Russell Aviation is located in the Upper Arkansas Valley of Colorado, only minutes from Leadville and Aspen. The county we live in has the distinction of having more 14,000-foot mountains than any other county in the nation. We operate out of Harriet Alexander Field in Salida. It's a great little airport, with one of the nicest airport managers in the country (you'd better like Gene Autry music, as Carl plays it every day in the terminal). The airport terminal faces the northwest, and when you're sitting in the terminal studying, you'll see more than 60 miles of the Continental Divide just a few miles in the distance. We also train and have a simulator at one of the Denver area airports.

When you are not training or studying, you can relax along a mountain stream and enjoy the magnificent Rocky Mountains. Go fishing at one of our crystal clear mountain lakes or rivers. Go skiing in Breckenridge or Monarch ski areas (Monarch is only 15 miles from the airport). Hike the many trails of the Collegiate Peaks. Enjoy mountain biking or soak in one of our odorless hot springs. You can go kayaking in the best possible environment on what is considered the best whitewater river in the world. These are just a few of the activities found by the savvy tourists who travel to Colorado every year on vacation.

Other great activities that students may arrange on their own include camping in the San Isabel National Forest, swimming, rafting or fishing in the legendary Arkansas River. Enjoy star gazing in Aspen, which has many health clubs featuring spas, weight rooms, and racquetball, as well as live entertainment in its downtown area.

While on the cross-country training adventure, you will fly to several western US airports. These may include airports in South Dakota, New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Idaho, South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and, of course, Colorado. Stops could include Lake Powell, the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Yellowstone, Mt. Rushmore/Crazy Horse and Rocky Mountain National Park. During past flights, we've met lots of great local folks (and a few crusty old codgers).

We're certain you'll have a great time while flying and learning with us, and we hope you leave with great memories.

Below are links to area lodging options and other area information:

Buena Vista, Colorado

Salida, Colorado