Excitement Builds For a New Luxury Fly-In Community

“It’s not an airpark, it’s a way of life” is how Craig Fuller, the CEO of FLYING and visionary behind The Fields, opened the presentation to a group of pilots who had come to hear about the large aviation-themed community and resort in East Tennessee. While all of the people in the room were pilots and nearly all owned air-planes, they came to hear about the broader amenities and what life would be like as a member of The Fields. 

Many of the pilots and their families were attracted to the unique luxury fly-in community because of its promised resort amenities such as a spa, vineyard, hiking trails, rock climbing, equestrian, and fishing, with an active aviation community.

Located in scenic Sequatchie Valley, in the heart of Southeast Tennessee, The Fields is an aviator’s dream, ideal for backcountry, sport, and seaplane pilots who want to explore with their airplanes. Just outside of Chattanooga, the development spans 1,500 acres and offers valley and mountain bluff residential properties with a private asphalt runway planned. The Fields’ runway will accommodate pistons, twin turbo airplanes, and more powerful aircraft. Hangars will connect directly to taxiways and allow for residents to park their airplanes at their homes.

An inviting community center will welcome residents, aviators, and outdoor enthusiasts living and/or visiting The Fields to gather together after a day of hiking, fishing, or flying. Luxury rental villas will be developed to accommodate overnight and short-term visitors looking for a weekend getaway. A swimming pool, tennis courts, pickleball courts, playground, bowling alley, and nearby light retail and commercial properties are planned, as well as a high-end, craft farm-to-table restaurant and grocery store. Over time, the community is expected to host a number of renowned restaurants, a vineyard and winery, and a resort and spa. 

In its former life, the property was a working family farm, and the original barn—that dates back to when FLYING Magazine first launched in the 1920s—is still on site. There are plans to turn the barn into a wedding pavilion that can host hundreds of guests under its 50-foot-high rafters.

“We plan to create a one-of-a-kind, rural adventure resort that can host almost any kind of event, but is still centered around the lifestyle of an active aviator,” Fuller says.

The Fields takes advantage of the natural features that make southeastern Tennessee a destination for outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. As part of the development plan, several hundreds of acres at The Fields will be reserved for outdoor activities. The rear section of the property has topographic features that are ideal for developing a 4x4 adventure park for residents. The Fields also has multiple year-round waterfalls that make for some unbelievable hiking opportunities with breathtaking views of the valley, and a mile of riverfront shoreline that offers some of the best fishing in the area.

Bring your mountain bike, shotgun, fishing poles, and your sense of adventure. Mountain bike trails, skeet shooting, ropes courses, kayaking, and boating will be available at The Fields. Long-term plans include developing an equestrian center with boarding and trails. And the area has world-class rock climbing. In fact, the region has more miles of climbing walls than the Boulder, Colorado, area. For the hunter or fisherman, it’s a sportsman’s dream. The valley also offers hang gliding opportunities for pilots who want to get back to the basics.

While the development has not yet broken ground, the response from the aviation community has been tremendous. With more than 600 inbound inquiries and more than 40 lots already contracted, Fuller says he’s overwhelmed by the reception the development has received. 

“We have exceeded the proforma plans we set for 2026. Based on initial demand, we have decided to accelerate our timeline for development,” he says. 

Feedback from the initial cohort of future residents demonstrates the uniqueness of the development, especially among aviation enthusiasts.

“Most airparks are old and aging. The Fields brings a new flavor to the concept of an airpark,” says CP Jois. He and his wife, Simi, a professional photographer, have committed to building a home and hangar at The Fields. “The valley presents a meditative surrounding,” CP adds. “[And] the people involved in the project—their passion is contagious. The recent makeover of FLYING magazine is a prelude to what The Fields will be.”

Another future resident, Ben Dorman, said the close proximity to Chattanooga (30 miles), a metro population with half a million residents, the variety of outdoor entertainment options, and the planned luxury amenities at the fly-in community persuaded him to put a deposit on a hangar home at The Fields. Dorman is also looking forward to living with his three aircraft: a Vans RV-14, Cirrus SR22T, and a Citation Mustang. “It is such a great experience to be around like-minded fellow aviators,” he says.

Once complete, The Fields will comprise 800 residential homes, many with hangars; 180 vacation villa rentals; 35 hangars; and an outdoor adventure center. The development will also be home to the FLYING Media Group headquarters and studio.

Fuller, who plans to hangar his ICON A5 and Tecnam Astore at The Fields, says the luxury fly-in residential development is perfect for the business professional or entrepreneur who can live anywhere in the world. “If you’re seeking a low-tax, business-friendly location, and you want to take advantage of an on-site runway and enjoy an adventure-resort lifestyle, join me and the FLYING community at The Fields.”

Construction began this spring and home sites are available for presale. The first residents are expected in early 2023.

Visit FlyTheFields.com.