Please read!
We’d like to emphasize that this is a TRUE BACKWOODS EXPERIENCE!
Exercise CAution!
Updated with shuttle provider contact info 9/20
New for 2023:
• Arrivals allowed during the 1st 15 mins of every hour Thursday and Friday.
•dedicated Shuttles from/TO Clarksville (H35)/Byrd’s
Shuttle from/to Clarksville Airport provided by C.C.: Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun. 45 mins one-way.
Call/Text: C.C. (559) 303-0907 to confirm. $20 suggested tip
Clarksville Airport —> Byrd’s
THUR: 9 AM, 12 PM, 4 PM
FRI: 9 AM, 12 PM, 4 PM
SAT: 9 AM only
Byrd’s —> Clarksville Airport
THUR: 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM
FRI: 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 5:30 PM
SAT: 5 PM only
SUN: 9 AM, 1130 AM
Byrd’s Adventure Center (51AR) Specs
Elevation: 800 msl
Runway orientation: 07/25 (River Runway)
Turf surface (uneven in places)
1,900ft long + 600’ Rough-Cut Extension on East Side (2,500’ total).
300’ Unobstructed Width.
1,000’ Unobstructed approach on the east side. Trees on the west side.
Unicom 122.9 • No tie-down fees
No Fuel • Fuel available nearby at Ozark (7M5) and Clarksville (H35) municipal airports
For additional information contact Zen Boulden at Byrd’s: (479) 667-4066 or (479) 667-4199
FLY AT YOUR OWN RISK
In accordance with the Arkansas Recreational Use Statute, no fees are associated with the use of this airstrip. Insurance is not provided by the landowner. The landowner is not responsible for accidents.
FLY LIGHT
Flying an airplane into Byrd’s comes with unique challenges not found at everyday airports. The combination of density altitude, mountain downdrafts, rough fields, tall obstacles, and heavy loads for camping require careful planning.
FLY SMART
Landing to the west and departing to the east of the River Runway (main runway) is recommended (conditions permitting). Watch for other aircraft in the vicinity. Remember that mountain weather can vary greatly from one valley to the next.
A Pilot flying into Byrd’s for the first time should absolutely have prior experience landing on unpaved runways, and current short/soft field proficiency.
If you have any doubt at all then please plan to use our official paved reliever airport of Clarksville (H35) with Shuttle Service Thur, Fri, Sun at 9am, 1pm, 5pm.
Specific Aircraft Recommendations:
Plan for an ample “horsepower reserve” for departure. Airplanes such as Stock 172s and Cherokee 140s are easily overloaded and we HIGHLY recommend a max load of only 2 occupants in these and similar aircraft.
Stock Cessna 152s, 150s, 140s, 120s, Luscombes, and such should be considered single occupant airplanes at Byrd’s.
fly-in procedures & schedule during the event
Byrd’s is challenging enough to land at, much less during a high aircraft volume event! Study and adhere to the Arrival Procedure.
Carry a copy of the Arrival Procedure with you when flying in.
Arrival Scheduling
Byrd’s (51AR) is a small area tucked into a river valley and arrivals must be scheduled around competitor qualifying, practice and competition flights.
Wednesday Sept. 27th: Aircraft will have airport advisories to assist with arrivals on 122.9
Thursday Sept. 28th:
Mandatory qualifying for competitors. Spectator / Vendor arrivals throughout the day between qualifying rounds. 2023 note: Arrivals allowed during first 15 minutes of every hour. (Ex: 10:00-10:15) 122.9
Friday Sept. 29th:
Competitor Course familiarization. Arrivals / Departures will be coordinated between Competitor Familiarization runs. 2023 note: Arrivals allowed during first 15 minutes of every hour. (Ex: 10:00-10:15) 122.9
Saturday Sept. 30th:
Ozark Backwoods Challenge Commences! Saturday, all Byrds (51AR) Landing Areas will be closed by NOTAM to Arrivals and Departures until the competition has ended.
If you are flying in to attend the competition on Saturday it is NECESSARY to arrive on Friday and stay overnight.
*Times may change based on weather and other factors. Updates will be made via 122.9 and social media.
Always be prepared to hold or divert
arrival procedure
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Monitor Byrd’s traffic on 122.9
Arrivals from the North, Northwest, West and Southwest should commence at the town of Cass, AR (36.69 N/93.82W) 4.4 NM to the West of Byrd’s (Identifier: 51AR).
Arrivals from the Northeast, East and Southeast should announce 5 nm out and enter the Holding Circuit at the Shark’s Tooth.
