Cool California Airports

fender_jag said:
Willows (KWLW)

Get a bite to eat at Nancy's (open 24 hours).
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:yeahthat:

good food at any time of the day...

I suggest Columbia, Watsonville, Half Moon bay, Auburn, Anything by the coast.

Oh and for those who mentioned Castle...Why? just because its 12,000ft long?
 
What's the best time of year to avoid the coastal fog and head up there? I've been wanting to make the flight from the Bay Area for a long time. :)

akmountaineer said:
I've flown to almost every airport in the state, but I keep going back to Shelter Cove...

Shelter1.jpg


Shelter2.jpg
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inigo88 said:
What's the best time of year to avoid the coastal fog and head up there? I've been wanting to make the flight from the Bay Area for a long time. :)
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Fall tends to have the most prolonged fog-free periods, but you can do it any time of year if you look for the right window. If you have capability to depart IFR, so much the better because the fog can sneak in on you sometimes.
 
Thanks for the advice! It sounds like there is no substitute for the insurance the instrument rating provides, and I'm looking forward to starting my instrument training soon.
 
ETAV8R said:
If you think that is off the handle then try Haigh Field in Orland
http://www.airnav.com/airport/O37
Now that is off the hook
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Kinda reminds me of Turlock or Eureka Muni in its layout (I think Eureka was a former WWII blimp base, hence the giant concrete pad).

Another gem is Franklin Field, whose sole airport business appears to be a Sacramento County detention center. Now that's off the hizzle! :D

Back to the original subject matter, Eureka has another one called Kneeland. It apparently consists of a 2270x50 ft runway sitting atop a plateau on a mountain at 2737 ft elevation, with a 500 ft drop off at one end. It's no Catalina but seems to be the same type of airport.

Angwin-Parrett and Gualala/Ocean Ridge are other hilltop type Norcal airports surrounded by tall trees, making them interesting.
 
inigo88 said:
Thanks for the advice! It sounds like there is no substitute for the insurance the instrument rating provides, and I'm looking forward to starting my instrument training soon.
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Yeh, especially if you planning any trips along the coast. I used to fly around that area daily and its almost hit and miss for when the fog is going to be around or not. Winter was bad as is summer. That airport is pretty cool though!
 
SZP is awesome, but my absolute favorite has always been L54, Agua Caliente.

Hands down, the nicest paved, unattended airport in the middle of nowhere/for no d@mn reason.
 
Just got back from Ukiah KUKI. Took the Marchetti up there for a fly-in group meet. The Bluebird Cafe' is right across the street and has great food. It was gorgeous scenery too.
 
Inverted said:
Just got back from Ukiah KUKI. Took the Marchetti up there for a fly-in group meet. The Bluebird Cafe' is right across the street and has great food. It was gorgeous scenery too.
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Sighhhhh. Wish I had read this post 6 months ago. I used to chill on the ground till airports up north came up in weather. I would have liked to find a place to eat.
 
aloft said:
Needles. Definitely Needles. :D
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That was an interesting little airport. It's amazing how well kept up the runways are for being out in the middle of nowhere. It's equally amazing how much of a crap shack the "fbo" is. Would I stop there again for fuel.....probably not.
 
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