Catalina Airport, airport at Santa Catalina Island, California, United States
Catalina Airport is a small airfield situated on a mountaintop in the center of Catalina Island, California, at about 1,600 feet in elevation. The 3,000-foot-long runway was carved out in 1941 through blasting operations and continues to serve as a working airfield for small aircraft and helicopters.
The airport was established in 1941 through blasting operations that removed portions of the mountain. In early 2019, the runway underwent an upgrade with support from the Department of Defense to improve safety and provide a smoother landing surface for pilots.
The airport brings together pilots and visitors seeking island life at a smaller scale. The local flying club fosters a sense of community among those who regularly arrive by air.
The airport operates daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and can be reached by small aircraft, helicopter, or by hiking the Airport Loop Trail. Check airport procedures in advance as weather conditions may affect flight schedules.
The Airport in the Sky restaurant sits right at the airport and serves homemade cookies and buffalo burgers to visitors. Members of the local flying club receive a free cookie each time they land, making it a quirky tradition among regular pilots.
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