Anyone know anything about flying into Mercey Hot Springs east of Fresno, CA? I've emailed them a couple of times but no answer. Not interested enough to call them. I figured I'd come to the font of all wisdom and ask.

This is the place: http://g.co/maps/dt2j5

I'm intersted. I've driven by there a bunch. I have also landed in panoche valley just south of there and gone to panoche inn.

I'm just starting to get cold and would like to fly in some place close by where I can take my yearly bath.

I may just drop in and plead ignorance.

I have never flown in, but know people that have. Doesn't seem to be a problem. I think they don't promote use of the strip for FAA/legal reasons. Enjoy the bath. I have been into the Panoche field. A great field, gliders (from Hollister) sometimes present. Walk across the street for a sandwich at the Inn.

https://merceyhotsprings.com/

It's a commercial enterprise that is open to the public. The airstrip can be used in order to take advantage of their services, just like you can drive into their driveway and park in their parking lot. If there's a sign that limits the use of their driveway or parking lot (something like "no large trucks", "no overnight parking", etc.) then they would have a cause for action against you if you violated it. Likewise, the way that an airstrip is posted as being closed is to put a white 'X' at the ends. The satellite picture doesn't show that it's closed. Ergo, the airstrip is open to the public.

I definitely want to try Panoche. King of tired of going to Los Banos all the time.

You will be welcomed at Mercy Hot Springs. They made a mistake a few yrs ago and applied to the State to be a public airport. The State gave them a lot of grief and ordered them to close the airport.

As I understand it now, the runway has been classified for 'personal use'. California makes it pretty easy to open an airport for personal use.

I'm sure they will ask you to sign a liability release, probably similar to the one at Caveman in Utah.

The RAF and Pilot Getaways is working with the owners to get the word out about Mercy. It is a neat place completely off the grid. You can camp, rent a room and use the hot springs while you are there. The airstrip was in decent shape last time I went in (several yrs ago) so look at it before landing. A couple of friends have been in this year and gave a good report on the facility and airstrip.

Be sure to post a pirep for the rest of us if you decide to go in.

Rich

By the way, there is a cropduster strip a little closer to freeway, right along the road.

I am quite intrigued by the idea of flying into Panoche. The place is like Moon. Maybe in a helicopter?

P.S. Oh never mind, found the Panoche VALLEY strip and the inn.

Thanks for the post. I am definitely checking it out.

Today my flying buddy and I flew to F34 and we walked in to town today to enjoy a Mexican fast food place. (I really did enjoy it.) Cheap gas, $4.97 at the Gustine(3O1), on the way home made a very pleasant day.

-Dick

Another col place in the area is Eagle Field. Really nice little WWII museum there.

Hello,
First post here. I flew into Mercy this past Sunday. Hard packed dirt about 2,000', good condition. They are very friendly, use strip at you own risk. Great soak, I'll be making a return trip there.
Regards,
Tim
KWVI

svanarts wrote:Anyone know anything about flying into Mercey Hot Springs east of Fresno, CA? I've emailed them a couple of times but no answer. Not interested enough to call them. I figured I'd come to the font of all wisdom and ask.

This is the place: http://g.co/maps/dt2j5

Contact Rick, 701Driver, he should be able to fill you in on Mercey Hot Springs.

Timbasco wrote:Hello,
First post here. I flew into Mercy this past Sunday. Hard packed dirt about 2,000', good condition. They are very friendly, use strip at you own risk. Great soak, I'll be making a return trip there.
Regards,
Tim
KWVI

Good to know, thanks for posting. I'd like to check it out sometime.

Sounds like a good spot. I emailed them a couple weeks ago and response clearly did not say to stay away. Nor was it a direct invitation-- seemed deliberately vague. But when they tell you 2000 x 50, packed dirt, what's a pilot to do?

I'll see if I can get out in this miserable California winter weather and go check it out.

Timbasco wrote:Hello,
First post here. I flew into Mercy this past Sunday. Hard packed dirt about 2,000', good condition. They are very friendly, use strip at you own risk. Great soak, I'll be making a return trip there.
Regards,
Tim
KWVI

What did they charge for the access to the tubs ect?

The website indicates $20 for 4 hours of facilities use. $30 if after 8pm same as camping with facilities.

Great info! I'm definitely going to head over there and soak! Breakfast in Los Banos and then a hot soak. Sounds like a great day.

c170pete wrote: But when they tell you 2000 x 50, packed dirt, what's a pilot to do?.

Land?

I flew down to Mercey Hot Springs today. I didn't have time to soak unfortunately but I was able to talk to the guy in the office. He said the bottom line is they are not supposed to be an airport. HOWEVER, if a pilot happens to by flying by and hears a funny noise or wants to make sure his aileron hasn't fallen off he is welcome to land at Mercey and check it out. And if everything checks out okay feel free to camp or soak in a tub or swim in the pool as long as you're there. I didn't catch his name but he was very understand and welcoming. So, if you want to fly in NO PROBLEM and don't mind the X's on the runway.





More photos and a short write up on my blog: http://airprayer.wordpress.com/2012/01/14/mercey-hot-springs/