Selenite / Factory Butte Coal Mine | Utah Back Country Pilots Association

Selenite / Factory Butte Coal Mine

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Airstrip Info

Frequency 122.90
Elevation 4775 ft
Lat/Long 38.4867, -110.915
38° 29.202' , -110° 54.9'
Runway 7/25 1590 ft
Dirt
Ownership SITLA

Weather

See more at the National Weather Center

Information updated April 7, 2021 @ 1:56am

Description: If you’re still waiting on a space flight to Mars, Selenite may offer a preview of a similar landscape and remoteness. Just outside of the San Rafael Swell this is just a short flight from Hidden Splendor. At one point this must have been a busy mine with three runways of which two are still open, useable, and in great shape. Mining artifacts still remain scattered at the east end of the strip and with a short hike it is possible to explore parts of the Morrison Formation. 
 
Runway: A large washout to the east has shortened the main runway. It can be soft here in the spring and fall frost heaves but at other times can be hard as concrete. 
 
Approach Considerations: This strip offers a landing location during higher winds when other strips are too turbulent. Evidence of UTV traffic can be seen here frequently so a good landing survey should be preformed. 
 
Parking: Most the airstrip could be used as parking. A small desert oasis-looking area to the east could offer an interesting place to camp. Limited to no cell coverage. 
William Lipscomb visited 3 years ago in a Cub Type with 31" tires

Neato spot, good for windy days. Can be soft here, but was pretty firm today.

2 Likes , 0 Comments


Vlad Karpayev visited 4 years ago

Overflew Selenite/Factory Butte. Made a low approach didn't land. Seems too rutty for small wheels.

0 Likes , 0 Comments


Karen Larson visited 4 years ago in a Super Cub with 31” tires

East-west strip is a little soft, but landable. Landed east for winds...the East part of the strip has some washouts. No obstructions on strip.

0 Likes , 0 Comments


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