Stevensville, US 🇺🇸 Closed Airport
4MT8
-
3740 ft
US-MT
Loading...
Loading...GPS Code: Not available
Local Code: Not available
Location: 46.473889° N, -114.054667° E
Continent: NA
Type: Closed Airport
Keywords: 4MT8
Get an AI-powered summary of traveler experiences at Brier Patch Airport
Powered by AI web research of traveler reviews and experiences
Researching traveler experiences online...
Loading weather data...
| Designation | Length | Width | Surface | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
12/30 |
1200 ft | 50 ft | Turf | Active |
| Type | Description | Frequency |
|---|
Circa 2011-2012. While an exact date is not publicly recorded, FAA records and analysis of historical satellite imagery confirm the closure around this period. Imagery from 2012 clearly shows large 'X' markings on the runway, indicating it is permanently closed to aviation traffic, whereas earlier imagery shows it as active.
The closure was a decision by the property owners/homeowners association, likely driven by a combination of economic and liability factors. As a private residential airpark, the costs and legal responsibilities of maintaining a functional runway (including insurance, pavement/turf maintenance, and FAA compliance) can become prohibitive for a small community, especially as the number of active pilots within the community dwindles over time. The homeowners likely voted to decommission the runway to reduce costs and liability, and repurpose the land.
The site remains a residential subdivision known as the Brier Patch Airpark. The physical runway is still clearly visible from satellite view, but it is no longer maintained for aviation. It has been permanently decommissioned and is now used as a private road, walking path, and common green space for the residents of the community. The homes, some with their original hangars, still exist, but the core aviation function of the property has ceased.
Brier Patch Airport was not a public or commercial airport with historical significance in a broad sense. Its importance was as a 'residential airpark' or 'fly-in community'. It was designed for general aviation enthusiasts who wanted to live with their aircraft. The single runway (designated 16/34) allowed residents to taxi their private, small aircraft directly from their homes (which often included integrated hangars) to the runway for takeoff. Operations were exclusively private, recreational General Aviation (GA) flights. It served as a prime example of a niche lifestyle in aviation-centric real estate.
There are no known plans or prospects for reopening Brier Patch Airport. The process to reactivate a permanently closed airport is legally and financially burdensome. Given that the closure was a deliberate decision by the homeowners' association to repurpose the land and reduce liability, it is extremely unlikely that the community would vote to reverse this decision. The land has been integrated into the community's non-aviation life, and reopening would require unanimous consent, significant investment, and re-certification from the FAA, making it highly improbable.