Lt. Col. Robert E. Ruthford Airfield, Mineral County’s small but vital general aviation airport southeast of Superior, is preparing for another phase of growth as construction begins on a new three-bay hangar.

The project comes in response to a rising demand for aircraft storage and reflects the airport’s continued evolution from a rural airstrip to a well-supported community asset.

Peggy Temple, vice-chair of the Mineral County Airport Board, explained that the new structure will “match the two other FAA-funded hangars in color, size, and amenities,” ensuring a uniform look and consistent functionality across the airfield. 

The building will contain three individual bays, each equipped with electricity. Like the previous two hangars, it is funded through grants from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Montana Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division.

“These agencies also funded a pavement maintenance project last summer,” Temple said, adding that the airport’s share of the cost was less than $600. She emphasized that the airport is entirely self-sustaining: “The airport is fully self-funded with no mils from the county.”

According to Temple, the new hangars are badly needed. 

“There is a demand for additional hangar space as we currently have a waiting list, many more than the three-bay being constructed,” she said. 

For those eager for a custom space, the airport can also lease land to individuals who want to construct their own buildings. Revenue from hangar rentals and fuel sales already sustains airport operations. Added rental income from the new hangars will support future maintenance and improvements. 

Current enhancements include real-time weather cameras available through FAA weather camera systems, an especially important tool in the mountainous terrain surrounding the airport. Construction contracts were awarded through a competitive bid process. 

Though the company selected did not build the last set of hangars, Temple noted they are working with some local subcontractors whose familiarity with earlier projects will help maintain consistency. 

“The new hangars will be the same size, color, and design as the existing pair,” she said.

Mineral County’s airport is located about two nautical miles southeast of Superior at an elevation of 2,787 feet. The facility includes a 3,450-foot asphalt runway, tie-downs, 100LL avgas, and left-hand traffic patterns for both runway directions. Though unlighted and limited to visual-flight-rules operations, the airport remains busy, with frequent use in firefighting operations. 

Covering 70 acres, the airfield has seen steady improvements over the past decades including a runway reconstruction, tree clearing, perimeter fencing, a self-service fuel system, and a three-phase power upgrade.

In 2012, the airport was dedicated to Lt. Col. Robert E. Ruthford, a decorated aviator whose life story echoes the spirit of general aviation in Mineral County. Ruthford, a Superior resident for more than 40 years, served in the U.S. Army Air Force and later the Air Force across World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He flew B-17s and P-51 Mustangs during his distinguished 29-year career. 

A lifelong mentor and community supporter, Ruthford inspired countless local aviators and contributed to programs such as “Read to Fly,” Mineral County Search and Rescue, and youth outreach efforts. Following his passing in 2013, his legacy continues to shape the airport that now bears his name.

With construction of the new hangar underway, the airport board, guided by Chair Gary Bullock, Vice-chair Peggy Temple, and members Woody Woodford, Jim Silverman, and Ron White, continue to chart steady, thoughtful growth for the facility. 

As demand for hangar space grows and Mineral County’s aviation community expands, the new structure represents not only additional capacity, but also the ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing one of the county’s most valued public resources, an airport built on self-sufficiency, community support, and a proud aviation legacy.