Airparks

Torchport Airpark

by Engineer Designer on February 26, 2014

Located in North West Michigan, Torchport Airpark is a northern climate community located in one of the most beautiful regions of Michigan. It is tucked between Torch Lake and Lake Michigan and surrounded by hundreds of acres of beautiful forests. touchport (3) It is near Charlevoix and Traverse City on US 31. It is near clean lakes, at least four golf courses, excellent health facilities, sandy beaches of Lake Michigan, boat launch sites for those who love to float as much they do aviation, and, of course, near many areas rich in northern sports such as cross country skiing, snowboarding in overland hiking with snowshoes. touchport (2) The ownership has been set up in such a way that if you live and own a site in the area you will never lose the right to use and manage the runway. This is an important feature to consider with any airpark in that some are using a barrowed runway with rights that can be gone with the wind. Not so at Touchport. touchport (1) Typical homesites run 1 acre. Homes can be either attached or detached from the hangar. Homes must have a minimum of at least 1400 ft.² on the main floor, exclusive of decks, porches, garages and hangars. Garages must be built and have a minimum of 576 ft.². Buildings which are built as separate structures must conform with each other in terms of quality and materials. Such restrictions are important to maintain a minimum standard of quality and folks never regret living in the community with standards such as these. All utilities are underground. Wells and septic tanks need to be placed on each site for each project. There are two runways, one 9/27 and the other 4/22. 9/27 is 3300 feet long by 100 feet wide and 4/22 is 2600 feet long by 100 feet wide. The CTAF is 122.9. touchport (4) If you love the north, there is no better place than northern Michigan. Click here to learn more.

Jumbolair

by Engineer Designer on February 26, 2014

Jumbolair is a private use, gated community in central Florida which stands as one of the most upscale neighborhoods of its type in United States. Before I knew anything about it I used to notice on my cross-country flights north from Tampa that there was this massive airport runway out in the middle of nowhere. When one flies over it one is struck by the sheer size of the runway, both length and width. The runway is 7550 feet long by 210 feet wide - I can practically land my airplane on it crosswise. There is a second runway which is grass which is 3640 feet long by 100 feet wide though it is easily lost by its dominating brother. This runway can easily accommodate large jets and several of the folks living in jumble air do, indeed, fly jets. jombolair (3) The property was developed by Arthur Jones who was the inventor of the Nautilus. It is currently managed by Terri Jones. There are a wide variety of homes in this community most of which have values over million dollars. Most are exquisite estate type homes safely nestled behind a breathtaking and guarded gate. Jumbolair also offers a 9000 ft.² banquet hall which can comfortably seat several hundred people. It’s a great place for social functions such as weddings and corporate events. This community truly sets the “gold standard” for residential aviation communities. It’s location in central Florida is one of the greatest places in the country to fly. Jumbolair is surrounded by a multitude of other much smaller fly-in communities in Marion County and throughout the entire state of Florida. Marion County is unique in its rolling hills and majestic oak trees; somewhat different than we see in most areas of Florida. jombolair (1) I personally moved to Marion County myself nine years ago because of the beautiful countryside and topography. I don’t live in Jumbolair; I'm about 18 miles south east of it, but I am able to partake in the richness of the area. Phase 2 homesites are now available numbering about 20 ranging in size from a bit over 2 acres to a bit over 4 acres each. The covenants are designed to protect the nature of the property. Homes can have a minimum of 3800 ft.² of air conditioned space exclusive of a garages, hangars and porches. Two-story residences must have at least 4500 ft.² to help keep the footprint to a feasible size. Due to the wide variety of architectural styles presented, each design is considered on an individual basis by the Architectural review committee for approval. No roofs may have asphalt shingles: tile, slate and wood-type roofs are the acceptable finishes. If considering purchasing in this community make certain that you study the covenants carefully as they will become part of the purchase of the property. Due to its superlative architecture and many recognizable names who live there, Jumbolair has been featured in many prominent magazines including Architectural Digest, Pilot Magazine, Private Pilot and others. jombolair (2) If you’re looking to live in central Florida, experience year-round flying conditions that exceed most other places in the United States, enjoy a nearby charming town of Ocala, and experience one of the finest flying communities in the United States, you are encouraged to check out Jumbolair.  Click here to learn more.

