Custer State Park Airport (3V0) is a small airport located in Fairburn, South Dakota, within the picturesque Custer State Park. This airport has played a role in the park’s operations and recreational activities, but its future has recently been the subject of discussion and decision-making by the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks (GFP) Commission.
Current Status of Custer State Park Airport
The Custer State Park Airport is currently closed. The GFP Commission voted to let the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license for the airport lapse, effective December 31, 2023. This decision was made after careful consideration of the airport’s usage and the costs associated with its maintenance and upgrades.
Reasons for the Closure of Custer State Park Airport
The primary reason for the closure of the Custer State Park Airport is the high cost of repairs and upgrades required to keep the facility operational. The immediate costs to repair or update the airport were estimated at $250,000, and a complete rebuild of the runway within the next seven to 10 years would have cost an additional $2 to $3 million.
Another factor contributing to the closure decision was the declining use of the airport. The state planes no longer utilized the facility, and South Dakota Wildland Fire also ceased using it for fire suppression activities. Public use of the airport was relatively low, with an estimated average of 50-75 recreational pilots using it annually.
Potential Uses of Custer State Park Airport
The Custer State Park Airport could have been used for medical airlift or training purposes, but these options were not pursued due to the high maintenance costs and low usage of the facility. The GFP Commission determined that the costs of keeping the airport operational outweighed the potential benefits of these alternative uses.
Airport Details
Here are the key details about the Custer State Park Airport:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | 6 miles northwest of Fairburn, South Dakota |
| Elevation | 3,980 feet (1,213.1 meters) |
| Runway | 15/33 (now being removed) |
| Time Zone | UTC -6 (UTC -7 during Standard Time) |
| Airport Services | None currently available due to closure |
Future Plans for the Custer State Park Airport Site
The state is currently working to remove the asphalt runway at the Custer State Park Airport site. The goal is to reseeding the area with native grasses in June and then opening the area up for public use. The cost and process of removing the runway will be a key factor in determining the future plans for the site.
Conclusion
The closure of the Custer State Park Airport is a decision made by the South Dakota GFP Commission after carefully considering the costs and usage of the facility. While the airport could have been used for medical airlift or training, the high maintenance costs and low usage made it difficult to justify keeping the airport operational. The state is now focused on removing the runway and restoring the area to its natural state, opening up new opportunities for visitors to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Custer State Park.
References
- https://www.aopa.org/destinations/airports/3V0
- https://myblackhillscountry.com/content/state-shuts-down-csp%E2%80%88airport
- https://www.airnav.com/airport/3V0