TX - living in an airstrip community, or build your own strip on some land?

WheelsOff · #1 12-28-2013, 11:19 AM

Just curious if any RVers in the DFW or SAT area could recommend some good neighborhood communities on which there is an airstrip? I used to live in the DFW area several years ago and am familiar with places like Hillcrest (near AFW and 52F) and Aero Country (T31) up near McKinney. Are there any other of these types of airports/airstrips in the area that have a good concentration of RVers? How about down in the SAT area?

What about building a grass or dirt strip on some property? (I imagine there would probably be a good amount of legal action necessary to be able to do that as well...)

I don't live in TX anymore but am just trying to get a feel for what's out there when I eventually retire and move back there (although probably a long ways off!)

As this is my first post I guess I should also introduce myself...name's Doug. Currently a USAF pilot in WA. Not an RV owner yet but am dreaming of an RV-8! Looking at everyone's pictures of their completed 8's makes me drool!

Mel · #2 12-28-2013, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WheelsOff

What about building a grass or dirt strip on some property? (I imagine there would probably be a good amount of legal action necessary to be able to do that as well...)
I don't live in TX anymore but am just trying to get a feel for what's out there when I eventually retire and move back there (although probably a long ways off!)

Welcome Doug. Building you own strip in Texas is not as complex, legal wise, as you might think. The FAA is only interested in conflicts with airports within 10 miles that have an instrument approach.

Other than that most other factors are up to the county. Most counties don't care. When I put my strip in in 1990, Short Stop (8TA5), I had no problems whatsoever.

tommylewis · #3 12-28-2013, 04:38 PM

Check out Pecan Plantation, 0TX1, southwest of Ft Worth. Seven RV10s, two RV12, and numerous other 2 seater RVs. EAA 983 chapter and a 99s chapter. Lots of activity.

bhassel · #4 12-28-2013, 05:20 PM

I seem to recall one in Plano by the tollway and there was also one a little further north, but can't remember the names. Alas, its also been about 9 years since I lived there...

Bob

WheelsOff · #5 12-28-2013, 07:17 PM

Great, thanks for the responses thus far! I'll have to check pecan plantation out next time I'm in that area. Any others with known RVers; keep 'em coming!

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhassel

I seem to recall one in Plano by the tollway and there was also one a little further north, but can't remember the names. Alas, its also been about 9 years since I lived there...

Bob

I think the one you're thinking of Bob is the Dallas Airpark right near the Willow Bend mall. I used to live 5 min from there. When I was getting my PPL at ADS at the time there was a rumor that they were going to shut that strip down. It wasn't very busy as I recall and there weren't a whole lot of planes on that field. Convenient location though. Don't know what came of that rumor...

I also recall seeing a small grass strip from the air in the Plano/McKinney area just west of TKI a little ways, but I don't know who owns it or anything of the sort?

Mike S · #6 12-28-2013, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WheelsOff

As this is my first post I guess I should also introduce myself...name's Doug. Currently a USAF pilot in WA. Not an RV owner yet but am dreaming of an RV-8! Looking at everyone's pictures of their completed 8's makes me drool!

Doug, welcome aboard the good ship VAF

Good to have you here, and thanks for your service to our country.

KCBerner · #7 12-28-2013, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WheelsOff

. Don't know what came of that rumor...

Last I heard it was stuck in a court battle between developers and residents. Apparently the developers (with the city on their side) believe that area needs another shopping center.....

WheelsOff · #8 12-28-2013, 08:37 PM

Mike - glad to be here, thanks!

K.C. - seriously? The last thing they need right there is ANOTHER shopping center

Michael White · #9 12-28-2013, 10:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WheelsOff

Mike - glad to be here, thanks!

K.C. - seriously? The last thing they need right there is ANOTHER shopping center

The last thing ANY of us need is another shopping center...but that won't stop them from building them.

Mel · #10 12-29-2013, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WheelsOff

I think the one you're thinking of Bob is the Dallas Airpark right near the Willow Bend mall. I used to live 5 min from there. When I was getting my PPL at ADS at the time there was a rumor that they were going to shut that strip down. It wasn't very busy as I recall and there weren't a whole lot of planes on that field. Convenient location though. Don't know what came of that rumor...
I also recall seeing a small grass strip from the air in the Plano/McKinney area just west of TKI a little ways, but I don't know who owns it or anything of the sort?

Dallas Airpark is still open. They've threatened to close it for quite a number of years now, but not yet.
Further north was KittyHawk. KittyHawk was built by the the old Braniff pilots. It finally closed down a couple of years ago.