An island strip located off the Cheat River in West Virginia that hosts seasonal fly-ins.

All-new, fully native product for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Nestled amidst the Appalachian Mountain range and home to seasonal Cheat River Fly-Ins. This isn't your average airstrip, it's on a river island, and getting there is a pilot's thrill ride. Oh, and watch out for fog and tricky weather and the turkey! But, that's all part of the adventure, right!?

When you're not up in the air, you can camp out, chill by the Cheat River, go cruising in a UTV, or try an adrenaline-pumping zipline. It's back-to-basics here, so expect basic amenities and forget about good cell service.

Experience the beauty of West Virginia's undulating landscape, which bursts with vibrant colors during the fall season. Cheat River Island is more than just an airstrip; it's the perfect place for camping with the versatile //42 Campout Utility or embarking on a leisurely cruise in your //42 Juice Goose UTV in MSFS 2024.

📦 Product Overview

• All-new, fully native product for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024.
• High fidelity 3D Models & MSFS 2024 Enhanced Textures.
• Custom 3D library of on-ground assets built for MSFS 2024.
• Grounds enhanced with TrailBlazer technology for realistic terrain shaping.
• Full support for MSFS 2024 dynamic fauna and ambient world systems.
• Custom vegetation assets tuned for accurate regional variety and lighting response.
• Custom night lighting and sounds at main building.

🛬 Airfield Layout & Specs

• Runways: 1x 1704ft grass strip, long and well maintained.
• Helipads: 1x grass, no maintenance.
• Runway Lighting: N/A.
• Windsock: Yes.
• Parking: Plenty available for visitors and residents alike.

⚠️ Approach Considerations

• All landings should be made on Runway 30, with all departures from Runway 12.
• Steep downhill slope present at the northwest end of the field.
• Challenging non-direct approach into a narrow valley.
• Objects and bucket markers near the runway include collision boxes for added realism.
• Custom terraforming recreates the valley’s real-world topography for precise visuals and flight behavior.

👁️ Approach Cautions

• Expect wildlife hazards, a turkey has been known to patrol the runway.
• Occasional drone activity on final.
• Dynamic air movement caused by the surrounding hills may result in buffeting.
• Multiple approach paths require discipline and awareness; low visibility operations not recommended.

✈️ Aircraft Suitability

• Permitted Aircraft: Pilot’s choice, though piston-powered aircraft are best suited.
• Helicopters welcome; terrain awareness recommended due to slopes and ridges.
• STOL aircraft will thrive here, though the field welcomes creativity.

🛠 Services & Functional Details

• Restroom (outhouse) available on site.
• No fuel, no lights, no drinking water, no weather information.
• Limited cell service in the valley.
• 6+ miles of drivable roads optimized for the //42 Juice Goose and other off-road vehicles.
• Custom sounds enhance key events and environmental ambiance.
• Includes Bonus Airstrip in the vicinity (no ICAO).

🌲 Environmental & Wildlife

• Full support for MSFS 2024’s dynamic fauna system.
• Animated wildlife events including turkey crossing with sound.
• Bear sighting, if you can find it.
• Surrounded by hills, rivers, sandbars, and valleys that bring natural life to every view.

🏕 Amenities & Activities

• Amenities: ATV/UTV trail, dedicated camping areas, fishing, and a working zipline.
• Trails loop up to the main road and provide full TrailBlazer integration for terrain realism.
• Ideal destination for //42 Campout Utility, with natural clearings for campfire setups.
• Perfect stop for West Virginia Backcountry bush trip adventures.

🎉 Micro-Scenes & Fun Details

• Micro-scene at the local bar, with life after dark.
• Micro-scene at the nearby lake, a peaceful escape spot.
• Animated events with custom sound: Zipline, Tractor Hay Ride, Lawnmower, and Turkey encounters.
• Playful mysteries await, like the bear hiding somewhere in the wilderness.

🗺 Approach Notes

• As you initiate the 2nm final, descend into the valley while keeping the river to your left and maintaining safe clearance on the right ridge.
  
  At roughly 0.5nm out, fly heading 350, abeam the bridge, where Runway 30 becomes visible with a white threshold marker. Execute a coordinated 45° left turn over the river to line up for landing.
• From the North: Fly left Downwind above the ridge (not in the valley).
• From the East: Overfly the field, then turn onto Left Downwind above the ridge.
• From the South: Fly left Upwind until abeam the field, turn Crosswind, then Left Downwind above the ridge.
• From the West: Use 45° entry to Left Downwind above the ridge.