Living The Airpark Dream of True Freedom

AZ – Arizona’s La Cholla Airpark, a 1,200-acre facility located 20 miles from Tucson’s city center, has fulfilled the dreams of many pilots for nearly 60 years. Seth Koppenhaver, an air traffic controller turned pilot, has been an airpark resident for three years. Having long aspired to live there, he finally bought a house in 2020. Coincidentally, it was the same one he visited during an open house several years before. Although he currently doesn’t own an aircraft, he is the member of a local flying club and brings club airplanes his house for short periods, allowing him to continue flying single-engine pistons.

Living in La Cholla, an Arizona residential Airpark, has been a remarkably positive experience for Koppenhaver, who has become an advocate for the community. The airpark’s rich history, which evolved organically without a master plan, contributes to its unique charm. The airpark retains a rural feel with more than 120 lots spread across the expansive property. In recent years, the community has recognized the need for improvements and has undertaken initiatives to upgrade the runway, taxiway, and main ramp and rebuild private roads.

Koppenhaver believes this unique Arizona hanger home stands out from other airparks in the area due to its key location. While it was once considered remote, it is now surrounded by a growing population and is just minutes away from many essential amenities. The airpark’s focus on equestrian activities further enhances its appeal. La Cholla accommodates a range of aircraft, excluding unpowered gliders and hot-air balloons, and boasts a runway that is 4,500 feet long and 44 feet wide. The weather at La Cholla is characterized by blistery summers, occasional winter freezes, stunningly attractive sunsets, and powerful summer downpour monsoons.

For Koppenhaver, living at La Cholla Airpark has fulfilled his lifelong fantasy and provides an opportunity to share the joys of general aviation with his family and friends. He encourages other aviators to consider becoming airpark residents, thus, appreciating the unique lifestyle only an airpark can offer.