Hidden in plain sight on the northern peninsula of Humboldt Bay CA, Samoa Field is a lightly-used GA airfield with an interesting history and tons of PNW “cool factor” appeal. Bracketed by KFOT Rohnerville to the south and KEKA Murray field as well as KACV Arcata-Humboldt County airport to the north, O33 is built upon what was once a WWII Navy Blimp base. It’s also home to the NHRA-sanctioned Samoa Drag Strip, a full quarter-mile dragstrip and haven for NorCal hot rodders and drag racers. Additionally, what was once the Officer’s Quarters has been converted into a “boutique” hotel and event venue - the Humboldt Bay Social Club, which retains the rustic feel of the airfield’s past while offering excellent amenities for those looking for a weekend getaway, wedding or company party venue. The airfield itself also sees some regular use by the nearby Coast Guard contingent at KACV which uses the field for landing and autorotation practice for their Eurocopter MH-65 Dolphins. There are no fuel or repair facilities although a Porta-Potty is conveniently close to the South parking area, and pilots who take an extended taxi to park near the Social Club can grab a bite to eat and a cold beer or three and book a room for the night if so inclined.
Along with regular aircraft parking, there is a helipad, of sorts, on the South parking area next to the rusty old hangars. It’s only marked by a couple of small traffic cones which should be visible right in front of the pilot when starting off in that location. Try to land back right in front of the cones for an extra heli challenge!
For those interested in trying their hand at making a pass down the dragstrip, just start off from either “Gate R 0 - Ramp GA Small” or “Gate L 0 - Ramp GA Small” to spawn at the start of either the Left or Right lanes of the dragstrip, respectively. You can also access the dragstrip by taxiing through the gap in the fence from the regular taxiways. Good luck and have fun!
Enjoy!
-Stoopy
