Airport – Garfield County, Colorado

Taxiway, apron construction projects approved at Rifle Garfield County Airport

The main sign out front of the Rifle Garfield County Airport near Rifle, CO.

Construction season is taking off at Rifle Garfield County Airport (RIL) with vital congestion-reduction projects cleared to begin in the coming weeks. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) approved several professional services agreements with design, engineering, and construction firms to construct new taxiways and begin reconstruction of the main apron at the airfield. These projects are designed to reduce congestion at the airport and improve both efficiency and operational safety. Phoenix Industries, Woolpert contracted to complete taxiway work Phoenix Industries Ltd., a local Garfield County-based vendor, has been contracted to construct the new Taxiway B, Connector Taxiway B3, and the

A professional services agreement for a new taxiway design has been approved at the Rifle Garfield County Airport to help mitigate congestion and enhance safety and airfield efficiency. The taxiway B project, located south of the existing taxiway A, addresses an existing bottleneck on the west side of the airfield that limits traffic flow during busy periods at the airport. The project aims to construct a bypass south of taxiway A and west of taxiway B4, with activity anticipated to increase as new development takes place on the west side of the airfield. The county conducted a robust request for

An airplane takes off at the Rifle Garfield County Airport.

The Rifle Garfield County Airport is hosting an open house on December 4, to provide the community with an opportunity to view the facility’s developing Airport Layout Plan (ALP), which will guide the airport for the next 20 years. The event, which takes place from 4:30 – 6 p.m., brings together planning consultants from Lochner and the public to view the 20-year proposed planning. The goal of the ALP is to maximize airport use for the community and pilots who fly here, work here, and rely on the facility for firefighting, medical flights, or recreation. “The airport provides $80 million

The runway at the Rifle Garfield County Airport.

Garfield County has continued its commitment to improvements at the Rifle Garfield County Airport, approving a development plan for new infrastructure at the airfield. Vantage Aviation is adding a new fuel farm at the airport’s west end that features three 20,000-gallon jet fuel tanks and a 2,000-gallon split tank for fueling vehicles and equipment. The development plan, which includes a 12,000-gallon tank providing low lead fuel (100LL), is projected to cost Vantage $1.2 million. Vantage has also pledged to replace two aging storage structures at the site of the proposed fuel farm with a modern 80’ by 100’ pole barn,

Sam Carver has been named the new Rifle Garfield County Airport director.

Sam Carver has been named the new director at the Rifle Garfield County Airport, bringing nearly three decades of experience in the aviation industry to the burgeoning airfield. Carver, IAP, C.M., who was most recently airport director for the City of Fernandina Beach, Florida, takes over the role on October 7, 2024. Garfield County conducted a robust hiring process that yielded five highly qualified candidates, out of which Carver rose to the top. “Sam is joining the county at an exciting time when there is tremendous activity occurring at the Rifle Garfield County Airport, including launching the next Airport Master

A map of the available development leases at the Rifle Garfield County Airport.

The Board of County Commissioners of Garfield County, Colorado, owner and operator of the Rifle Garfield County Airport (RIL) has issued a Request for Concept Plans. The sole purpose and intent of making available airport land for aeronautical use in an open and fair manner to any and all interested aviation users. It is the Board of County Commissioners’ intent to start the Airport Development process that will ultimately result in land lease and operating agreements with one or more interested parties. Full documentation on the Rifle Garfield County Airport Request for Concept Plans is available currently. The Rifle Garfield

A sign pointing toward the Rifle-Garfield County Airport

Garfield County is increasing the amount of available land around the Rifle Garfield County Airport to provide more development space for expanded uses. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) directed staff to move forward with request for concept plans (RFCP), welcoming additional available land leases at the airport. “Today is a red-letter day for Garfield County,” said Rifle Garfield County Airport Director Brian Condie. “I’m very pleased to bring this to the county, helping the airport move forward for the next decade.” There are eight parcels on which RFCPs can be filed to develop both aeronautical and nonaeronautical use at

August 14, 2024 update: The deadline for applications has been extended to September 2. The Rifle Garfield County Airport is extending the date for applications for a single at-large seat on the Airport Master Plan Technical Advisory Committee (TAC). The committee advises airport staff and consultants on future needs over the next 20 years and makes recommendations on the master plan. Applications from interested Garfield County residents are available from the airport and are due by 5 p.m. September 2, 2024. The TAC serves as a non-voting body to advise the airport and consultants on the contents of the plan,

A sign showing the highway exit to the Rifle Garfield County Airport.

