This week, I had the privilege of attending the New Mexico Airstrip Network (NMAN) Steering Team meeting, where stakeholders from aviation, land management, tourism, and economic development came together to chart the future of backcountry and recreational airstrips across our state. In this post, I’ll walk you through our mission, key partners, major accomplishments to date, and exciting projects on the horizon—plus how you, as a New Mexico aviator, can get involved.
Our Mission & History
What began as a series of informal conversations in 2014 has grown into a formal collaboration dedicated to three core goals: increasing public access to airfields, promoting tourism and economic development, and preserving New Mexico’s remarkable environment. These objectives were enshrined in a Memorandum of Understanding signed in November 2016—and renewed again in 2021–22—to solidify our commitment to pilots and the communities that host them.
A Diverse Coalition of Partners
A collaboration is only as strong as its members. Our 2021–22 MOU renewal brought together an impressive roster of signatories, including the New Mexico Pilots Association, Recreational Aviation Foundation, New Mexico Tourism Cabinet, U.S. Forest Service Region 3, Bureau of Land Management–NM, AOPA, EAA, and representatives from economic development and guide services. This cross-sector partnership ensures we have the funding, technical expertise, and on-the-ground volunteers needed to keep our airstrips safe and accessible.
Why Now? Why New Mexico?
Two powerful trends make this the perfect moment for NMAN to accelerate its work:
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Growing Backcountry Interest. Pilots are increasingly seeking off-airport adventures, driven by rising flight costs and a desire for unforgettable experiences.
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New Mexico’s Unique Advantages. With a ten-month flying season, mild winters, and a landscape that ranges from alpine peaks to desert mesas, our state offers world-class scenery and countless public-land recreation areas within easy flying distance.
What NMAN Delivers
1. Maintained & Charted Airstrips
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USFS Backcountry Work Group: In partnership with USFS Region 3 and RAF grants, NMAN volunteers have restored fire rings, picnic tables, repaired fences, and graded runways at nine backcountry airstrips—Reserve, Negrito, Beaverhead, Me-Own, Jewett Mesa, Rainy Mesa, Glenwood, Double Circle, and Sacaton. Next up: runway stabilization at Negrito and Rainy Mesa, plus hazard removal at Jewett Mesa.
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BLM Recreational Airstrips: Working with the BLM, we’ve officially registered and charted the Cuba Landing Strip (NM2), drafted a development plan for access roads and campground facilities, and evaluated a second north-of-Cuba strip—pending funding—to expand recreational opportunities.
2. Pilot Resources & Etiquette
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Backcountry Etiquette Team: Through the RAF’s BET partnership, NMAN promotes best practices—quiet operations, proper CTAF use, and Leave-No-Trace stewardship. Look for signage at area fuel stops reminding pilots to minimize noise, pack out trash, and respect other land users .
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Interactive Mapping & Digital Tools: Our website features an interactive map at Airfield.Guide, complete with GPS coordinates, aerial photos, and condition reports for every public and backcountry strip. A dedicated “Fly New Mexico” Facebook group and regular newsletters keep you informed on events, safety tips, and strip updates.
3. Community Events & Economic Impact
Every aviator visit translates into dollars for rural New Mexico—fuel sales, lodging, guides, restaurants, and outfitters all benefit. With over 121,000 pilots in the six surrounding states, NMAN’s fly-in events (Mountainair, Ramah, Reserve Gila, Los Alamos, Roswell Air Races, and more) have become major local economic drivers.
Upcoming Projects
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Me-Own Airstrip Lodge (1NM0): We’re exploring a cost-share grant with USFS and RAF to rehabilitate the historic lodge as a public hub for pilots.
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Reserve Airport (T16): Design plans are complete for a new pilot lounge with restrooms, showers, and a weather station. Future phases include picnic shelters and hangar development.
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Sacaton Airstrip (NM16): A vault toilet now serves both the airfield and nearby Rain Creek trailhead. Next, we’ll install picnic tables and camping amenities to enhance the visitor experience.
How You Can Help
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Volunteer: Join our work parties to maintain backcountry strips.
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Report Conditions: Share photos and strip updates on Airfield.Guide.
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Engage Online: Join “Fly New Mexico” on Facebook and subscribe to AviateNM for safety tips, event announcements, and in-depth airstrip spotlights.
At AviateNM, we’re proud to support NMAN’s mission of safe, sustainable backcountry flying. Together, we’re forging new pathways through our state’s wildest terrain—ensuring that pilots today, and generations to come, can experience the magic of New Mexico from the cockpit. Clear skies and happy flying!