Est. 1969 · P19 · Chandler, AZ
What is Stellar Airpark?
Stellar Airpark is a unique member-supported public use, privately owned airport serving adjacent residential homes and businesses. Located in Chandler, Arizona, in the Phoenix metropolitan area, Stellar is conveniently located near shopping, restaurants, and hotels, with excellent freeway access.
Est. 1969
History of Stellar Airpark
The Dream Begins
Harold (Tom) L. Earley Jr., a cotton farmer, dreams of landing a plane and taxiing it directly to his home. He forms Stellar Development Corp. and markets the concept as "Stellar City Air Park" — 40 homes with private taxiway access and 40 more with tie-down parking.
A Dream Interrupted
Tom Earley dies in a plane crash on September 11, 1975, before seeing his dream fully developed. His vision for the airpark lives on.
Van Sickle Era
Tom Van Sickle, a local developer, purchases the property from the Earley Estate. He forms Stellar Executive Services and develops Stellar Industrial Units One and Two east of the runway, using the south half of the airport as collateral.
City of Chandler Annexation
The City of Chandler annexes the entire development, including all homes and airport grounds.
Economic Crisis
During the economic recession, Southwest Savings becomes insolvent. All assets are seized by the Resolution Trust Corp. The south half of the runway property is transferred to the Resolution Trust for disposal.
SRUA is Born
Residents discover the airport's land taxes are delinquent. Mike Kramer and Dan Perry lead the charge — scraping together funds including a $15,000 loan. They form the Stellar Runway Utilizers Association (SRUA) overnight as a non-profit, purchasing the land from Resolution Trust (listed as "un-sellable") for just $500. Maricopa County reduces an incorrectly assessed $200,000 tax bill to $1,000. Van Sickle graciously quit-claims the north half of the airport to SRUA.
First Stellar Day
In celebration of saving the runway, residents hold the very first "Stellar Day" — a community fly-in featuring pot-luck food, spot landing contests, bomb drop competitions, and awards from hobbyists. A tradition is born.
Stellar Airpark Estates
Mark-Taylor, a high-end developer, purchases land south of existing homes. Jeff Mark works with SRUA to plan 65 new lots while protecting the existing homeowners. SRUA provides land, easements, and drainage for the new development.
A New Era Opens
The new gated "Stellar Airpark Estates" opens. The renovated runway, taxiways, lighting, and upscale homes give Stellar a fresh look and increased sense of pride. Stellar Airpark becomes one of the premier airparks in the United States.
The Great Renovation
Ron Pratte and Jeff Mark offer to completely reconstruct the entire runway, taxiways, infields, and ramps at no cost to the membership. The project — improving safety, widening taxiways, upgrading lighting and navigation aids — is completed in an astonishing 100 days. Members contribute financially and volunteer their time.
Stellar Estates II
Ron Pratte develops the last vacant residential property on the north end of the airport into Stellar Estates II — a beautifully gated custom home community. The original airpark entrance is relocated to the larger Galaxy Drive with no expense spared on infrastructure and landscaping.
Dream Fulfilled
42 years after start-up, all residential property is developed. Tom Earley's dream of a thriving residential airpark community comes fully to fruition. Stellar Airpark is an important part of Chandler's history.
Community Associations
Stellar Airpark is home to eight distinct communities sharing one runway.
Residential
Industrial
Find & Contact Us
Get in Touch
Stellar Airpark (P19)
11 N Stellar Parkway
Chandler, AZ 85226