Garfield County has approved a concept plan transfer from Dark Horse Aviation to Vantage Aviation, paving the way for future hangar and infrastructure development on the east side of the Rifle-Garfield County Airport. In April, Dark Horse requested to transfer its concept plan to Vantage, including all deadlines, interests, and responsibilities, and has endorsed the potential for another fixed base operator. Vantage’s plans include a public terminal on parcels A5 and 6, complete with a conference room, waiting lounges, restrooms, rest areas, and office space. Parcel A2 would be home to a private terminal, including a lobby and similar amenities

Garfield County has fleshed out a process that allows a new association to oversee certain leases in aircraft hangar space at the Rifle Garfield County Airport. The county has amended its airport minimum standards to allow the tenants to request creation of a homeowners association-style entity that will oversee hangar tenant leases, shaping the process at the airport going forward. The county has approved the commercial hangar lease amendment for parcel A-3 with GarCo Premier Hangars, LLC. The agreement establishes a commercial homeowners association (GarCo Hangar Association), which has signed its lease with joint liability and agrees to follow all

The Rifle Garfield County Airport and Armstrong Consultants, Inc., have begun the process of preparing a business plan for a new airport master plan that will guide the facility for the next decade. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that an airport master plan be updated approximately every 10 years. Rifle Garfield County Airport Director Brian Condie told the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) in a recent work session that the scope of work is now underway that represents the vision of the airport and its tenants, Garfield County, and the public, and will provide a “30,000-foot view” of the

Green airport signage near the Rifle Garfield County Airport.

Garfield County has selected Armstrong Consultants, Inc., to prepare a new master plan for the Rifle Garfield County Airport. Armstrong, which specializes in airport engineering and planning services, scored the highest out of three candidates in the request for qualifications search. The county’s procurement process found Armstrong to be the most responsive and qualified consultant. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) authorized staff to create a professional service agreement (PSA) with Armstrong for all airport master planning-related services at the airport. Rifle Garfield County Airport Director Brian Condie told the board that the airport is still six to eight weeks

Garfield County has approved an updated concept plan from Dark Horse Aviation to construct two large hangars at the Rifle Garfield County Airport. The Board of County Commissioners accepted the revised concept plan submitted by Dark Horse Aviation, which is constructing two new hangars proposed at 49,000 square feet (parcel A-2) and another of approximately 40,000 sq. ft. (parcels A-5 and 6). “Commissioner Samson said once we get the new development guide approved, we’ll have lots of developers coming to the airport to build, and I think this is just one of the many that will be coming before the

The Rifle/Garfield County Airport, in cooperation with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) and the DFPC-Colorado Center of Excellence (COE), is conducting prescribed burning operations at the Rifle/Garfield County Airport early next week. Please do not call 911 to report smoke at the airport. Burning will only be conducted under specific guidelines and plans established by the Division of Fire Prevention and Control, including having acceptable weather forecasts and fuels conditions that meet guidelines for safe and effective burning and adequate smoke dispersal. The previously planned date in September was unable to proceed due to an unexpected

The Rifle Garfield County Airport, in cooperation with the Colorado Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) and the DFPC-Colorado Center of Excellence (COE), is conducting prescribed burning operations at the airport. Burning operations will occur as weather conditions permit, and could begin in September and extend into the fall months. Please do not call 911 to report smoke at the airport. Burning is only conducted under specific guidelines and plans established by the Division of Fire Prevention and Control, including having acceptable weather forecasts and fuels conditions that meet guidelines for safe and effective burning and adequate smoke dispersal.

Garfield County agreed to convert a private hangar lease to a commercial hangar lease for Rifle Aviation LLC to operate at the Rifle Garfield County Airport. The base term for the commercial space runs through May 31, 2052, and includes two five-year extensions. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) also approved a Rifle Aviation conceptual plan, which aims to construct two new hangars on shovel-ready parcels of land for the purpose of renting out the heated hangar space, helping to grow the client base at the airport. “They’re requesting to lease Alpha 5 and Alpha 6 for the construction of

Hangar construction at the Rifle Garfield County Airport.

