🇺🇸 Grapevine Spring Airstrip

Grapevine Spring Airstrip (US-2989), officially designated as 88AZ, is a recreational, non-towered general aviation airstrip situated in the Tonto National Forest near Roosevelt, Arizona, not Littlefield, US. It is not a commercial airport and, as such, does not have conventional traveler reviews, terminal facilities, security checkpoints, or customs/immigration services. Instead, it serves private pilots, particularly those engaged in backcountry flying and camping.

What Pilots/Users Love:

• Access to Backcountry Environment: Pilots appreciate the airstrip's location, which is just a quarter-mile from Roosevelt Lake, offering a unique backcountry flying and camping experience.
• Volunteer-Maintained Facilities: The airstrip has been brought to operational status and is maintained through the dedicated efforts of organizations like the Recreational Aviation Foundation (RAF) and the Arizona Pilots Association (APA).
• Community Fly-ins: The APA holds regular fly-ins and camping events, particularly during the cooler months (September to April), fostering a strong community among general aviation pilots.
• Basic Amenities: The site offers an asphalt concrete-paved runway (3,800 ft × 40 ft), along with sun shades, picnic tables, fire rings, and campsites. A port-a-john is typically on-site from May to September.

Common Limitations/Considerations for Pilots:

• No Commercial or Training Operations: The airstrip is charted as private, with strict rules prohibiting touch-and-go landings, training, or commercial operations.
• Limited Services and Support: As an unattended, non-towered airstrip, there are no FBOs, fuel services, or traditional airport staff. Pilots are responsible for their own safety and adherence to backcountry flying ethics, including "leave no trace" camping.
• No Automobile Access: Automobile access is generally not allowed except for support vehicles during organized events.
• Operational Restrictions and Hazards: Pilots must be aware of specific conditions and restrictions, such as avoiding overflights of campgrounds or the Tonto National Monument, potential military training activity, rising terrain west of the runway, and hazardous runway edges, especially with crosswinds.

Grapevine Spring Airstrip (88AZ) is a valuable resource for the general aviation community, offering a rustic and scenic flying destination thanks to significant volunteer efforts. It provides a unique backcountry experience for private pilots willing to adhere to specific operational guidelines and embrace a self-reliant approach.