Have you used one of the RAF Pilot Shelters? Bozeman MT, Ryan Field MT, Escalante UT, Arcadia FL.
If so, how was your experience?

I ask because I am requesting RAF grant money to partially fund a pilot shelter/lounge facility in Southern Colorado at the Astronaut Kent Rominger Airport (KRCV), Del Norte. This will be a 20X30 foot building with small kitchen, restroom and shower. Small covered porch area with BBQ grill. A small classroom/common area as well. Phase two will be several prepared campsites adjacent to the building.

KRCV is within one hour flying from: Creede, Pagosa Springs, Marble, Morning Shadows Ranch, La Garita Creek Ranch, Quarter Circle Circle Ranch, Sand Dunes Swimming Pool, Grant Besely, Murrow on the Divide and 1-2 hours from the rest of New Mexico's wonderful BC strips as well as the Utah Back Country. All Wonderfull strips with camping, hiking and biking.

My vision is for a facility that pilots can refresh and refuel which exploring our incredible area by airplane. A great layover place as well for those heading to Idaho or Utah from the South and East.

One of the questions that I know the Grant Committee will ask is "what kind of support do you have for this facility?".

Sound like a good idea to you?

Thanks,
Tom Haefeli
RAF Colorado State Liaison

Hi Tom. Thank you for the work you do with the RAF. I have been to Ryan field two times. Once was a work party. I am a dues paying RAF member. Sounds like a great idea. Don't for get internet.

Cheers...Rob

Tom, I haven't used the other shelters but I think I would definitely use one at Del Norte. Thanks!

-asa

Hi Tom,

I've used Escallante and it's a great Place to stop for a night or two. Something similar in Colorado would be a big draw for me. Thanks for your efforts. Keep us posted.

Rich

I have used Ryan Field. I love the RAF shelters and would definitely try to use it whenever possible.

Thanks,
Joe

You're not getting my vote unless we get flatscreen TVs and a game room.

The building we have planned will have very large windows. You can set on the sofa and pretend they are flat screen tv's. There will be wifi.
Tom

Love the one at Ryan Field. Was an epic luxury when cold rain was coming through.

If you guys are going to do more fire rings, make them 1/3rd as tall as the one at Ryan so that people can setup their chairs around the fire, see it and be warm; instead of having to stand right next to it to avoid having the metal block the view/heat.

I haven't landed at Del Norte, but have flown over it exploring that area. It's a really beautiful part of the state, I would likely spend some time at a facility like that if it exists.

While I haven't made it to any of the current RAF shelters, I definitely would be a user of a shelter in Del Norte. While there are numerous backcountry airstrips in central Colorado and northern New Mexico, many are private and not suitable for overnight camping or riding out adverse weather. I think that having a base in Del Norte would be popular for people looking to explore the area by airplane, or for folks transitioning through Colorado east- or west-bound. It would also expand our fly-out camping season since we could spend a night in the shelter and out of the cold during the shoulder seasons or even in the winter. On that note, is there a possibility for electric outlets to plug in airplane pre-heaters?

Thanks for spearheading this, Tom!

I agree with everything Felix said.

If there is ever a need or opportunity for the Colorado pilot community to help with this, please let us now. Many of us are very active on the front range even if we do not post here often.

Felix wrote:While I haven't made it to any of the current RAF shelters, I definitely would be a user of a shelter in Del Norte. While there are numerous backcountry airstrips in central Colorado and northern New Mexico, many are private and not suitable for overnight camping or riding out adverse weather. I think that having a base in Del Norte would be popular for people looking to explore the area by airplane, or for folks transitioning through Colorado east- or west-bound. It would also expand our fly-out camping season since we could spend a night in the shelter and out of the cold during the shoulder seasons or even in the winter. On that note, is there a possibility for electric outlets to plug in airplane pre-heaters?

Thanks for spearheading this, Tom!

Exactly what alex said^^

asa wrote:Exactly what alex said^^

We don't use his real name around here. He is kinda big deal, you know...

We are currently looking for ways to install outside electrical outlets. Our problem is the location of electrical service and where you might park overnight.
The Pilot Shelter will make that much easier since we will have to bring new service to that part of the ramp.
Once we get enough funding to get started, we will advertise work parties. It would be great to get as many involved as we can!
Tom

Can you define "enough funding" and where that's intended to come from? I'd be happy to donate something to the cause once it's blessed all around.

Sounds like a good idea. I haven't stopped at Del Norte, but no reason I couldn't.

Cary

Our projected cost for the building is $75K. So far we have received $3K in cash donations ($1K of that from me) and $13K in donated labor (plumbing and electrical install (guy owns a sweet exp cub), donated earthwork machine time and labor (he owns a very nice Rans S-7). Also $5K in donated windows. A third of the way there already.
We just did get the engineered plans approved and are just now reaching out to people. If you are interested in donating, email me at [email protected] and I will put you in touch with the County Administrator.
The Airport has been designated an Enterprise Zone by the State and donations can be used as credit towards any Colorado State tax liability.
I am asking the RAF for a little more than a third of the total.
Tom

How much do we need to donate to have the new building named after us?

Hi Tom,
I fly a well worn path through the Sangres and Wolf Creek Pass on my way to AZ that takes me right over Del Norte. In fact, often times I stop at RCV to assess weather or to take advantage of the great fuel prices. Sometimes I've been stuck as a result of the weather and this would be a great resource. I definitely support the proposal and would be willing to kick in to help the funding effort.

The San Luis Valley of Colorado is truly a fun place to spend time flying around to the numerous public/private airstrips and visiting nearby recreational opportunities.

Thanks for your time and efforts!

Alec

Thanks guys for your voices of support as well as offers to help.
The RAF Grant Application has been submitted. Just waiting to hear from them.
We plan on building the facility even if the RAF should turn us down for some reason.
It will just take a lot more "bush beating" to come up with the funds.
Tom