Missouri Breaks (Winifred) 2022 June 24-25-26

Winifred is a town of about 150 august folks. After 100 plus years of stasis, Winifred is rapidly changing as we speak. A fellow pilot, and good friend of many of the attendees to this flyin,has donated 40 million dollars to refurbish/build on to the school. His instructions were simple..." Build in Winifred, the best school in Montana", and we are. My little house was one of the victims of the expansion, Melissa who taught there for 38 years, would have had it no other way. Construction has started...come see what one super-generous (and highly successful) individual can do for the place where he was born and raised. This story is sort of what Winifred is all about... it is a place where time has not spoiled the folks who are hardworking, honest, generous, and make a living working off the land. We also have one great cafe, one filling station, two churches and several bars. If it sounds too good to be true, just know I have had trouble believing it myself for the 45 years I have lived here. It is the way the world used to be, and we wish it still was.

Schedule of events to follow...but fairly standard.

Airstrips: 9S7 (Winifred Strip) is turf in good condition about 150' X 4000' running basically 10º - 28º. The strip rises uphill from the east to a smooth rise about 1000' from the west end where it becomes level. There is an embankment on the east end where there are frequently downdrafts in strong west wends. If wind conditions allow, land planes east to west. Down hill landings aren't bad...just a little longer than you are used to. Use 122.9 as the CTAF.

Breaks strips: All 6 strips run generally E - W and are between 1200 - 3000'. The shortest is Woodhawk at ca. 1200' with some trees on each end. The longest is a private strip called Heller Bottom which is the only strip right on the Missouri River in the Breaks. While private, we are welcomed at Heller by Loren Smith the owner. Loren has also installed some picnic tables and a small one-roomed KOA type cabin (first come first served). Use 122.9 to announce in the backcountry and, while we consider these strips relative easy for backcountry fliers, we lost a C185 and Carbon Cub just this last year (no injuries). It is backcountry....always have your "A" game on and look to avoid surprises.

For repeat visitors:

After years of whining, completely without restraints,
Lou, someone of influence has heard your complaints,

Norm's giving did not end with the school,
he has provided pilots a place of elegance for the stool,

There is an all tile shower, and heat on demand,
A mirror, and towels, and comfy places to stand,

It was Lou's concept but Norm's chore to do,
Say thanks to these two while you shower or poo.

-Anon-​