FEATURED AIRSTRIP: MOUNT TOBE, CT (FORMERLY “WATERBURY”)

Mount Tobe, N41, is a gem of an airfield, supported by the RAF and very devoted local volunteers who raise money for maintenance during their annual Mt.Toberfest fly-in, coming up October 10-12. Thanks to RAF Connecticut Liaison Brian Thomas, two RAF grants have enabled volunteers to improve amenities at the airfield and maintain its two turf runways and tree-lined surroundings.

“Mount Tobe is an ideal place to escape the hustle and bustle. No prior permission is required, and the owners are committed to preserving its grassroots history, look, and ambiance, and welcome flying activity,” Thomas says. “Set up camp for a weekend of flying around the countryside and enjoying evening campfires with other like-minded visitors. Replenish your soul spending a few days absent of the stresses of the real world.”

In 2022, RAF supporters and local pilots, co-organized by now RAF Massachusetts/Rhode Island Liaison Drew Lyons, raised funds and volunteered to install tent platforms with the support of the airfield owners. A 2023 RAF grant provided funds to install a composting outhouse with an attached solar shower setup, gravel area with new picnic tables, several park-style barbecue grills, and complete upgrades to the two existing fire pits. Locals make sure there’s split firewood nearby. The level grounds are dotted with shade trees and trails. For campers who prefer plumbed bathrooms with showers, Gentile’s full-service campground is adjacent.

To ensure that the campground remains inviting to those who wish to fly in and camp, Thomas was awarded a 2024 RAF grant and arranged for the volunteers to erect an informational kiosk, and purchase commercial grade lawn mowing and weed whacking equipment. In 2025, RAF volunteers added a shed for firewood and improved the fire pit area.

“The equipment and our volunteers’ commitment to routine mowing relieves the airfield owners of the burden,” Thomas said.

Autumn brings beautiful fall colors and mild temperatures. The airfield is open all year, and several take advantage of the snow cover and operate on skis. Jim Ouellette lives on the airfield and is the best contact for runway conditions. You may call him at 860-384-0452.

To read Thomas’s lyric description of one of his weekends at Mount Tobe, see his January 2023 story, “Magic on Mount Tobe” in AOPA Online.

Recently, the turf airfield’s name was officially recorded as Mount Tobe, after being known for some years as Waterbury airport. For more information on Mount Tobe, see the Airfield Guide.

Submitted September 26, 2025

Posted in Featured Airstrip, News

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