Here are a few more airstrips in the vicinity of O22, Columbia, Ca.

Moyles is a dirt strip a bit over grown and rough near the east end due to gophers etc. The dry grass is also a bit long. I would call this a larger wheel, taildragger only airstrip. Plenty long but slopes upwards at each end. Talk to the locals at Columbia before heading to this private airstrip for the current status. http://www.backcountrypilot.org/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=127




Copperopolis International is a well maintained dirt strip with a few hangars and is maintained by a couple of pilots that keep their planes and ultralights there. It is a private airstrip and prior permission is needed to land there.http://www.backcountrypilot.org/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=126




Peoria Flat is a beautiful little airstrip that is private and apparently closed to all aircraft. A buddy in a Husky was asked in no uncertain terms to stay away after making a precautionary landing...

I flew out of Columbia in the 70's. We used to go to Moyles for lunch. At one point he had it big enough for a DC-3. There was a strip in the lava rock at Kistlers too, near the turnoff of 49 toward Chinese Camp. There used to be strips at the Pickering mill in Soulsbyville and believe it or not one at Hatler's mill on top of Yankee Hill. Many good memories and friends from that airport.

Kenny Chapman wrote:I flew out of Columbia in the 70's. We used to go to Moyles for lunch. At one point he had it big enough for a DC-3. There was a strip in the lava rock at Kistlers too, near the turnoff of 49 toward Chinese Camp. There used to be strips at the Pickering mill in Soulsbyville and believe it or not one at Hatler's mill on top of Yankee Hill. Many good memories and friends from that airport.

Kenny,

I didn't mention Kistler Ranch because it is similar to Peoria Flat ie they don't want anybody to use the strip. I wasn't aware of the strip at Pickering (I think you mean Standard?, Jones mill was in Soulsbyville) and the one at Hatler's cannot even be seen anymore it is so overgrown. I grew up in Soulsbyville and learned to fly at Columbia in the late 70's. First lessons were with Jack Courtney. That'll probably bring back some memories also. Good to hear from you.

Mark

Mark, is there still camping at Coloumbia? I'd like to come out in the spring and take a look at some of the strips. There seems to be quite a few around. When does it start to get hot?
Jeff

I wouldn't mind doing a springtime Columbia trip myself. Let's keep that in mind. Mark of course, being a resident, will graciously drive us around in his car and provide as much ice and beer as we require.

Speedy,

Yup, campground is still available and it really doesn't get hot until June. I guess the co-pilot would approve of this fly-out as I would be able to remove her luggage weight limitation.

Zane,

Transportation and ice would be no problem and hopefully the local selections of hefewiezen and esb will suffice from Snowshoe Brewery. If your like most pilots I know your favorite brands are free followed by cold.

Let me check out the fly-in dates for some of the other groups. Luscombes etc. also keep in mind our Father's Day Fly-in in June probably wouldn't be a good weekend either.

Mark

Had the privilge of flyng down to Columbia for a wedding last year and was treated very well. Good fuel, good people. Great airport! Look forward to visiting again.

Alyce and I camped at Columbia in late June of 2002. We had a very pleasant stay and really enjoyed exploring the town and local area. There were a lot of wildfires burning in California that summer and while we were there one of the two Martin Mars fire bombers flew in from Canada to land on Columbia Lake. I think they were trying to drum up business from the California Division of Forestry. That plane was a sight to behold - HUGE! When it approached O22 for a fly over we thought a squadron of single engine round motor planes were about to fly over, boy were we surprised when that big old thing appeared over the trees.

There's a little page about Columbia on our web, click the link below.