Heaven’s Landing – Fly In Perfection!

by KenRisley on February 15, 2014

 Aerial Fall Splendor

Aerial fall splendor at Heaven’s Landing

If you like the Mountains in northeast Georgia and are an aviation enthusiast, possibly one of the best marriages of those two inclinations is found at Heavens Landing.  Located just 3.5 miles northwest of the city of Clayton, Georgia, this “Heavenly” fly in community is considered by many to be one of the most unique and beautiful mountain estate airparks in the world.  Through all phases, Heaven’s Landing will consist of 400 plus estate sized lots averaging 1.5 acres in size.  Taxiway lots are readily available, as are beautiful mountain vista lots that can be paired with a private hangar on the airfield.   This gated community consists of 635 total acres that are surrounded by U.S. National Forest Land, yet conveniently located just a 7 minute drive from downtown Clayton Georgia.  There one can find all of the conveniences of big city living without the crime, traffic or hassles that are associated with metropolitan living.  The City of Clayton boasts great shopping, numerous elegant  restaurants, and abundant recreational opportunities.

Country Musics Alan

Country Music’s Alan Jackson, an owner at Heaven’s Landing departs  in his Falcon 50

The paved concrete runway at Heaven’s Landing is 5069 feet long and will accommodate any aircraft from light sports to corporate jets.  The runway also has pilot controlled lighting and a private GPS approach to runway 23.

plat of heavens

Plat of Heaven’s Landing

Owners at Heaven’s Landing have the option of purchasing property along the taxiway and building a traditional hangar home, or they can purchase on higher ground with a mountain vista and pair it with a privately owned hangar unit centrally located in a field side condominium hangar complex.  

unique two story

Unique Two Storied Hangars at Heaven’s Landing

To maintain community standards there are strict architectural guidelines to assure that the elegance of the community is maintained.  All designs must be reviewed and approved prior to construction. The minimum size of the heated area must be at least is 2000 Sq. Ft., exclusive of porches, garages and hangars.  The first floor must be at least 1500 Sq. Ft. which will assure an aesthetic balance.  Exterior finishes are specified and any wood trim materials must be painted and not allowed to whether.  Roofing must consist of either architectural shingles, metal, concrete tiles or slate.  Consistency of detailing on all elevations is required.  Windows require shutters or colonial styled grids, and should be wood.  Vinyl or aluminum clad windows will be considered as long as they have the outward appearance that looks similar to wood.

perect combination

The perfect combination of architecture and aviation!

Covenants such as these can seem daunting at first, but when one creates a setting as grand as this, it is in the collective best interest of all concerned that high quality standards be maintained.  Once you are living in Heaven’s Landing, one rarely regrets the decision.  Architectural guidelines and Restrictive Covenants insure that quality and value will never waiver.

Community Clubhouse

The Community Clubhouse at Heaven’s Landing

Heavens Landing also has a community clubhouse. The facility consists of three stories and 13,000 Sq. Ft. that contain a private lounge, dining room and fitness center with indoor racquet ball, steam and sauna.  A large swimming pool and Jacuzzi are planned which will overlook the runway.  The clubhouse is available to all of its owners on a daily basis for no additional fee.  There are also hundreds of miles of trails on the surrounding Chattahoochee National Forest for hiking, horseback riding, four wheeling and cycling.  

Whitewater

Whitewater Rafting on the Chattooga River (6 miles SE of Heaven’s Landing)

trail riding

Trail Riding in the Chattahoochee National Forest surrounding Heaven’s Landing

watersports

Water Sports on nearby Lake Burton (3.5 miles SW of Heaven’s Landing)

From my perspective, Heaven’s Landing is one of the most beautiful fly-in communities in the country.  It is centrally located in an area that I personally would love to live in.  The year round climate is very mild, with just a touch of all four seasons.  Located right across the border from both North and South Carolina, Heaven’s Landing resides at an elevation ranging from 2,700 to 3,200 feet MSL, making it  high enough to be cool in the summer, yet far enough south so as not to be too cold in the winter.  Heaven’s Landing is also very close to Black Rock Mountain, Lake Burton, and the Chattooga River which are all highly desirable recreational options.  I have personally  hiked throughout the area many times, and absolutely love it!

locator

My key point here is this:  The developers of Heaven’s Landing have gone over the top with the construction of their facilities, to create a world class fly-in community.  There truly is nothing else like it!  They have done so in an area that is already amazingly beautiful in and of itself.  The community clubhouse, the excellent runway, the unique two storied hangars, the architectural guidelines, and the obvious sense of community which can be easily observed in the monthly newsletter, are all just a bonus to an already gorgeous area.  Aviation communities offer a life style and camaraderie that is difficult to find anywhere else.  Heaven’s Landing is the perfect marriage of a beautiful setting and that magical environment created only in an aviation community.  It is that common interest in flying that ties all souls together, and I know of no better place than this. If you love the Eastern Mountains of the United States, I strongly suggest that you take a look at the Heaven’s Landing website at www.HeavensLanding.com.  I promise that you won’t be disappointed!