Earlier this year the USFS proposed closing and de-listing the Silver Lake airfield (45S) because it was considered a liability risk as the result of a number of years of neglected maintenance. The RAF approached the District Ranger and District Aviation Officer to try and agree an approach to preserve the airfield. In discussions, we made it clear that the recreational aviation community values remote airfields like 45S, and that we are willing to invest our time and money towards their preservation. The RAF proposed to use volunteers clear the encroaching brush and repair the surface damage, at no cost to USFS. It was agreed by all that improving the safety on the airfield would greatly reduce any potential liability.
In response, the USFS decided that 45S was an asset worth protecting. They have recently completed brush removal and grading of the airfield surface. The airfield is now in very good condition and would be suitable for most general aviation aircraft. However, it still needs a new windsock, which the RAF will provide and install sometime in the near future.
Be aware that 45S is located on private property leased by USFS. You are welcome to camp, but open fires and the discharge of firearms is prohibited. Please don't do anything to anger the land owner and avoid flying low over nearby ranches and the town of Silver Lake. Also, you can find some nice Obsidian along the airfield edges.
