Red Deer Forestry, Alberta

Red Deer Forestry Airport is a small, grass-surface backcountry airstrip located in Clearwater County, Alberta, situated in the foothills on the eastern edge of the Rocky Mountains. Like Ram Falls, it originated as part of the Alberta Forest Service network of remote access airstrips. It carries the identifier CFR7 and sits at an elevation of 4,646 feet MSL. The airport is listed as public use with no on-site services, fuel, or staffing. The nearest fuel is available at Calgary/Springbank Airport approximately 46 nautical miles to the south, or Rocky Mountain House Airport approximately 48 nautical miles to the north.

Operations

The airstrip has a single grass runway oriented 07/25, measuring approximately 2,868 feet in length. There are no instrument approaches, no published METAR, and no navigational aids on field. The traffic pattern altitude is 5,646 feet MSL. CTAF frequency is 122.9 MHz. The nearest weather station is Calgary/Springbank Airport, roughly 46 nautical miles away.

Warnings

⚠️ High Altitude Backcountry Airstrip — At 4,646 feet MSL with a relatively short grass runway, Red Deer Forestry requires pilots to carefully assess density altitude, aircraft performance, and prevailing winds before operating. The westerly approach in particular has been noted by visiting pilots as demanding.

⚠️ Surface Conditions — The grass surface is subject to seasonal variation. Early spring operations carry a risk of soft or water-saturated turf, which can significantly extend ground roll. Pilots are encouraged to assess conditions carefully, particularly following snowmelt or rain.