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Pilots Warned Of Rumpled Condition Of Death Valley Runway

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Published Date

January 9, 2020
Poor runway condition has Park Service warning pilots to avoid the Furnace Creek Airport at Death Valley National Park/NPS

Poor runway condition has Park Service warning pilots to avoid the Furnace Creek Airport at Death Valley National Park/NPS

"Salt heaves" and natural ground movements have left the runway at the Furnace Creek Airport in Death Valley National Park in poor condition, according to the National Park Service, which suggests pilots heading to the park use the Stovepipe Wells Airport a bit to the north. 

For those determined to use the Furnace Creek runway, the park staff warns that pilots need to be careful when landing or taking off there due to numerous cracks and bumps in the runway. Repairs, estimated at about $3 million, are not likely to happen soon.

Furnace Creek Airport is located at 210 feet below sea level in Death Valley National Park. The runway pavement is very close to the water table. Ground movement and salt heaving, similar to frost heaving in cold environments, have caused damage to the runway, the park reports. 

The airport remains open, but pilots have been warned about the poor condition of the runway by a Notice to Airmen advisory through the Federal Aviation Administration. Stovepipe Wells Airport is in better condition and is an alternative for pilots flying into the park.

The National Park Service does not have a timeline for full repairs, which would include subsurface work, moisture barriers, and repaving.

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Comments

Submitted by Joe Smithly on January 14, 2020 - 7:30am.

Trom what I hear, the Superintendant is not interested in repairs and is hoping to close the runway in the long run.  Typiical NPS BS


Submitted by Ranger1 on January 14, 2020 - 3:30pm.

As $3 million would be almost 1/3 or Death Valley's yearly operating budget-I suspect that there are higher priorities than fixing this runway and that it won't be fixed until an outside fujnding souce is found-


Submitted by Joe S. on January 14, 2020 - 6:15pm.

The NPS has neglected the maintenance for years even though they are the biggest user of the with their plane. There are quite a few wasteful projects the NPS can deter monies from in their budget to make the repairs. I predict this will become a big issue for park management and perhaps some will be disciplined or forced into much needed retirement.   I also here a congressional inqu is in the making. Wealthy folks with aircraft normally get a audience when the want. 


Submitted by Anonymous on January 15, 2020 - 10:46am.

The NPS no longer has an aircraft stationed in Death Valley National Park and hasn't for years. 


Submitted by Alex R on February 10, 2021 - 6:44pm.

NPS had helicopter in Death valley 2 years ago.

 


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