Garfield County has leased space at the Rifle Garfield County Airport to a local business to build and operate hangars for at least the next 20 years, in an agreement that includes the option for two additional 10-year renewals. GarCo Premier Hangars has proposed constructing a five-unit hangar in the airport’s east development area, which covers roughly 20,400 square feet, and is planning to build a second such facility in the near future. “The Rifle airport is underutilized with hangars, and this is something the community can use,” said Dan Guggenheim, part owner of GarCo Premier Hangars. “Phase one includes

The Federal Aviation Administration has offered the Rifle Garfield County Airport a $59,000 Airport Rescue Grant that may be used toward operations. The grant is provided through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARP) and is designed to assist airports to “prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus pandemic.” The grant fund can be used for “operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitization, janitorial services, combating the spread of pathogens at the airport, and debt service payments,” according to the grant conditions. “The grant will be used for employee expenses,” said Airport Director Brain Condie to the Board of County Commissioners. “It does

Garfield County is assessing potential impacts, upgrades and trends that could affect the Rifle Garfield County Airport in the upcoming years, including increased need for hangar space if the Glenwood Springs Municipal Airport were to close. Rifle Garfield County Airport Director Brian Condie told the Board of County Commissioners in a recent work session that he believes there are more than 60 aircraft stationed in Glenwood Springs, and that the Rifle airport could only accommodate roughly half that number if the aircraft owners desired to move to the Rifle facility, potentially creating a space shortfall. “Whether the Glenwood airport remains

The Air Force Reserve is scheduled to conduct a special fuel operation training exercise at the Rifle Garfield County Airport from September 12 – 15. This training exercise takes place on the ramp and not in the air, though military aircraft will be flying into and out of the airport during this time. “This ramp operation is in a secured location and the training is unfortunately not open to the public,” said Rifle Garfield County Airport Director, Brian Condie. Increased military aircraft traffic is expected throughout the Rocky Mountain region, and more than 50 military ground crew are scheduled to

Garfield County has agreed to a land lease with fixed base operator Atlantic Aviation for space at the Rifle Garfield County Airport to allow for the construction of an approximately 30,000-square-foot new facility. The plans include a new 50- by 150-foot apron, a 7,500-square-foot private parking area, and a new hanger on the main flight line, all of which is slated for completion in summer 2024. The new commercial lease is separate from the existing fixed based operator (FBO) lease and is in place for between 43 and 50 years. The 2021 lease rate for the land is $14,548, with

The Air Force Reserve is conducting a special fuel operation training exercise at the Rifle Garfield County Airport from Sept. 12 through 15. More than 50 military ground crew are scheduled to take part in the training exercise, which takes place on the ramp and not in the air, though military aircraft are to be stationed at the airport. The Garfield County Board of County Commissioners has approved a letter of agreement (LOA) approving the training exercise. The ground crews are taking part in classroom exercises and “hot fueling,” during which an aircraft engine is running. The airport will experience

Planes lined up at the Rifle Garfield County Airport.

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has secured a $3.1 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) toward a project to expand the Rifle Garfield County Airport apron, allowing for additional parking space for aircraft. The total cost of the project, which has been contracted to Scott Construction and Armstrong Engineering, is $3,763,741. Garfield County had already committed $644,000 toward the project out of the airport’s land improvement capital fund. The expanded parking apron will provide an additional 18,000 square yards, up from its current apron square yardage of 81,300, creating space for up to an additional 18 large

Rifle Garfield County Airport Director Brian Condie has been honored the Colorado Department of Transportation’s Division of Aeronautics and the Colorado Aeronautical Board by being named the state’s “2020 Aviation Professional of the Year.” Dave Ulane, Colorado Division of Aeronautics director, offered soaring praise, saying Condie is “innovative, forward-thinking and collaborative.” He told the Board of County Commissioners that his organization recognizes aviation professionals each year for their outstanding contributions to the “aviation world.” “I don’t have to tell you what Brian has done for your community. That award is given to those that have shown very longstanding and outstanding

New unmanned aircraft systems training building set for Rifle Garfield County Airport

