Another restored airstrip in the Mojave Desert, Minietta Mine marks our 3rd restored airstrip in the past 3 years. In cooperation with the BLM, volunteers have been able to put in the efforts to restore this unique airstrip for public use. Located about 25 NM north of Trona Airport (L72), the airstrip provides access to the Minietta Mining District, to include a not-too-far hike to the Minietta Cabin, Lookout City, and many other unique mining ruins in the area.
The strip is a technical strip, as while about 2000' in total length, the middle is bisected by a wash. With our limited tools and time this round, we smoothed the gully such that it is safe to taxi across at speed, but crossing at landing or rotation speed is not advised. This leaves 1100' on the north end (sloping uphill north) and about 900' on the south end (sloping uphill south). The video shows using the north end with light winds out of the south.
The Panamint Springs Resort is only a 5 minute flight north for accommodations, food, and car gas.
^ Several of our volunteers flew in. From as far as Arizona even!
^Looking north the morning we started work.
^Had a good group of 10 folks working hard. Thanks to SoCal Teardrop Trailers (Gabe a new strait tail Cessna 182 pilot and owner) for keeping us fed!
^Some of the finished product.
