Catalina Airport

at Catalina Airport

From Dan Billberry on 02-Aug-2008

Flew over to Catalina on 08-01-2008. Runway could be in better shape at $20.00 a shot. Pot holes are surfacing again. Took the $25.00 airport bus to Avalon. All other web sites said ride was $17.00. When asked the airport person in Unicom, he said it was not their website...Not too helpful or friendly. Overall good site seeing trip.
 

From Dustin E. Hoffman on 30-Jun-2008

We visited AVX on Monday 6/30/2008. It's a gorgeous flight and our first visit. I was pleasantly surprised by the condition of the runway and airport. It's by no means in "new" condition, but more like an "experienced" aircraft when fairly well maintained. The facility was neat and tidy; including the restrooms (very important to my wife!), and the runway was in better condition that I'd expected from the comments here. Any holes were patched, and I didn't see anything to worry about. The staff was friendly, including the UNICOM gentleman and the nice lady collecting the fees. We can't wait to come back and spend a day or two. From its locations, it's definitely one of the most impressive airports to take friends to!
 

From David Ruck on 17-Feb-2008

My first flight into Catalina, and a perfect clear winter / spring day, communications with Paul (The FBO) very clear and helpful, the runway conditions were good and not near the poor conditions as spoken by other pilots. The $20 landing fee, $10 over night fee & $10 shuttle was acceptable and obviously the only means of revenue for the FBO as they don't sell fuel. Frank the driver on the way down to Avalon was very knowledgeable, and had quite a history as a pilot on the island. The driver on the way up barely uttered a word, drove way to fast attempting to maintain a disrupted schedule. All in all, a great trip. And a word to those first timers at landing on an upslope carrier; stay a little high, aim for the third dashed centerline and remember you can always go around and try it again.
 

From Dan Wyson on 20-Jan-2008

Flew to Catalina on an IFR training trip, and for the burgers. The burgers were as good as I had read and the scenery beautiful. Runway is definitely bumpy and with new seal coat can be deceiving. Very much worth the 320nm each way to get there.
 

From Franklin Jones on 24-Dec-2007

Be careful not to show up late. Due to a mechanical issue, our flight was delayed into Catalina, and we arrived at 5:20, which, if you check the airport notes, is 20 minutes after closing time. A very hostile person (apparently an airport official, though he refused to identify himself) "greeted" us by threatened repeatedly to report our violation to the FAA. Not a nice experience.
 

From Jeff Daugherty on 15-Dec-2007

Flew in Sept 13th. Took shuttle down town. Richie the driver was great!! filled us in on what happened with the fire etc. Stopped and let us take pictures of Buffalo. Landing fee not a big deal. Tues/Thurs best time to go down town. No cruise ships in!! Visiting from KSDL. With a friend we took plane out of KHHR for the trip. I wish all Unicoms were like these guys!!
 

From Dan Wyson on 14-Dec-2007

I went today for a visit after reading several positive comments. They definitely do have the best burger I have found. A friend and I flew 350 nm each way just to try them out and it was worth it. Beautiful approach. A little bumpy so touch down softly.
 

From William Fisher on 09-Sep-2007

Beautiful Island and scenery. BEWARE! NO FUEL AT ISLAND AIRPORT! Staff not very friendly or helpful. My plane can use auto fuel. Wasn't allowed to bring fuel from gas station in Avalon up to airport in shuttle. No break on shuttle fees after $20 landing fee. Luckily very friendly and gracious fellow pilot allowed me to siphon 5 gallons. Didn't want to charge me!!! Too bad that pilot camaraderie doesn't extend to the whole community. Remember, what goes around, comes around! I won't be going back any time soon.
 

From Tim Lewis on 27-Aug-2007

The fees do add up fast. By the time I paid for landing fee, an overnight tie down, and 2 round trip shuttle rides in to Avalon, my wallet was $70 lighter. Nonetheless, this is one of the more unique airports to fly to and Avalon is a really fun place to spend a night. Nice to see the landing fees going toward improvements: the new runway surface looks great and it's really not that bumpy. Friendly & efficient service from the airport operators/Unicom.
 

From Duane R. Amann on 26-Aug-2007

Nice people. Excellent transportation to and from Avalon. Too bad about the recent forest fire damage on the island. Still an excellent stop. The cafe is nice, too.
 