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – A new facility designed to house small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and a flight qualification course is coming to the Rifle Garfield County Airport. The Board of County Commissioners approved a $331,450 contract with Kuersten Construction, LLC, for construction of the building. The Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting (CoE) will proctor the drone training in the building. The CoE, which is part of the Colorado Department of Public Safety, currently leases space at the airport from the county, and the new structure will be incorporated into the existing lease. Pilots in the region

Friction-testing vehicle at airport

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – Garfield County has purchased its first vehicle-mounted, runway surface-friction-testing equipment for use at the Rifle Garfield County Airport. The 2007 GMC 3500 HD pickup, which features the specialized friction-testing equipment, was originally purchased by Denver International Airport at a cost of over $120,000, according to Airport Director Brian Condie. The friction tester assesses runway surface conditions, offering pilots a snapshot of what to expect when landing or departing, mainly in inclement weather. A fifth wheel is deployed beneath the truck as it drives down the runway to assess runway conditions. “Currently the airport uses a portable

Garfield County Commissioner Mike Samson cuts a ribbon for Atlantic Aviation at the Rifle Garfield County Airport.

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – The Rifle Garfield County Airport, Board of County Commissioners, and local and national pilots are celebrating the commitment and investment by Atlantic Aviation, the airport’s fixed base operator (FBO), of nearly $9 million in upgrades to facilities at the airport. Atlantic Aviation recently completed construction on a new state-of-the-art, 30,000-square-foot heated hangar. The hangar includes 6,000 square feet of office space, and 1,200 square feet for ground service equipment. The FBO also redesigned its lobby, pilot’s lounge, and office spaces with an elegant mountain lodge dècor. Nationwide, Atlantic serves as an FBO at 69 locations in

GARFIELD COUNTY, CO – A new single-engine air tanker (SEAT) base is up and running at the Rifle Garfield County Airport that shortens ground time for pilots battling wildfires in Garfield County and beyond. The base allows fire crews to pump flame retardant, also called “slurry,” to the aircraft in as little as five minutes, according to Adam Goeden, air tanker base manager for the Bureau of Land Management. It previously took 10 to 15 minutes to fill the aircraft using an old, labor-intensive system of mixing powder-based retardant near the runway. The new station can accommodate six planes at

UK Ministry of Defence to land C-17 at Rifle Garfield County Airport

PRESS RELEASE June 16, 2015 Frequently changing C-17 flight landing A Boeing C-17 Globemaster aircraft is currently en route to the Rifle Garfield County Airport from England with a helicopter aboard for high altitude testing. Changing flight factors are affecting the charter flight’s arrival time. Please frequently check Garfield County’s website for the anticipated arrival time. The website is updated as new information is received and it may continue to change often. QinetiQ, a global defense and security company based in the UK, will be conducting helicopter trials at Rifle Garfield County Airport (RGCA) this summer. QinetiQ, which delivers test

Division of Fire Prevention and Control Selects Rifle/Garfield County as Location for Center of Excellence

DENVER – Wednesday, March 18, 2015 – The Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC) today presented its recommendations and selection of Rifle-Garfield County Airport to Gov. John Hickenlooper as host community for the Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology Aerial Firefighting. “We were fortunate to have a number of outstanding candidates to consider for the Center of Excellence and it was a difficult decision with both urban and rural applicants, but Rifle and Garfield County stood out as the best choice,” said Hickenlooper. “As home to the Upper Colorado River Interagency Fire Management Facility and with its proximity to

Garfield County Air Show July 13-14 will feature new performers in place of pyrotechnics

Rifle, CO – Rifle Garfield County Airport staff has contracted additional performers for its July 13-14 air show, while eliminating pyrotechnic elements for increased public safety. “In light of the Stage II Fire Restrictions implemented June 22, airport staff members have changed our featured events to preserve the safety and well-being of our community,” said Brian Condie, airport director. “We want to align our event with Garfield County Sheriff Lou Vallario’s decision to implement this fire ban along with other state and federal agencies, and present yet another safe, fun, free community event.” Vallario was included in developing plans for

Agricultural land leases available at the Rifle Garfield County Airport.

