A grand reopening of New Cuyama Airport (L88) in Southern California was held in October 2022.
The backcountry airstrip, located between the Southern California coast and Sierra mountain range about 32 nm north of Santa Barbara, had been closed since 2019.
The airstrip is privately owned by The Blue Sky Center, a nonprofit community development organization that promotes an “offbeat but comfortable camping, retreat, or event experience.”
Built by Atlantic Richfield Company in 1950, it has served as a popular out-of-the-way destination for Southern California pilots, students seeking cross-country hours, and emergency services such as air ambulance and fighting wildfire, according to officials with the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF).
But years of hot sun took their toll on the asphalt, and in 2019, the deteriorating runway was closed.
A small group of pilots determined to re-open the airport formed a relationship with the Blue Sky Center, which offered free housing to volunteers. The group contacted a donor willing to contribute $400,000 toward re-paving, and thanks to additional funds raised directly from the public, the 3,940-foot runway and tie-down areas were repaved and marked.
The ribbon was cut by volunteers Steve and Nancy Sappington from the Blue Sky Center, who helped drive the project. Alex Guerrero, the craftsman of Warrior Wagons, built a new welcome and information sign, installed on the ramp to greet pilots.
“Donors, supporters, and fans of the airstrip were there, with four planes lined up at the new parking area,” RAF California Liaison Katerina Barilov said.
Dinner for donors and key supporters followed at the Buckhorn resort.
Next task on the agenda: Enhancing the camping areas.
Barilov applied successfully for a RAF grant to add tent platforms, shade structures, fire pits, signage, and a kiosk.
The Blue Sky Center also offered $2,000 toward the improvements to the campground.
A work party is scheduled Dec. 10, 2022, to begin developing the fly-in campground. Volunteers will be asked to assemble and arrange the new tent platforms and fire rings.
Future work parties are anticipated to complete and beautify the campground, RAF officials noted.
Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Barilov at [email protected].