Finding Your Own Airpark
	Before you begin planning your first flight into a new field you must follow a few simple rules: 1. Know your aircrafts limitations as well as your own limitations. 2. Follow all applicable federal and local regulations. 3. Contact and recieve permission from the airport manager prior to departure. 4. Have an alternate, private fields can be difficult to find and often don't sell fuel. 5. Be kind and curtious, remember, you are a guest.
		You don't have to be an aircraft owner, nor a pilot to visit and appreciate nice aircraft and airparks. If you have an interest in aviation, one of the best ways is to get involved with your local EAA (Experimental Aviation Association) Chapter or just contact a nearby airpark and simply introduce yourself,  and ask if there are any upcoming events. Many small strips will host EAA breakfasts, cook-outs, and fly-ins.
			When looking for a new airpark to visit, the first thing I do is pull out is my sectional and pick a general area that I am comfortable flying to. I make note of the private airports in the area, and do some research at Airnav.com. Airnav is an excelent resuorce for the soft field flier. Airnav allows you to search by name, city or area, and its free! Once you've searched for and found the specific airports page, you can gather valuable data for your flight such as, runway size and type, pictures, GPS coordinates, fuel (if any), websites, names and phone numbers of the airport owner and manager. I will often print the page to take with me. A GPS is invaluable, private fields are often very difficult to spot.  By far the best way to find good airparks is by word-of-mouth. If someone is visiting your airpark from a field that you have never been to, don't miss the opportunity to fly back with them.