From the GM

The ramp was packed on Saturday. We hosted our first Pancake Breakfast Fly-In of 2026 at 18V, and the turnout was extraordinary -- more than 100 people showed up. Clear skies, light winds, a Colorado spring morning that reminded everyone why we fly. Events like this are how we build something real here, one gathering at a time.

A huge thank you to Erin and her team of volunteers. Events like this don't happen without people who give their time and energy.

I should introduce myself properly, since this is my first letter to the full community. My name is Dave Shull. I grew up in Seattle -- my father spent more than 40 years at Boeing, and aviation was woven into our family life from the beginning. When the opportunity came to take over Platte Valley Airpark, it wasn't a difficult decision. Community airports like this one are worth fighting for.

The past six months have been about getting the foundation right -- cleaning up the grounds, getting the records in order, understanding what we have. This will be a multi-year rebuild. I want to be honest about that. But I am excited about where this is headed, and I am committed to staying in communication with this community as we figure out the path forward together.

Fuel is at $6.15/gal, self-serve, 24/7. The grass strip (9/27) is in good shape this spring. Hangar availability is tight -- we have a waitlist at plattevalleyairpark.com/hangars. We are also working toward bringing structured flight training back to 18V later this year.

The pilots who have been based here for decades are the real asset. The field is theirs. We are just making sure it stays viable for the next generation.

More soon.

-- Dave Shull, General Manager