspects, and ask more questions regarding maintenance costs, runway parameters, etc $\endgroup$
    – Sanchises
    Jul 2, 2017 at 8:41
  • $\begingroup$ Hello, this is a good and interesting question, unfortunately it is too broad for this site's format. After you narrow down the scope, I am sure you will get some great answers. $\endgroup$
    – kevin
    Jul 2, 2017 at 9:08
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Welcome! I reduced the scope to the administrative part (you will have to ask a second question for the technical aspects). If you feel I was wrong, you can revert to your initial text using clicking the "edited...." link at the bottom of the question, and then using "rollback". That's a good question! $\endgroup$
    – mins
    Jul 2, 2017 at 9:51
  • $\begingroup$ @simon how do I remove the duplicate tag from this question now that I have edited it? $\endgroup$
    – bclarkreston
    Jul 3, 2017 at 19:22
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ These are great questions, and I'm surprised that more people haven't offered helpful answers. I'm curious and eager to see when they do. I'd love to have my own runway some day. $\endgroup$
    – Ryan
    Sep 27, 2018 at 14:24

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3
$\begingroup$

This has been somewhat covered in other questions here. You can find the legal requirements in the answer to this question (somewhat of a dupe to this question). There are some notes on security in this question.

What would it cost to maintain this installation, above and beyond the cost of maintaining any piece of property of this size? What's included in these costs?

For a grass strip you will need a good ride on mower and possibly something to level/press the ground. Maybe some filler if there are any divots etc. But all in all the cost to maintain a strip of grass is pretty cheap.

Are you required to pay to have an airfield listed on charts?

Im not sure of this one but there may be some requirements you need to meet which could cost you money.

Do the parameters I've listed seem reasonable for the requirements I've mentioned?

Yes, 22-2500 is more than common, FWIW a bit on the short side but you should have no problem getting your common GA planes in and out of there. Keep in mind that with trees at the end and on either side this could get tight. In reality runways (at least nice paved ones) have a lot of clear space around the immediate area.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
0

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .