FEATURED AIRSTRIP: ARCADIA
Each month we highlight an airstrip where the RAF has had involvement. We hope that you will get out and enjoy these airstrips. This month’s Featured Airstrip is Arcadia Airport, (X06) in Florida.
Arcadia is a great example of cooperation between the RAF, local pilot volunteers, city officials, and local businesspersons. In 2012, a group concerned that the airport was underutilized formed “Friends of Arcadia Airport” or FOAA. They decided a new campground would attract fly-in visitors, but at first, the City opposed the idea. FOAA turned to the RAF for help organizing a fly-in. FOAA decided to host the event during Arcadia’s annual Rodeo Weekend. Following the event, pilots wrote letters to the local newspaper and city council describing how much they enjoyed Arcadia and its shops and restaurants. The city council was moved to cooperate.
Over the next five years, FOAA raised funds and volunteer labor to build a pavilion, campgrounds, and a fire hub area. After a major fundraising effort, including a $5,000 RAF grant, a shower house was completed and dedicated.
Arcadia received Florida Department of Transportation’s 2020 General Aviation Airport of the Year Award.
For more information about Arcadia on the Airfield Guide, click here.
I love flying into Arcadia. Great fuel prices and very friendly people.nice manager too
Arcadia Airport is for sure a great example of how a local group can have a huge impact on a small GA airport. Once forgotten but after the group formed began to flourish as pancake breakfasts began to draw crouds attracting the attention of the RAF. When the RAF held a weekend fly in for airplane camping Friends of Arcadia Airport realized that this activity could be the savig grace for the airport. They began developing a plan to build an on airport campground which took off like a rocket once built. That was followed by a brand new restroom/shower facility to support the campground, all with grants and donations to the Friends group. The airport is now “on the map” and thriving.
Thank you so much for the feature. My home field is 36nm south of X06. I visit Arcadia quite often. I would add that X06 has an excellent 2400 foot turf runway that is very well maintained and is very much appreciated when the paved runway is experiencing a strong crosswind.
Charles Black, thank you for always supporting our airport and it’s always a pleasure when you visit…
We are really excited about the new Logo’s!
Check out this story about Arcadia!
https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2018/april/03/airport-camping-riverboat-cruising