Lars DeJounge has been working to save an airfield. He walks the runway every day trying to keep joggers, dogs, and horses from slowly laying claim to the Carmel Valley Vintage Airfield. Rocks are part of his beat too, for DeJounge, who learned to fly in Sweden 53 years ago, knows what a rock can do to the wooden propeller on his Klemm 35.
The runway is a little rough, but DeJounge keeps it serviceable because he wants airplanes to fly into Carmel Valley. Keeping this airfield from becoming a housing or shopping development is so important to DeJounge that he and other area citizens have joined together to form the Carmel Valley Historic Airpark Society (CVHAS) in an attempt to keep their local airfield from being legislated out of existence.
The Carmel Valley airfield is believed to be the oldest residential airpark in the country. The airpark was opened on Sunday morning, December 7, 1941. A few hours later and 2,000 miles to the west, the Japanese Navy bombed the U.S. 7th Fleet in Pearl Harbor. Within a few days, a state of war existed between the U.S. and Japan. The airpark idea languished until after the war, when brothers Byington and Tirey Ford sold lots along the edges of the airport to pilots and nonpilots alike.
Recently the county Board of Supervisors has been trying to change the zoning so the airfield could be shut down and the land converted to other uses. The family that has owned the land since 1949 would like to sell the 30-acre parcel of land the airport sits on. The CVHAS has successfully slowed the county in its efforts to close the airfield by going to the state Office of Historic Preservation and obtaining a ruling that the airpark is eligible for listing as a historic site. The owners haven't applied for official state historical recognition of the airpark, citing concerns about limiting the marketability of the land once the airpark gains official recognition as a state historical site.
The CVHAS says recognition as a historical site will make state money available for improvements and garner other benefits for the airpark. Details and a timeline of events are available on the Web at www.vintageairfield.com.
Flying in
Pilots would have to go a long way to find a more appealing fly-in destination. Unfortunately, there's a possibility that the supporters of this airfield may not be able gather enough resources to continue to stave off the county—so if you would like to visit an old-time airfield within walking distance of a small town that is comfortably capable of feeding, caring for, and entertaining its visitors, you should go sooner rather than later.
Located seven miles southeast of the Monterey Peninsula airport, Carmel Valley is a sweet, peaceful place. The village of Carmel Valley lies parallel to the runway. There are 15 restaurants, and a variety of wine tasting rooms, antique shops, and art galleries within easy walking distance. Nearby are four golf courses, a couple of tennis schools, and a ranch that offers horseback riding lessons and local horseback rides. The ridges of the rounded mountains to the south are part of the 5,000-acre Garland Ranch Park, a natural place where walkers and hikers can venture out along well-marked trails. This beautiful valley is also home to some of the most luxurious destination resorts in California. The Quail Lodge, The Carmel Valley Ranch, Bernardus Lodge, and Stonepine Estate Resort all pamper their guests. California pilots desiring to celebrate a special event or treat themselves to the finest amenities and care should consider visiting one of these spots. Others who seek only a comfortable room will find reasonable accommodations near the airport. The Blue Sky Lodge, Acacia Lodge, the Carmel Valley Lodge, and Hidden Valley Inn all are located close by.
Be a good neighbor
Good-neighbor flying practices are very important for pilots visiting Carmel Valley Vintage Airfield. No touch and goes are allowed, and all traffic patterns are flown to the south at 1,500 feet msl over the wooded hills of Garland Ranch Park. Since the airfield is so close to town, pilots must be extra vigilant by watching for people, dogs, and horses on the runway. Be prepared to go around if there's any doubt about the runway being clear.
Morning winds generally flow down the valley and favor Runway 11. After mid-morning, the winds usually turn around and Runway 29 is preferred. The windsock is midway down the strip on the north side. There are tiedowns on either side of the runway at the east end of the airfield. It does get windy, so use the chains provided. Daily landing/ overnight fees are $10. This is a privately owned airfield that has been open to the public since just after World War II.
When departing, pilots should turn 20 degrees to the south; this would be a left turn when taking off on 29 and a right turn when taking off from 11. If you have a noisy airplane, please reduce power as soon as it is safe.
The Carmel River weaves down the valley, flashing reflected sunbeams at pilots as they maneuver in the pattern for landing. The runway is a little more than 2,000 feet long, with the middle 1,820 feet being paved. Hard-packed, grass-covered overruns extend out from the runway centerline at each end of the runway and are safe to use for landings or to extend the runway for takeoffs. The field elevation is 450 feet msl. There is no lighting and the airfield is closed from sunset to sunrise.
Approaches
The airfield and town are situated between the Santa Lucia Mountains to the west and the Santa de Salinas Mountains to the east. Those choosing to approach over the mountains from the south or east will have to maintain at least 4,500 feet msl to clear the highest peaks. Pilots who haven't been to the airfield before, or prefer lower ground below them, can approach from the Salinas VOR, which is 12 miles away. The Carmel Valley airport lies under the Monterey Class C airspace. Contact Monterey approach on 133.0 MHz when 20 miles out for radar services.
Transportation
There is a bus to Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey that stops at the Carmel Valley post office every hour. The post office is located outside the southeast corner of the airfield property. Or perhaps you'd like to travel by limo—no problem, call Your Maitre d' at 831/624-1717 to arrange for pickup at the airfield. There are no rental cars in the area. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Carmel Valley Chamber of Commerce at 888/659-8415 or 831/659-4000; or by visiting the Web site ( www.carmelvalleycalifornia.com).
To visit unique towns like Carmel Valley, and all it has to offer its fly-in visitors, is surely one of the benefits of being a pilot. All that Carmel Valley Airfield really needs to keep hosting fly-in visitors for many years to come is a new airplane-friendly owner. If this doesn't happen, all that may be left for those fortunate enough to have flown to Carmel Valley Vintage Airfield will be memories.
Links to additional information about Carmel Valley airport may be found on AOPA Online ( www.aopa.org/pilot/links/2001/links0101.shtml). E-mail the author at [email protected].
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