The Garfield County Regional Airport is making available to the public approximately 48 acres of fenced ground for a five-year agricultural land lease. The lease premises is located on the southeast corner of airport property along Mamm Creek Road, one mile south of I-70, Exit 94. Interested parties may obtain a bid packet from at right, or may make arrangements to pick up a packet from the airport administration office by calling 970-625-1091. This property is available for self-guided inspection from Monday, December 12 through Friday, December 23, 2011. Sealed bids are due at the Airport Administration Office by 3

The bright June sun was reflected in 3575 panels at the Garfield County Regional Airport during the ribbon cutting for the community owned solar array June 14, 2011. Organizers for Clean Energy Collective are calling the solar farm the largest of its kind in the nation – it allows members of Holy Cross Energy to purchase power from the panels and reap the benefits for their homes without placing solar panels directly on their homes. Former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter gave the keynote address during a ribbon cutting ceremony at the site, saying that this project is laying down the

The annual Garfield County Air Show is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, July 8 & 9, 2011 at the Rifle Airport. Admission and parking are free. Airshows are all about fun memories with family and friends. To celebrate the completion of the new airfield, the airport staff has arranged a spectacular airshow that will entertain and amaze you with aerial acrobatics, ground displays, a country music concert, kid’s attractions, food, games and aircraft rides that will make this year’s airshow the most memorable to date. The highlight of the event will be Aaron Tippin’s Red White & Loud concert sponsored

The Clean Energy Collective has received final approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to install a utility-scale solar array on five acres at the Garfield County Regional Airport in Rifle. This solar array will be the second community-owned clean energy facility in the company’s portfolio, and will be the largest private array in Colorado, said Clean Energy Collective owner Paul Spencer. The FAA approval gives the collective a green light to begin construction on the 1.5 megawatt array and to begin taking reservations from Holy Cross Energy household and business customers ready to make the switch to clean, affordable renewable

A prop plane takes off at the Rifle Garfield County Airport.

Being on a roll is great at the Garfield County Regional Airport in Rifle, Colorado, where six straight days and nights in the hot sun rolling asphalt has resulted in possibly the most perfect runway ever developed in Colorado. The timing was just right for the paving of the new runway at the airport, and the result was a seamless runway. All of the regular interruptions that cause concern for runway reconstructions never surfaced â€“ not bad weather, not trucking delays, not paver breakdowns, not human error, not even Murphy’s Law intervened for six beautiful September days. “This is the

Taxiway, apron construction projects approved at Rifle Garfield County Airport

Commissioners approve new taxiway to mitigate airport congestion

Public input sought on Rifle Garfield County Airport Layout Plan

Fuel farm approved at Rifle Garfield County Airport

Sam Carver named new Rifle Garfield County Airport director

County releases Request for Concept Plans for airport land leases

Available development space increased at Rifle Garfield County Airport

Advisory committee seat available for airport master plan process

Vantage takes reins on airport development project

Development taking off at county airport

Airport master plan process takes flight

New airport master plan process prepares for takeoff

Garfield County approves hangar concept plan modification

Prescribed burn planned at airport

Prescribed burning planned at Rifle Garfield County Airport this fall

County leases land, commercial space to Rifle Aviation

County leases airport hangar space to local business

Rifle Garfield County Airport lands FAA grant

Garfield County assessing future airport needs

Air Force Reserve training slated for Sept. 12-15

Airport lease paves way for new commercial hanger

Rifle Garfield County Airport to host Air Force Reserve training event

County airport lands $3.1 million FAA grant

Condie named ‘Aviation Professional of the Year’

New unmanned aircraft systems training building set for Rifle Garfield County Airport

Friction-testing vehicle at airport

Atlantic Aviation invests nearly $9 million in Rifle Garfield County Airport

New SEAT base takes flight at Rifle Garfield County Airport

UK Ministry of Defence to land C-17 at Rifle Garfield County Airport

Division of Fire Prevention and Control Selects Rifle/Garfield County as Location for Center of Excellence

Garfield County Air Show July 13-14 will feature new performers in place of pyrotechnics

Agricultural land lease available

Organizers of a large community-owned solar farm celebrate its grand opening

Garfield County Air Show: a new beginning

Final approval paves way for Colorado’s largest private solar array

Seamless runway impresses test pilot at Garfield County Regional Airport