We see it all too often! Small airports closing down, pressure and complaints from local residents, rising land values, or government agencies evaluating the need and use of a small airport all play factors. When was the last time you saw an old airport brought back to life? One Utah group has done just that.

Locomotive Springs Airfield, located near the north end of The Great Salt Lake, and believed to have been constructed sometime in the 1920's or 1930's, was a landing field of the US Department of Commerce. The field was used as an intermediate landing fuel stop for aircraft, as well as a guidance landmark with its huge concrete arrows pointing the way to Salt Lake City. Long since abandoned due to the increased range of newer aircraft in the 1940's, the airfield quickly dilapidated and was closed sometime that decade. It remains an abandoned and almost forgotten piece of not only American aviation history, but the history of the state of Utah.

One group, Utah Backcountry Pilots (UBCP), however did not forget. The UBCP took it upon themselves to work with local and state representatives to put this airfield back on the map and revitalize its place in Utah history. In a cooperative effort with Utah State Aeronautics Director Jared Esselman, Box Elder County Economic Development Director Mitch Zundel, Supervisor of the Road Department for Box Elder County Bill Gilson, and UBCP Board Member Cory Wolf, Locomotive Springs has been rejuvenated and soon to be open to the public. After years of hard work, cooperation, and persistent efforts, the day for breaking ground finally came and two dirt airstrips were revitalized on April 24th, 2019. Runway 18/36 and 11/29, cleared of the dust and dirt of forgotten years.

There is a bit more work that must be done in order to open this airstrip for public use, but needless to say it is a huge step forward and a shining example of aviation organizations and public officials working together to support general aviation. Aircraft access into the airport should open sometime early June of this year, according to board member Roy Evans II. The UBCP will establish a windsock and work on final preparations to allow aircraft onto the field, and condition reports can be found on their website, utahbackcountrypilots.org Cory Wolf, a board member of the UBCP who spearheaded the effort could not be more excited to add this to the list of amazing backcountry airstrips in the state of Utah that he has landed at. If you haven't seen what Utah has to offer for backcountry flying, I suggest you take a look.

Now, more than ever, is the time where supporting local aviation organizations is crucial. If you are not a member of a local flying club, local chapter of some aviation organization, or have not connected with fellow aviators, I encourage you to do so. The UBCP is just one example of great people coming together volunteering their time and talents to support the aviation community.

The UBCP will be holding a work party to establish a windsock and make final preparations for the airport and public use. If you have questions about the condition of the field, see https://utahbackcountrypilots.org for field condition updates.