50-year-old airport has grass runway, 25 planes and 60 pilots
Hidden down River Road in the community of Ama is a small private airstrip and hangar that a lot of people in St. Charles do not realize exists.
The little-known airport marked its 50th anniversary this month with a celebration at the facility for family and friends in the community. Over the years, the airport has served as a getaway spot for local aviation enthusiasts and as an emergency fly-in center during hurricane aftermath.
The airport was created by the St. Charles Aviation Club in 1961.
St. Charles native Tab Troxler owns a small plane at the airport and has been a member of the aviation club since 2004.
“Airports all across the country are dying off – particularly small airports,” Troxler said. “Aviation, like the rest of the economy, has really taken a pretty strong dip.
“There are really not that many aviation clubs anymore; the one we’ve got right here is very, very unique. I don’t know of any other club like ours in the state.”
There are about 25 airplanes in the St. Charles Airport hangars and always a few pilots around.
Most of the planes are more than 25 years old and are considered antiques – Troxler’s is 41 years old.
“We buy these old airplanes and put a lot of time, effort and money into them, and we fly and enjoy ourselves,” Troxler said.
The airport also has a grass airstrip – a rare sight for pilots that causes less wear and tear on plane tires and breaks.
“People don’t realize there is a 3,800-foot grass runway that also has lights there,” Troxler said. “You don’t see very many grass airstrips anymore.
“This really is a piece of our parish history, kind of unique and nostalgic.”
The airport property used to be Alice Plantation before it was converted to an airfield.
“There were several individuals that got together and were looking for a private airport close to that particular area,” said Nick Shultz, who has been a club member since the 1970s and currently serves as vice president. “They got together and leased the land and that was actually the beginning of the airport.”
Founding member Scott Smith said that the group chose to build an airport in St. Charles Parish because of the community support and the bad politics in other parishes. In fact, he enjoyed the area so much after the airport was built that he relocated to St. Charles.
Today the club boasts about 60 members.
“You don’t have to be a pilot or airplane owner to be in the club,” Troxler said. Dues are $25 and membership is open to anyone who has an avid interest in aviation. The club holds social activities throughout the year as well as trips to military air museums and airports.
“Even if you don’t have a plane, you can join in and catch a ride with somebody,” Troxler said.
The airport gets support from the New Orleans International Airport traffic controllers and club members have even been on a trip to the facility to see the controls first-hand.
During Katrina, several different pilots landed at the St. Charles Airport with supplies for family members and the community. Troxler said the facility is a great resource for the community and that the pilots there are always willing to help their neighbors.
The club meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. at the St. Charles airport. Troxler said those interested in joining are welcome to attend.
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