Airport of the Month: Catalina

This month’s airport is a famous one – Catalina (AVX)! Situated offshore of Los Angeles, this airport is known for its unique, carrier-style approach, and remoteness. You can access it by flying to the Long Beach area (Long Beach and Torrance airports are good options) to get fuel, and then make the hop over the channel to the island. The airport does not have fuel, so please plan accordingly.

Upon landing, take in the beauty of this natural place. You’re on the top of the island, so you will have a pretty good breeze and views from the surrounding areas. The DC-3 Gifts and Grill is located adjacent to the ramp and serves lunch if you are hungry. Numerous hiking trails also branch off from here, so feel free to stretch your legs after a long flight. October is not as hot as the earlier summer months, but the weather has not turned too cold yet, so it’s a great time to explore outdoors.

Keep in mind that the airport does have a $35 landing fee and a $20 overnight parking fee. Shuttles are available to take you to nearby Avalon and can be booked online. The airport also is closed to GA traffic at night, so keep that in mind when you are planning on leaving. The airport also has some interesting hazards and considerations, so please make sure you read up on them before leaving.

The Flight Center has a recorded seminar in our seminar archive that is available for Web and Renting Members to view. Just search “Catalina” to find it.

If you fly there this month, please let FOG know with a PIREP!