In the rugged Bootheel region of Southwest New Mexico, the art of sport flying can challenge even the most experienced ultra-light pilot. The open valley and craggy canyons draw enthusiasts from around the world who seek the thrill of flying like a bird. Sitting in a beautiful valley among the shadows of the Chiricahua Mountains and the Coronado National Forest, this valley boasts over 320 days of sunshine each year.
Devoid of commercial air traffic, the area enjoys ideal, year-round flying conditions and clear starry nights. It was here that developers created an airpark community that caught the attention of famed software developer John McAfee - and his eventual fellow enthusiasts who organized themselves into a group dedicated to pursuing this sport. Known as Sky Gypsies, they used this decades-old moniker to describe their passion to fly unconventional aircraft known as kite planes, weight shift aircraft and aero trekkers.
McAfee had a vision to build a network of airstrips to cater to this sport and purchased contiguous lots in the Amigos Del Cielo development north of Rodeo, NM to establish the base of this network. In its heyday, the aviators who paid up to $250,000 to use his facility enjoyed social gatherings at the Sky Gypsy Café, the Galaxy Theater and a small RV park. Their goal, however, was the thrill of soaring through the nearby San Simon Valley and Chiricahua Mountains.
McAfee later divested himself of this facility, but the café, theater, RV Park, a four bedroom home, four hangars and a state-of-the-art greenhouse remain to be revitalized by a new operator. McAfee constructed the facility on 37+/- acres adjacent to the 7,200+/- foot-long air strip and spared no expense in the construction.
The area also offers non-aviation centered activities such as hiking, mountain climbing, astronomy, bird watching, camping, biking and many others. Built at a cost of over $4 million, the entire facility will be offered as a single parcel. Also selling separately at the auction is an adjacent 10+/- ac lot with a 1,900+/- sf home and 1,600+/- sf hangar.