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The restaurant has continually expanded since opening in 2010, and now features a huge outdoor patio area just feet from the ramp and runway where diners and onlookers often experience an impromptu “air show.” During scheduled special events, like the annual Fly-In and Car Show, the patio doubles as a concert venue; the adjacent ramp filled with vintage air- craft and classic cars. These events attract hundreds of local residents from the surrounding areas – a bonus that contributes to awareness of the joy behind private aviation.
On the south end of the runway (which is lighted and offers a GPS approach), luxurious hangar homes can be found in the gated Stearman Estates. Lots vary from one to two acres, with all properties having runway access. In addition to these homes, on the opposite side of the runway, there are numerous “han- gar condos” perfect for those who wish to have living quarters alongside their airplane, but less property maintenance.
For those requiring only hangar space, there are also dozens of hangars lining the runway, often with doors open and neighbors socializing among their aircraft.
“The passion that this community has for aviation is evident and contagious,” said Dwayne Clemens, owner of Stearman Field. “It’s fun to see that passion shared with those who visit for a meal or a f ly-in. They can view aviation in a much closer capac- ity than other airports. Kids are especially enthralled by the planes taking off and landing, just feet away.”
For more information, visit www.stearmanestates.com. Heaven’s Landing (GE99): Clayton, GA
Situated in Rabun County, Georgia “where spring spends the summer,” Heaven’s Landing is a 635-acre airpark surrounded by sweeping, mountainous national forest. While a relatively new development (circa 2001), the community has quickly become a shining example of aviation and recreation.
And if Heaven’s Landing residents feel the need to trade out mountains for palm trees, they have the option to stay at The Grand Isles Resort on Great Exuma (Bahamas) at a highly discounted rate. It’s typical for groups of residents to fly down to the resort together several times throughout the year. Greg Sheets, a resident who owns and operates a King Air F90 and Mooney, raves about the community.
“The Heaven’s Landing lifestyle and location not only offers great outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and camping but also a community of fellow owners and folks from town.” He also adds that Lake Burton, located just five miles from Heaven’s Landing, is a huge plus, and he and his wife frequently enjoy the lake with fellow airpark residents.
With so much to do outside of flying, it could be easy for some residents and visitors to forget that they are in an airpark community, but aviation is still at the forefront. With a 5,200- foot lighted concrete runway, anything from a Piper Cub to a Falcon 50 safely operates in and out of the field.
More than 135 lots have sold in the development, with six approvals for new home construction recently issued. At full capacity, the master plan calls for 300-plus home sites that will line the lush rolling terrain. Depending on the views, taxiway access and terrain, the one-and-a-half acre lots at Heaven’s Land- ing range from $120,000 to $320,000 in price, with mountain-top views representing the premium end of this price spectrum.
Mike Ciochetti, owner and developer of Heaven’s Landing, sells the location as more than an airpark but rather as a “life- style.” Residents and visitors enjoy hiking, biking, horseback rid- ing, boating, fishing, whitewater rafting and hunting within the immediate vicinity. Furthermore, the airpark’s 13,000-square- foot community clubhouse offers a myriad of entertainment options – from indoor racquetball and a sizeable fitness center to saunas, dining, and a forthcoming outdoor swimming pool.
Because of the mountainous terrain at Heaven’s Landing, not all the lots have direct taxiway access. For those property owners without direct access, Heaven’s Landing has built an incredible hangar complex, centrally located within the developm•ent.
Mountain views, an incredible range of activities, large private hangars, runway access at home and a fuel farm that features both 100LL and Jet A? Sounds like heaven.
For more information, visit www.heavenslanding.com. T&T
Grant Boyd is a recent marketing graduate of Wichita State University. A private pilot, Boyd is currently working toward his instrument rating and MBA, with the ultimate goal of combining his love of business and aviation with a career at a general aviation manufacturer. You can contact Grant at grantboyd2015@gmail.com.
10 • TWIN & TURBINE
November 2018