I’ve flown to Catalina Airport more times than I can count, and it never gets old. The approach, the views, the feeling of landing on an island 22 miles off the California coast. Catalina sits atop Santa Catalina Island, combining challenging flying with spectacular scenery and a genuine sense of arrival somewhere special. The 3,250-foot runway at 1,602 feet elevation serves as the only airport on the island, and flying there has been a Southern California pilot pilgrimage for decades.
Quick Answer: Catalina Airport (KAVX) features a 3,250-foot runway at 1,602 feet elevation with a 1.7% upslope to the west. Operations use Runway 22 for arrival and Runway 04 for departure due to terrain and noise abatement. The island location requires overwater navigation. Landing fee is $35 for singles, $70 for twins. DC-3 Grill restaurant operates on-field. Accessible year-round but marine layer often closes the airport mornings May through July.
Airport Layout and Runway Details
The single runway (04/22) measures 3,250 feet long and 100 feet wide. Paved asphalt in good condition. Field elevation is 1,602 feet. Probably should have led with this, honestly, but the 1.7% gradient upslope to the west significantly aids landings and departures. The airport sits on a plateau in the island’s interior with mountains rising over 2,000 feet to the northwest.
No lights exist, making this day VFR only. Fuel (100LL) is available with advance notice but not guaranteed. Most pilots fuel on the mainland. The small ramp accommodates 15-20 aircraft, which fills quickly on nice weekends.
Standard Operating Procedures
Catalina uses published right-traffic patterns. The standard procedure is landing Runway 22 and departing Runway 04 regardless of wind. This one-way operation prevents noise over Avalon and provides better terrain clearance. That’s what makes Catalina endearing to pilots: the procedures make sense once you understand the terrain and community considerations.
Inbound aircraft contact Unicom (122.8) ten miles out. CTAF is 123.0. Overfly midfield at 2,000 feet to enter right downwind for Runway 22. The pattern keeps aircraft away from rising terrain to the north.
Overwater Navigation
The 22-mile crossing requires preparation. Fly at 3,500+ feet to maintain gliding distance to shore if the engine quits. Wear life preservers. Carry a raft for night or IFR operations. Brief passengers on ditching procedures. These aren’t formalities; they’re genuine safety measures for genuine risks.
Typical routes depart Long Beach, Torrance, John Wayne, or other coastal airports. GPS makes navigation straightforward, but carry paper charts as backup. Monitor 121.5 and check weather at both ends since conditions differ between mainland and island.
Weather Considerations
Marine layer fog blankets the island frequently from May through July. It typically burns off by noon but can persist. No weather reporting exists at Catalina, so pilots must assess conditions visually or obtain pilot reports. Mainland weather doesn’t predict island conditions reliably. Always have an alternate plan with fuel to return.
Landing Technique
Approach Runway 22 from the east. The upslope runway aids deceleration significantly, shortening landing roll to 1,000-1,500 feet for most aircraft. Maintain approach speed to avoid sinking short. The 100-foot width feels narrow compared to mainland airports. The displaced threshold protects departing aircraft, so land beyond it.
Departure Procedures
Departures use Runway 04 following the downslope. Backtaxi to the Runway 22 end for maximum distance. The downhill slope provides excellent acceleration. Most aircraft are airborne in 1,000-1,500 feet. After liftoff, turn right to parallel the island’s spine, avoiding Avalon.
On-Island Activities
The DC-3 Grill restaurant operates at the airport, serving meals inside a vintage DC-3 fuselage. It’s the main reason many pilots visit. Shuttle buses transport visitors to Avalon ($35 round trip) or Two Harbors. Most pilots spend 2-4 hours exploring before returning to the mainland. Overnight camping is possible with permits.
Fees and Regulations
Landing fees are $35 for singles, $70 for twins. Pay at the airport office. Noise abatement is critical since the airport faces periodic closure threats. Follow all published procedures to maintain community relations. The island’s unique environment and challenging flying make Catalina a bucket-list destination for Southern California pilots. Treat it respectfully.
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