Not sure if this is the proper place to post this. My son has orders to be stationed at Elsworth AFB, SD. His report date is still several months away with him arriving there after the new year. He is looking for a place to keep a GA airplane in the area and has already contacted the local airport for space but as most places around cities, there is a long waiting list. Does anyone know of any small strips in the area or even a private strip he might be able to base out of? A PM or reply here would be greatly appreciated.

I was through there twice last year and over-nighted both times due to weather. The folks running the self service fuel station and pilot lounge are great people. I would contact them at 605-209-5466 or
605-393-2254 for more information on the airport/hangar scene. They set us up with another really great person who we rented a car from at a very reasonable rate.

With the exception of the those 2 individuals, I left KRAP with the impression that everyone there is on the hustle, just like in Las Vegas. I'm sure not everyone is, but between dealing with the other rental car outfit, and hotels I was less than impressed at how visitors are treated; watch your wallet as they tried to price gouge us. It wasn't a time when they were particularly busy, either.

http://www.blackhillsweather.com/thunderstorm.html
Definitely get a hangar. A very high frequency of hail around the Hills. Rapid City KRAP is closest of course but towered.

My choice for the area is the mountain airport experience at Custer County KCUT. Custerhttp://westernhillsaviation.com/C ... rport.html. This is a great little airport with great people.
From Ellsworth it is under an hour. Check out comments on Air Nav. If not wanting the extra altitude try Spearfish KSPF not much further. Can't go wrong with either. Private airfield with hangar space is tough to find but worth a shot.

Forgot to mention Sturgis. Never been in there but close also.

+1 for KCUT top notch, been there, great people!

Sounds like he got Bones - many congrats, neat aircraft. And close to home too!

Mark J