ST. IGNATIUS PAVILION READY FOR USE
RAF Supporter Mike Kuefler reports that the new Pavilion at the St. Ignatius Airport is ready for use. Funded in great part by an RAF grant secured by RAF Montana Liaison Scott Newpower, the total cost of the 16 x 24-ft structure, including its central fire ring was $12,764. “It’s a flagship model timber frame economy pavilion,” Kuefler said. “And this design could be used elsewhere.” Local contractor Sam Cates Construction provided the equivalent of $3,000 in labor and equipment; and Bailey’s Dirt Works did the excavating and provided labor and material to anchor the posts.
St. Ignatius is not an FAA-designated field. The community wholeheartedly supports its airport, and volunteers stage an annual pancake breakfast that typically hosts over 500 folks. $500 in profits from that Mission Airport fund were provided for the project, another $500 from the sale of Ben Ryan’s Fisher Classic bi-plane; and Kuefler and Airport Manager Rick Newman rounded up $500 from both Montana Pilots Association and Brett Thoft Memorial Foundation toward the project.
The structure is based on the design used at the West Yellowstone airport campground, and is located near the existing pilot lobby, outhouse, and water hydrant. Tie-downs near the pavilion accommodate underwing camping. Stutzman’s Country Market is just over the airport fence. The paved airport has fuel and a courtesy car, making it a convenient staging point to explore Montana’s Bob Marshall Wilderness, and Idaho’s Frank Church and Selway Wilderness.
“This airport is great for people who prefer pavement but want to be near mountains to get the flavor and feel of the backcountry,” Newpower said.
For information on St. Ignatius, 52S, see the Airfield Guide.
Submitted September 30, 2024
By Carmine Mowbray
Mike Kuefler is a get ‘er done guy. He and manager Rick Newman have proven to their community the value of this airport. To pilots, it’s a gem in a beautiful setting.
Our flying group, Pat Fagan, Kevin Deutscher, and me, Scott Williamson stopped by in our Bearhawks on our way to Ryan Field from Arizona last week and had the honor of having the first fire at the new St. Ignatius fire ring. Several of the airport fathers stopped by with local history, etc.. This is a great stop with the courtesy car, Old Timers Cafe and great milkshakes at the malt shoppe. WAY TO GO RAF!