NEW CUYAMA, Calif. – The New Cuyama Airport (L88), a privately owned, public use airport established by Richfield Oil Co. in 1950, has officially reopened after passing Cal Trans inspection.
Located in rural Santa Barbara County in the high desert and bounded by the Sierra Madre and Caliente mountain ranges, the Cuyama Runway is a historic flying destination.
The runway deteriorated into poor condition after years of neglect but the new owner has restored the flying field and intends to keep the runway open indefinitely.
The new owner is funding the development of the Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center, a newly established 501c3 non-profit host facility intended to feature research, educational programs,
and demonstration projects around sustainable living practices and technologies.
Built in 1950 by the Richfield Oil Co. – later ARCO — after the discovery of oil deposits in the region, the adjacent property features 22,000 square feet of concrete buildings.
“The intent is to repurpose these structures for the long term needs of the Blue Sky Center’s tenants and for the benefit of the public,” officials said in a prepared release. “The airstrip is a unique and valuable asset that will help increase visibility and access to the innovative and creative programs and
events planned onsite.”
In the near term the organization’s objective is to improve the site with landscape improvements, a new strawbale bathhouse, office building, and short-term accommodations. The group is also working to establish basic general aviation amenities, as well as lure aviation businesses to the airport, officials added.
Happy to get L88 back open!
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http://www.blueskycenter.org/#airport
Thanks for all the hardwork getting L88 back online!
This is awesome news!
Maybe someone needs to set up a burger run and put it on Social Flight
This is truly unheard of in this day and age of airport closings. The folks behind this project should receive all the attention and support that we, general aviation pilots, can give them.
It might be nice, seeing how this is a 501c3 organization, if they was a mechanism for donations.
Our club, Airventurers of Southern California, is now aware of the reopening and I suspect many members will be flying in to check the new destination out.
Thanks again
Joel Kirschner
Yes, this is great news! I plan to visit soon. I will promo this in the Tehachapi Society of Pilots Newsletter. Ken gets a lot of the credit for the work done at L88…
I agree with kenneth!
Great!
Have landed there in the past and will now go there again.
Please, everyone ceck this place out!
This is great news!! It is very seldom heard that a general aviation airport is saved from fading into the ages and reopens to the public…….USING PRIVATE MONEY!! This is a perfect stopping point between the coast and the Bakersfield area. Also within walking distance (about 10 minutes) are a couple of eateries….The Cuyama Buckhorn and The Burger Barn. I now have it plugged into my GPS…Direct!!!