Airplane Camping – what is that?
Three local flyers went camping recently – with their aircraft.
September 9, 2023 – Geoff Hancock, Jim Davies, and Larry Bingham flew from YVG to the Red Deer Forestry Airstrip (CFR7) west of Sundre, Alberta.
After a flight of two hours and twenty minutes, followed by an approach to the airstrip over the foothills, and a ridge at 6,500 feet elevation, the three aircraft landed on a smooth grass airstrip.
Tents were set up under the wings of aircraft
A sunny afternoon hike along the scenic Red Deer River.
Late in the afternoon two other aircraft arrived for the night, as well as a camper van.
Gourmet Dining
The evening meal around the campfire included an appetizer of sushi followed by hot dogs with all of the required trimmings.
Weather
The sky remained perfectly clear as darkness arrived and the stars started to appear. The elevation of 4,646 feet above sea level (ASL), coupled with the clear mountain air made for a spectacular viewing of the night sky.
During the night the temperature dropped to -4°C (24°F).
The next morning three campers emerged from their tents to find the aircraft and tents covered with a solid coat of frost.
However no serious complaints were heard as everyone insisted that they had a great sleep.
A leisurely breakfast around the camp fire and a visit with other campers allowed time for the rising sun to melt the frost on the wings and the tents.
Heading Home
The flyers departed for Sundre airport (CFN7) where they fuelled up before the flight back to Vermilion.
All three travellers agreed that this trip to Red Deer Forestry Airstrip was a great experience, and they will make the trip again next year.
A note about the Red Deer Forestry Airstrip
CFR7 was established by the Alberta Government many decades ago.
It was a primary base used by Alberta Forestry for water bombers and associated fire suppression activities. It is situated in a wide valley on the Red Deer River outside of the Banff National Park southeast boundary.
The airstrip is not far from the Ya Ha Tinda Ranch, which is owned and operated by Parks Canada.
The original gravel runway was well in excess of 3,000 feet in length but a flood in 2013 caused the loss of several hundred feet at the west end of the runway. The runway has been seeded to grass and is currently 2,860 feet long by 100 feet wide.
After Alberta Forestry ceased using the airstrip as a fire base a number of years ago the Sundre Flying Club (web page) (Facebook) looked after it until it became too much of a burden for the volunteer resources and funds available.
At that time Glen “Bruno” Bradley took on the task of saving and improving the airstrip. Bruno has spent countless hours cleaning up the old base area, seeding the gravel airstrip to grass, mowing grass, and snow clearing in the winter.
With the help of volunteers a small emergency shelter cabin was built, and the perimeter of the airstrip has been fenced to keep the local herd of wild horses out of the landing and camping area.
Thanks to Bruno’s passion and work, and many volunteers, the Red Deer Forestry Airstrip is now truly a preferred destination for flyers who appreciate the natural beauty of the foothills area.
Fly YVG 
Leave a comment