KMPJ - Petit Jean State Park - Morrilton, AR??

CJones

CJones

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uHaveNoIdea
Well folks, it's been a while..... a LONG while since I had time to do some posting on the good 'ol webboard. Been working 90+ hrs/week for the past month or so running the TerraGators putting down pre-emergence corn herbicide and liquid 32% nitrogen. Finally got some rain last week and we've had a few days to catch our breath (and re-weld a few spray booms).

ANYWHO... Since I got married last December, working long hours affects more than just me now. To try and put out some flames, I told my bride that we would go somewhere for a long weekend as soon as we get a break at work. I had looked at flying to Petit Jean State Park a couple of years ago, but never actually made the trip. Now the opportunity - and justification - has shown its head again. Anyone know the ins-and-outs of the airport itself. ALSO, any news on how to use the corresponding State Park facilities? We're looking for somewhere about +/- 3 hr flight from central Iowa for a camping (tent and fire, not cabin) weekend so any other suggestions would be appreciated. As I said, we're looking for about a 3 hr flight from central Iowa in the RV-7A, so that gives about a +/- 475 nm range for the trip.

Thanks for any ideas and suggestions..

-Chris
 
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Chris,

I don't know a darn thing about the park... But congrats on the marriage! How's the RV? Are you coming to Gaston's to show it off? :D
 
Chris,

I would pick Gaston's (3M0) over Petit Jean as a two day destination.

$.02

Chip
 
May I put a plug in for http://www.adventurepilot.com/ to locate fly-in destinations in your area.

Gaston's (3M0) doesn't permit tent camping on the facility, but you might be able to get a ride to a nearby campground. With the amenities Gaston's offers you can dispense with hauling the camping gear and still have a nice outing.

Btw, if you're not afraid to bring your new bride to a gathering of a bunch of renegade pilots consider: http://www.gastonsflyin.com .

I suppose you've already taken a look at the Petit Jean state park website... http://www.petitjeanstatepark.com/ ...they offer a "Rent-A-Tent" package if you don't want to haul your own.
 
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Check out the Adventure Pilot web site. The guys who run the site recently spent a weekend at Petit Jean. I'm sure they will share the experience.
 
GMascelli said:
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KMPJ

I read a review that said the FBO is closed.....
Click to expand...


The state has been looking for someone to take over the FBO. I don' t know if they have been successful or not. Russsellville (KRUE) and Morrilton (KBDQ) are each only about 10 miles flight from MPJ.There are camp sits on the airport at MPJ. I've been up there for daytime activities but never stayed overnight. There is a weekend Cessna 170 meet there this month sometime.
 
GMascelli said:
http://www.airnav.com/airport/KMPJ

I read a review that said the FBO is closed.....
Click to expand...


The state has been looking for someone to take over the FBO. I don' t know if they have been successful or not. Russsellville (KRUE) and Morrilton (KBDQ) are each only about 10 miles flight from MPJ. There are camp sites on the airport at MPJ. I've been up there for daytime activities but never stayed overnight. There is a weekend Cessna 170 meet there this month sometime.
 
flyingcheesehead said:
Chris,

I don't know a darn thing about the park... But congrats on the marriage! How's the RV? Are you coming to Gaston's to show it off? :D
Click to expand...


Thanks! So far-so good with the married life. So far, she hasn't thrown me out, so I guess I'm doing a decent job at least. ha! We bought her a new car today, so maybe that'll add to the brownie point total.

RV is doing great! We got hit with a Lycoming crankshaft AD on the IO-360 over the winter, but AeroSport up in Canada did a great job of giving us a quick turnaround out of their shop. Haven't been able to fly much b/c of work and whatnot. Hopefully this summer will allow some weekend breakfast trips at least.

Looking like Gaston's is gonna be another no-show for us this year. That will fall right in the middle of our first "Roundup" spray time. I checked out the website ya'll have put together. Looks like things have come a long way since the "Hey, we should get some folks down to Gaston's for a weekend" on the AOPA board. ha! I'm sure I'll get down there SOME day.

-Chris
 
Steve said:
May I put a plug in for http://www.adventurepilot.com/ to locate fly-in destinations in your area.

I suppose you've already taken a look at the Petit Jean state park website... http://www.petitjeanstatepark.com/ ...they offer a "Rent-A-Tent" package if you don't want to haul your own.
Click to expand...

I'll definitely check out adventurepilot.com. I think I used the info from it in the past, but I'll check again for new info.

I've been to Petit Jean's website. I like that "rent-a-tent" deal they have there. That's why I'm thinking that if the state park has a good view towards using the airport, it could become a very useful asset for pilot-campers.

Thanks for the info.

-Chris
 
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