Enter and Fly the Holding Circuit at 2500’ MSL
Advise other traffic when approaching Cass or Shark’s Tooth to enter the Holding Circuit
Traffic departing Cass will stay on SOUTH side of river
Traffic entering Holding Circuit at Shark’s Tooth will stay NORTH of the river until turning SOUTH towards the Powerline Cut. Report leaving Bowden’s Hollow to Powerline Cut.
See and avoid other converging traffic
Transmit on 122.9 at the Powerline: “Byrd’s, [color and type of aircraft], state if competitor, camper, or vendor, Powerline to land, Byrd’s.” Advise if you are a “Flight” of multiple aircraft closely spaced.
ArkanSTOL staff will transmit advisories with a “airfield is open” or “enter holding circuit” due to aircraft utilizing the course or hazards.
Upon hearing, “<Your aircraft> airfield is open”, begin your descent on the downwind leg. Once in the downwind leg you may be asked to extend downwind. If your downwind is extended, watch for other aircraft turning base.
Land On the line located where runway 25 widens. This gives 1900’ of landing/rollout space.
GO-AROUNDS SHOULD BE MADE EARLY! If you think you are too high then you are.
Announce your go-around, climb to and maintain 1500’ MSL.
Fly with the River directly below your aircraft until past Herrod’s Creek then stay in the river valley West-bound to Cass.
Pass the Powerline and then climb to 2500’. Re-establish arrival starting at Cass, or depart from Cass to alternate airport (Clarksville H35 preferred with Shuttle Available)
Upon landing, non-competitors will exit the runway to the right (North) to transient parking/camping.
Marshallers will direct you to parking.
Post Arrival Check-in
After landing on the River Strip (Main Runway, 1900’), taxi to parking in the Spectator Aircraft Parking & Camping on the North Side of the River Strip. There will be wing walkers available to help guide you to your parking spot and direct you to the check-in station to pick up your registration packet.
Same process if you are arriving without being pre-registered.
Pre-registration closes 9/22 5pm CDT. On-site registration still available 10 am 9/27
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nearby paved airport options
clarksville h35
designated alternate Southeast of Byrd’s
Clarksville Municipal Airport - 3mi East of Clarksville, AR. 24hr self-service Jet A & 100LL with card • 20min to Byrd’s by air • 50min drive to Byrd’s by car
The City of Clarksville runs a small FBO with restrooms and a pilot lounge. Paradise Valley Aviation: On-Field aircraft repair & maintenance shop
Check Turo.com or Enterprise Car Rental Clarksville (479-968-2779) for rental cars available in Clarksville
NOTE: THE ROAD TRIP BETWEEN BYRD’S AND CLARKSVILLE IS BEAUTIFUL BUT EXTREMELY WINDING & REQUIRES ATTENTION AND PLENTY OF TIME
Tent Camping is allowed at Clarksville airport on East or West end of parking apron, look for signs.
NEW for 2023!!! Clarksville (H35) will have dedicated Shuttles running to/from Byrd’s!
Shuttle from/to Clarksville Airport provided by C.C.: Thurs, Fri, Sat, Sun. 45 mins one-way.
Call/Text: C.C. (559) 303-0907 to confirm. $20 suggested tip
Clarksville Airport —> Byrd’s
THUR: 9 AM, 12 PM, 4 PM
FRI: 9 AM, 12 PM, 4 PM
SAT: 9 AM only
Byrd’s —> Clarksville Airport
THUR: 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM
FRI: 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 5:30 PM
SAT: 5 PM only
SUN: 9 AM, 1130 AM
Fayetteville KFYV
designated alternate NorthWest of Byrd’s
Fayetteville Municipal Airport - South of Fayetteville, AR. • 100LL on the East side of the field or FBO on West side 6am-10pm • 29mi North of Byrd’s by air • 1hr10min drive to Byrd’s by car. FBO: City of Fayetteville (479) 443-4343 • www.airnav.com/airport/KFYV • Courtesy Cars / Vans, Rental Cars, Numerous Lodging Options
NEW for 2023!!! FYV will have a designated grass landing area, camping area with bathroom and water, rental cars on-site & Full-Service at Self-Serve pricing all for the convenience of Arkanstol attendees.
Springdale KASG
Springdale Municipal Airport – East of Springdale, Ar. • Full Service FBO 24 Hour Self Service • 100LL South of Terminal • FBO located on the West side of the Airport • Hours of operation M – F: 6am – 9pm, Sat – Sun: 7am – 7pm • 42 NM North Northeast of Byrd’s • 1 ½ hours’ drive to Byrd’s. • FBO: Summit Aviation 479-751-4462 • airnav.com/airport/KASG • Multiple Hotel options close by • Rental cars available by reservation.
Full-Service at Self-Serve pricing for ArkanSTOL attendees with proof of Registration.