Two Hearted Airstrip (6Y5) on the Upper Peninsula of Michigan was recently inspected by the state and reopened.
The airfield was closed in October 2021 for rehabilitation and maintenance by volunteers with the Recreational Aviation Foundation. Efforts included re-grading, new topsoil, tilling, seeding, mulching, and compacting 800 feet of the airfield.
“Cones are back out and it is mowed,” said RAF Michigan Liaison Brad Frederick. “We want to be sure people understand that the grass is delicate for the time being and that small tires are not recommended. We will seed and fertilize late summer or early fall to further improve the turf going into 2023.”
The project gained leverage with an RAF grant and a matching donation from RAF supporter Jeff Littmann. RAF supporter Jerry Ness donated his time and the use of his equipment, RAF officials noted. Leon Everhart brought additional equipment, and Mike Hintz contributed his fifth-wheel trailer for “Camp Central,” officials added.
In spite of cold weather, the crew hauled a large bucket loader, road grader, skid loader, roller/compactor, and straw chopper the three and-a-half hour drive to the site.
“We appreciate Richard and Kathy Robinson for the use of their Rainbow Lodge facilities,” Frederick said. “If not for them, this could not have happened. We cannot thank everyone enough for all that was accomplished by this huge volunteer effort.”
Two Hearted is now posted as open in the RAF’s Airfield Guide and includes this new alert at the top: July 2022 – Heavy aircraft with small tires are not recommended until the grass comes in.
When are they going to open meigs Field Airport (ICAO)!