Sandy Shores Airfield
Sandy Shores Airfield is a small rural airport located just east of the town of Sandy Shores in Blaine County, San Andreas. With two runways and basic facilities, it serves private pilots and small charter planes in the surrounding desert regions. Despite facing operational challenges over the years, Sandy Shores Airfield continues operating as an important part of the county's transportation infrastructure.
History
The airfield was constructed in 1952 by local aviation enthusiasts who recognized the need for an airport to connect Sandy Shores to other cities like Los Santos. They cleared two modest runways from the desert landscape. A small terminal and hangars were added later that decade.
During the 1970s, the airfield saw regular traffic from private leisure flights and pilots training at the facility. Regional airlines briefly operated a few daily flights connecting to Los Santos International Airport. However, these ceased by 1985 due to low passenger numbers.
In the 1990s and 2000s, activity declined at Sandy Shores Airfield. The county cut back funding due to its remote location and limited usage. Maintenance issues increased as facilities deteriorated. Criminal groups were also known to utilize the remote airport for smuggling activity during this period.
Today, Sandy Shores Airfield is maintained by a skeleton crew, but struggles to consistently provide full services. The main passenger terminal was closed indefinitely in 2018. Pilots are advised to exercise caution, though the runways remain open to authorized general aviation.
Facilities
Sandy Shores Airfield contains two asphalt runways, measuring 5,100 and 4,800 feet respectively. This can accommodate small planes and some private jets. No commercial flights currently operate.
The former terminal is closed, so no passenger facilities exist. A small FBO provides basic pilot amenities like restrooms, lounges and flight planning areas. Hangars are also available for plane storage and maintenance.
Due to limited county funds, the airfield is not always staffed fully. The control tower has just one air traffic controller on duty during daylight hours. Pilots must use self-serve fuel pumps. Perimeter fencing is poorly maintained.
Current Use
Today, use of Sandy Shores Airfield is restricted primarily to local recreational pilots, flight schools performing touch-and-go's, and occasional charter traffic. The sheriff's aviation unit houses helicopters there for desert patrols and searches. Customs and Border Protection also uses it for regional operations.
Pilots are advised to monitor frequency 123.45 and coordinate take-offs/landings with others when the tower is unstaffed. Caution is urged when utilizing Sandy Shores Airfield due to its remoteness and outdated facilities. The county hopes increased future funding could renovate and relaunch the airport.
Use in Roleplay
See wiki article: Roleplay
On the current roleplay server, the Sandy Shores Airfield currently sees very limited roleplay usage to none due to server rules restricting aviation activities. Civilians are barred from using any airborne vehicle.
This essentially eliminates any organic roleplay around the airfield, from student pilot training, charter flights, emergency landings, smugglers evading police, or aircraft theft/sabotage. The airport sits unused as little more than static scenery other then police chases using the runways or nearby dirt roads.