An open invitation to 5FL8

It seems that every pilot has a few things they’d like to do.

“One is go to the factory to pick up their brand new airplane,” said Bobby Capozzi. “The other is to have their own airport.”

Capozzi achieved that last dream, acquiring Chipola Airpark (5FL8) in Greenwood, Florida, about a year ago.

The name’s a bit misleading, Capozzi says, noting he and his wife, Kim, are the only ones who live on the private airport.

The original owner had thought at one time of developing an airpark on the 85 acres, but a downturn in the economy put an end to those plans.

Even though Capozzi’s airfield is private, he and his wife, Kim, have opened it up, encouraging pilots to fly in, camp, and enjoy the many activities in the surrounding area.

The first thing they did was put up a pole barn as a pilot shelter on the property. As state liaison for the Recreational Aviation Foundation, Capozzi notes that this is one of the first things the foundation likes to do at recreational strips around the country.

Pilots can land anywhere on “one large hayfield,” according to Capozzi, who notes he’s currently mowing a strip that’s about 2,900 feet long and 70 feet wide.

“It’s a very simple strip to get in and out of,” he reports, adding it would be a good place for a novice at airplane camping to begin.

“It’s extremely safe,” he said, adding the previous owners even had the power lines buried at the north end of the field. “It’s a long, clear approach.”

Besides welcoming campers to the field, the Capozzis hope to host an annual fly-in at 5FL8.

And while there’s no fuel on the fuel, Capozzi said that’s in the works somewhere down the road. There’s fuel at Marianna Municipal Airport (KMAI), which is about three miles south of Chipola. He also hopes to get a courtesy car soon for pilots who fly in to visit local attractions.

He noted there is lots to see and do in the area, including the Florida Caverns, Jackson County Blue Springs, and Merritt’s Mill Pond in Marianna, where you can swim, fish or cave dive. A local pilot has asked to stage balloon rides from the field, while there are several nearby towns that hold annual festivals and other events.

“There’s a lot going on around here,” he says, noting he has information on other recreational areas close by that he’s more than eager to share with pilots who fly in to 5FL8.

While open to all pilots, Capozzi does ask that you call him before landing at 352-443-0365.