The day we’ve been waiting for is finally on the calendar! The Clifton District of the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest has partnered with the APA and RAF to enable the pilot community to enjoy our first fly-in camp the weekend of October 6-7th. If you have followed our previous articles on this site, you know that it is a gem of American Southwestern history. Its 2400’ backcountry airstrip will enable the aviation community to play a major role in the preservation of the structures, cemetery and rusting relics that comprise this incredible piece of history. Ty Greenwade, whose grandfather and uncle homesteaded just up Eagle creek from this site, will be coordinating this event, including a Saturday evening BBQ and stories from locals around the campfire. With aircraft parking limited to roughly 20 -25 aircraft, we’ll be coordinating this event through our web based registration process. This process allows us to accept your commitment to attend on a first come first serve basis, and aids in conveying important information you’ll need to attend and be part of this incredibly important event. Plan on enjoying a very special weekend and beginning of a long term partnership on this airstrip.

Mark Spencer – RAF State Liaison 
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Arrival: If you prefer to fly in early you may come on Friday afternoon, Oct. 5th, but most aircraft will be arriving Saturday morning. Plan for high density altitude at this 30x2400’ airstrip at 4800’ elevation.

Activities:

• Plan on exploring the area’s 1000 year history of human activity, look, touch, and leave it where you found it!
  
• Take part in our conversations with the Forest Service and help shape the pilot community’s future involvement and preservation work at this incredible site.
• Enjoy stories from the locals around the evening camp fire. Bring your guitars and other instruments!
• Participate in an aerial recon of the local antelope heard.
• Join others for a short flight to the Negrito airstrip in NM and say hello to our fellow NM pilots at the annual Negrito fly-in camp.
• Lend a hand in cleaning up the remaining historical cabins we hope to utilize at future events.

Food: The APA will be providing the main course BBQ on Saturday the 6^th.  Please bring a side and some munchies to share.  The BBQ will start around 4:00 plan on eating around 5:00. A light Sunday morning breakfast will also be provided.  As always, your tax deductible donations towards the cost of this event will gladly be accepted.

Camping:  A port-a-john will be available for convenience. Other than that, this is roughing it under the stars! Bring insect repellant and plan for warm days and cool nights. Snakes may be prevalent at this time of year. The APA will provide bottled water.

Comply with “Leave No Trace Land Ethics” for more information go to http://lnt.org/learn/7-principles

Weather: The weather should be beautiful! October temperatures in Eagle Creek on average will bring day time highs in the high 70’s with night time lows in the mid-low 40’s.  Greenlee County Airport (KCFT) is approx. 19.5 NM SE of Eagle Creek. WX AWOS-3: 119.05 (928-687-1116)

Safety: Download and read the Double Circle Safety Brochure

Snakes can be prevalent in this area! Flashlights are a must, and tent camping is recommended.

Registration: Due to limited aircraft parking, this event will require pre-registration at the APA website. Once you are registered, any changes, details or cancellations will be sent to registered participants via e-mail. If for any reason you decide you cannot attend, please notify us immediately so that we can allow another aviator to attend in your place.

Liability Waver:  If you have not completed the APA Liability Waiver, please download and mail, email, or fax to 520-826-3101.

Contacts:

Ty at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 480.250.7308

Mark at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 520.826.2112

Tommy at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 602.708.2040

Photos from Double Circle Ranch...