Chaparral - Kiowa, CO

HAZARD: Due to fire on RWY 11, RWY 11/29 shortened to approx 1800 ft. Landing in burn area not permitted. Cones moved to mark RWY 11 threshold.

While most think of the mountains when they think of Colorado, numerous flying destinations exist off the beaten path on the Eastern Plains. Where the Colorado’s mountains give way to the grasslands of the plains is the home of Chaparral Airport. Chaparral began as flying community airstrip back in the 1970’s with large acreage lots surrounding the two grass runway areas.  Unfortunately the community never took off as planned, leaving it sitting mostly idle over the years. The current owner bought the airstrip property and it is no longer part of an airpark development. It has sat since that time mainly unused except for the few local pilots that have been granted access along with the couple of homes on-site.

In coordination with the Colorado Pilots Association, Fly Colorado.org, and the gracious contribution of the owner, this private airstrip has recently been offered up to pilots to utilize and enjoy.  Located about 14nm due south of Byers, 28nm East of KAPA, and 22nm SE of KFTG, it is close enough to offer a great training opportunity for off-airport, unimproved airstrip operations.  The landing areas are long enough for a greater margin of safety while still presenting some challenging environment aspects not typically experienced at a normal airport.  Two landing areas are available, one running N/S and another E/W.  Some features include bushes/ trees on approach, a small ledge/drop-off, uphill runway, gentle rolling terrain, gullies that can funnel wind, density altitude, nice views of the Rockies, and the excitement of landing on grass/dirt strip away from civilization.   It is also common to see antelope and other wildlife in/around the airstrip so be alert. The landing areas are in fair condition (check before landing) but not maintained regularly so an additional level of caution is needed.  Scouting the runway surface condition thoroughly before landing is required. Always reference the aircraft flight manual and consult a certified flight instructor for proper technique and if you are unsure of landing at an unmaintained dirt landing field with non-standard obstacles and terrain.

Currently camping is not allowed on the airstrip and please refrain from other intrusive activities such as shooting.  There are two houses in very close proximity to the runway areas so please be a mindful neighbor with your operations and remain on the airstrip land, as adjoining land is privately owned.  Try to keep touch and goes and prop noise to a minimum. Feel free to pack a lunch and enjoy the area but please pack out what you bring in and try to leave the area better than you found it.

Permission is required before landing at Chaparral. Fly Colorado.org makes this easy. Your permission is granted upon completing the electronic liability waiver form in the E-Waiver tab above. The owner is excited for people to utilize this unique airstrip for practice or you next adventure. Enjoy and Fly Safe!

Airport Info:

Important Airfield Notes:

Parking and Property Boundary Map

CO18 Parking Map

Weather:

Electronic Waiver Form

Instructions & Important Notes: Please carefully read the liability release statement below. The airport owner allows pilots to use the airstrip for recreational use at no charge, but they must do so at their own risk. This is an unmaintained airstrip that requires additional soft and short field skills. Actual airfield conditions may vary from the information given on this website. If the registered aircraft owner is different than the pilot, both parties must complete the form.