Mentone Runway Repair Fundraiser

We are reaching out to you today on behalf of the Popular Rotorcraft Association because we need your help.

We are dangerously close to losing a critical resource that if lost, will have a negative and lasting effect on the gyro community.

Those of you who have attended any of the PRA conventions in the last few years are well aware of the current state of the runway, and the toll the elements have taken on it over the years.

It has been determined that the current asphalt is beyond repair, and there is no simple quick fix that would make sense financially. The asphalt is simply at the point that it needs to be replaced.

We now find ourselves in a catch-22 position.

Many pilots have chosen not to attend the past few conventions, because of the rough runway conditions. And, with the reduced revenue from lower attendance, the funding to repair the runway is not available.

It's because of this that we need your help and support to ensure this venue can see a new lease on life so the future generation of aviators can experience it.

To replace the entire 2500’ x 40’ surface would come at a cost of about $350,000.

We understand this is a big undertaking, but the PRA board of directors are proposing that we try to at least get a start on the project.

We’ve obtained a quote to replace the first 600’ of the runway, starting from the taxiway on the south end and proceeding north. The cost of this initial section is quoted at $125,000

We understand that 600 feet is of course not enough for all operations, especially for the larger machines, but it will be a good start. It will be enough for most landings, and an area for the flying competitions and more.

Just for reference, 600 feet is the distance from the south end of the runway up to a point about parallel to the museum building.

Also included in this quote is a paved pad to the East side of the runway, just south of the taxiway. This is the area where flight instructors normally stage their machines for training flights.

The paving company has assured us that this work can be completed in plenty of time to be ready for the 2024 convention, which will be held July 31st through August 3rd.

But we need to act quickly!

We are happy to say that we have already raised $22,000 towards this goal!

Now, if we can exceed our initial goal of $125,000, we will expand this project and use all available funds to continue the pavement to the north. The paving company is aware that the scale of this project may grow and is prepared to accommodate.

How far could we go? Half the runway? More? Oh, how wonderful that would be!

As a reminder, the PRA is a non-profit 501C-3 organization. Your donations are tax deductible.

Please consider helping us with this cause to assure continued great years of conventions for current and future generations of rotorcraft enthusiasts. This is a wonderful facility that we can’t let fade away!

Getting the runway back into pristine condition is the only thing holding the convention back from being the wonderful event that it has been and can continue to be for years to come.

We will have beautiful "Perpetual Plaques" for each of the categories displayed in a prominent location at the airport. Engraved names of our donors, will remind everyone of your generosity!

Along with our deepest gratitude, donors will also receive:

$10,000 - PLATINUM MEMBER- Lifetime PRA Membership, Name on Hangar / Control Tower, Free Admission & Camping at Conventions*, Plaque Inscription, T-Shirt and Hat

$5,000 - GOLD MEMBER - Lifetime PRA Membership, Free Admission & Camping at Conventions*, Plaque Inscription, T-Shirt and Hat

$2,500 - SILVER MEMBER - Lifetime PRA Membership, Plaque Inscription, T-Shirt and Hat

$1000 - BRONZE MEMBER - Plaque Inscription, T-Shirt & Hat

$500 - ALUMINUM MEMBER - T-Shirt & Hat

*Banquet fees not included

Donations in any amounts are greatly appreciated!

Thank you so much for your consideration and generosity!