Christman Airfield is one of the oldest continuously operating airfields in the state of Colorado, established in 1928. The original grass landing strips of the 1930s would evolve into the first Fort Collins Municipal Airport, which also served as a Civilian Pilot Training Program site during World War 2. In the 1950s and 1960s, the airfield was utilized as an aircraft manufacturing site for Luscombe and Forney Ercoupe platforms.

In 1966, Colorado State University (CSU) took over airfield ownership when the municipal airport moved to the E. Mulberry site closer to downtown Fort Collins. In 2018, the CSU Drone Center took over management of the legacy property, transforming it into a versatile hub for Crewed Aviation (GA), Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) testing, flight operations, training, emergency response, and research endeavors. Under the administration of the Drone Center, this facility extends its resources not only to CSU but also to various educational institutions, industry stakeholders, and government collaborators.

Christman Airfield General Info

• Runway Length: Christman Airfield boasts a 4,000-foot asphalt runway, providing ample space for general aviation and UAS operations, especially fixed-wing operations necessitating a safe landing zone.
• Runway Lighting: Christman Airfield has pilot controlled runway edge lights, and runway end identifier lights. PCL radio commands are standard format on 123.05.
• Operational Waivers: Managed by the CSU Drone Center, the airfield holds several FAA operational waiver facilitating various UAS activities, including:
  • High-altitude flights reaching up to 999 feet above ground level (AGL)
  • Designated FAA Recognized Identification Area (FRIA): Approved by the FAA, Christman Airfield serves as a Recognized Identification Area, enabling UAS flights without the requirement for remote identification systems (RID)
• Automated Weather Reporting: Equipped with an automated weather station, the airfield provides reports weather conditions in a online portal every 5 minutes, ensuring safe and informed operations. Weather information can be found here.
• Drone and Aircraft Monitoring: Christman Airfield utilizes an advanced electronic system for drone and aircraft monitoring. This system passively detects UAS using Remote Identification transmissions and aircraft utilizing ADS-B.
• Approval Requirement: All UAS and general aviation activities at Christman Airfield necessitate prior approval from the CSU Drone Center, ensuring compliance with safety protocols and regulations

Crewed Aviation Use of C055

Christman airfield is now open to crewed aviation (GA) pilots on the weekends. All aircraft must have $1,000,000 in general aviation liability insurance, ADS-B out, and an operable airband radio. Closures of the field will be announced via email, as such, all pilots wishing to fly at Christman must register before using the field.

Pilots wishing to reserve the airfield during the week must review the safety training material (PDF) located below and successfully complete the associated test. Afterwards, they may submit a reservation for runway use here.

All Users of the Airfield must complete the Christman Airfield Safety Training annually. These resources are below:

Christman Airfield Safety Training (PDF)

Christman Airfield Safety Test