One of the most scenic airstrips in the west, Las Trancas, 17CL lies alongside the Pacific Coast just north of Davenport, CA. It was developed by redwood mill owners Bud and Lud McCrary. Thanks to the family’s wishes to keep the airstrip active after Bud’s passing, and a generous RAF grant and volunteer help, the 800-foot strip was widened, graded, and stabilized. The RAF also provided a portable toilet, picnic table and gas grill.
GUESTS GATHER TO ENJOY CALIFORNIA’S LAS TRANCAS
Las Trancas lies immediately above the coast and a gentle path connects the airstrip to the beach and tide pools below. “The owners have authorized airplane-only camping, as long as tents are not visible from the highway,” RAF California Ambassador Jeremy Lezin said, adding, “As far as I know this is the
only airstrip on the west coast that provides an ocean view from your tent!”
On Sunday, February 6, Lezin organized and hosted an impromptu barbecue along with RAF supporter Barry Porter and his wife Phyllis. In all, 11 airplanes and more than two dozen people came from a wide area to enjoy beautiful 70 degree weather and blue skies, including RAF Director Tim Riley and his wife Janette from Idaho.
With cliffs on three sides, westerly breezes can cause low level turbulence and wind shear on short approach. Pilots must read and acknowledge the Las Trancas safety briefing.
“If you fly in, please fill out the pilot logbook on the wall and if you aren’t an RAF supporter already, join up!” Lezin added.
See the
Airfield Guide
https://airfield.guide.theraf.org/map/airfield-details/510adcd9-8953-41cc-a10e-f163341a0d7e/overview?searchQuery=Las+Trancas for information and the required Las Trancas safety briefing.
Submitted on February 14, 2022.
Posted in News
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Steve Jones was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio just an hour from the birthplace of aviation. He fell in love with airplanes at an early age and has been flying ever since. That passion grew exponentially when he landed off-airport in a tailwheel airplane for the first time and discovered the world of backcountry aviation. He first encountered the RAF while attending a “Peaks to Pavement” seminar in 2019, where he met Ohio State Liaison Christine Mortine. Since that time he has enjoyed supporting the RAF including getting his hands dirty helping with campsite improvements at Noble County Airport. He has also supported technology projects for the HQ team and RAF volunteers. As a State Liaison for Ohio he will be focused on initiating new grant projects, adding more recreational airports in Ohio to the RAF Airfield Guide, and increasing RAF engagement and collaboration. Steve is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a BA in Aviation Management and is a loyal Ohio State Buckeyes football fan. He works in Flight Operations for a large private aviation company where he has worked for the past twenty years. He resides in Pickerington, Ohio with his wife Kasey who is also an aviation enthusiast. Steve can be reached at sjones@theraf.org (614) 353-8895
Joining RAF Ohio Liaison Christine Mortine is Steve Jones, who is stepping into a Liaison role from having volunteered on RAF technology projects. Raised in Columbus, Ohio just an hour from the birthplace of aviation, Steve fell in love with airplanes at an early age. That passion grew exponentially when he discovered the world of backcountry aviation. He first encountered the RAF while attending a “Peaks to Pavement” seminar in 2019, where he met Christine. Since then, he has enjoyed supporting the RAF by helping on campsite improvements at Noble County Airport. As a new Ohio Liaison, he will focus on initiating new grant projects, adding more recreational airports in Ohio to the RAF Airfield Guide, and increasing RAF engagement and collaboration. Steve is a graduate of Ohio State University with a BA in Aviation Management and is a loyal Ohio State Buckeyes football fan. For the last twenty years, he has worked in Flight Operations for a large private aviation company. He resides in Pickerington, Ohio with his wife Kasey who is also an aviation enthusiast. Steve can be reached at sjones@theraf.org
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