Catalina Airport (KAVX) | The ULTIMATE Pilots Guide

Описание: Fly with us in our Piper Arrow into stunning Catalina Airport (KAVX) onto Runway 22. We’ll talk about landing fees, the blacklist you don't want to end up on and the little known military group that rebuilt the runway. And if you stay til the end you'll get treated to a flight around the island!

CURFEW
Catalina Airport does have a curfew. The airport is only open from 8am-5pm daily. Airport operations outside of these hours are strictly prohibited.

LANDING FEE
Catalina Airport does have a landing fee. Failure to pay your landing fee will get you on the blacklist. You do not want to be on the blacklist at Catalina. Once you park make your way to the towered structure south of the parking. The landing fee helps support Catalina Conservancy which is responsible for the upkeep of the airport, roads, and wildlife habitats on the island. The money goes towards a good cause and is a great way to ensure we keep this airport open to the public!

One-Time Landing Fees:
$38 Piston single
$44 Piston twin
$55 Turbine single
$110 Turbine twin

Alternatively, you could become a Sky Aero Club Member for free unlimited landings and a free cookie every time you visit: https://catalinaconservancy.org/recre...

TRANSIENT PARKING
There is plenty of transient parking at Catalina Airport located south of the runway. If the paved parking area is full you can park on the middle unpaved area called The Infield. There are several rows of cables in this non-paved area to tie-down your plane. The paved areas do not have anywhere to tie-down so bring your chocks. Overnight parking fees can be paid at the same office as your landing fee.

Overnight Fees:
$22 for a single engine overnight
$27 twin engine overnight

FUEL
You will NOT find any fuel on the island. Please plan accordingly! The next closest airport with fuel is Torrance Municipal Airport (roughly 25 miles).

RESTROOMS
Restrooms are located in the same building as the restaurant.

TAXI / SHUTTLE
If you’re looking to go into Avalon or Two Harbors plan ahead and book the shuttle The Wildlands Express. The shuttle has a set schedule and can book up early during the Spring and Summer seasons. The shuttle pickup is located in front of the restaurant.
https://catalinaconservancy.org/recre...

A more flexible but more expensive option is a taxi. For taxi service make sure to call at least 24 hours ahead to schedule your pick up and drop off.
https://www.catalinataxiandtours.com/...

FOOD
Airport in the Sky Restaurant has some of the best views of any airport restaurant! Known for their buffalo burgers and cookies, no matter what you order, sit out on the patio and enjoy the breathtaking views with the sound of planes coming and going in the background. If the weather is too chilly for the patio, make your way inside for cozy seating and a nice big fireplace.

You’ll find snacks and a small gift shop in the restaurant if you’re looking for a few souvenirs to take home.

For more food options make your way into Avalon via the Wildlands Shuttle or a taxi.

We highly recommend The Airport Loop trail, a 2.8 mile loop trail that is considered fairly easy. We hiked the trail clockwise and found the last leg to be the most challenging, requiring two hands to steady ourselves in some places with steeper terrain. The trail takes about an hour to hike and has incredible views all around. Be sure to pack water, a hat, sunscreen and a snack. You’ll find a shade shelter with seating along the way which makes a perfect setting for a picnic lunch while you do some plane spotting. We didn’t encounter anyone else on the trail making for a peaceful and quiet hike.

Don’t forget to review the airport procedures before going: https://catalinaconservancy.org/recre...

Thanks for watching!

See you next week as we explore a new airport!

Until then, Go fly, Go discover! 🛩️

Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:32 METAR
02:09 First Discovery Flight
03:23 Radio Call with Wrong Airport
03:40 Make Sure to Do This
04:05 A Little Bit of History
04:48 Info You Need to Know
05:49 Why A Landing Fee?
07:28 Weather
07:47 Instrument Approaches & VFR Arrivals
08:17 Transient Parking & Avgas
08:47 Do This First & Shuttle Info
09:38 Airport In the Sky Restaurant (Cookies!)
10:16 Airport Loop Hike
11:13 Runup Info & Picking A Departure
12:35 Shout Out to Chris & Tony
13:35 Tail Cam Departure
14:37 Catalina Airport From Above
19:37 Avalon
30:10 Two Harbors

IG: /outsidethecockpit

DISCLAIMER:
This video is NOT intended to be instructional. We are not CFIs. This video has been edited for brevity and clarity and is for informational purposes only. We are sharing our experience flying into this particular airport. Your experience may vary. When in doubt ask ATC and your CFI.
#flying #airport #catalina