From Jim Maher on 16-Feb-2007

Catalina is one of my favorite destinations. The re-surfaced runway and taxiway are nice. The place feels like a thousand miles from Los Angeles and only cost $20. What a deal! Favorite romantic get-a-away? The Banning House at Two Harbors.
 

From Scott Siemiller on 12-Jan-2007

My wife and I flew into Catalina for the first time about a week ago. The runway is in great shape. It's still a tad bumpy but nothing to fret over. Unicom was very helpful with wind and traffic advisories. Make sure to call when about 10 miles out to let them know you're inbound. We'll definitely be back
 

From Darrin Smith on 15-Aug-2006

I enjoy flying to Catalina and have been doing so for 30 years. I wish there was no user fee at all but that's the way it goes. I would go there more often if the user fee were less. I am tired of people saying, "Anyone that complains about user fees has never flown in Europe." Well this isn't Europe and if we don't take a stand for our freedoms they will soon be all gone. Oh by the way if you have ever flown in Europe then you know how screwed up it is.
 

From Stone Wrap on 06-Aug-2006

Back after a five days four nights camping in Two Harbours. We didn't see the island till we were 3 or 4 miles from it and we were about 500' above the runway due cloud layers (thanks a lot Garmin!) ATC was with us till then. On arrival we did a base entry to runway 22 given the cloud condition obscuring downwind...Advised also by the friendly unicom. Short landing helps in making the first turn off. Great joy in verifying that the runway not only looks good but it is good. On departure we couldn't say the same for the taxiway: looks good but it is still very bumpy, slow down. Who complains about the landing fee has never flown in Europe...You don't know how good we have it here... Friendly people but bring lots of cash, enjoy Nature at Her best. It still amazes me though, how such a pearl of an island being so close to one of the biggest metropolis in the world is so quiet and uncrowded... Let's keep it that way! Ciao
 

From John Callery on 23-Jul-2006

I have landed at KAVX (Catalina) twice this week. The newly paved runway is great! It's still a little bumpy but it's very nice. The $20 landing fee is completely worth it. I had lunch at the airport cafe both times, and the Buffalo Burgers were remarkably delicious. If you have enough time you may even enjoy a nice hike. Great weekend trip and perfect for friends and family.
 

From Greg Lennox on 02-Jul-2006

The airport is open again. Runway width is NOTAM'd at 60-feet (down from 75-feet). Length still 3000-feet. Enjoy!
 

From Frank Holbert on 02-Jul-2006

The runway is open and looks great from the air. New slury coat only means you can't see the bumps now.
 

From Ron Dellarsina on 23-Jun-2006

Catalina is a must trip! It's a fantastic flight and the landing is so unique. I love it my passengers love it! The runway is in much better condition than most have made it out to be. As for the $20 landing fee.... Who cares! You can't take the $20 with you, but you can take the wonderful memories of landing on a plateau strip and all the adventure that comes with the Island!
 

From Frank Holbert on 17-Jun-2006

Everyone need to go outside tonight and look for a bright star in the east! I over flew Catalina today. Not only has the runway been repaired, the ramp has been has a fresh coat too. From the air other than stripping it looked like it was done.
 

From Greg Lennox on 05-Jun-2006

Still closed first week of June...Missed a bunch of clear days, too!
 

From Colin Summers on 05-Jun-2006

As of June 6 2006 the airport number was answered and the possible finish date for work was given as June 17 2006. They are fixing the line of potholes down the center of the runway and putting slurry over the top of the fixes. That *should* be a really nice runway then.
 

From Ron Calugar on 22-May-2006

Great day trip. Like Sedona (KSEZ) you land on a plateau. The way the runway follows the hilltop you can't see it all so you "trust" its there. The same is true for takeoff. The runway has some potholes and the winds can be tricky but the island is a wonderful destination. The visitor’s center has restrooms and food, and shuttle busses are available for a fee.
 

From James Linlor on 10-May-2006

Airport currently closed. According to airport mgr, runway being repaired and should be finished "next week" (possibly 2nd week of May). Call to FSS (as always) for status on opening. Can't wait to see (and NOT feel) the "new" runway!
 

From David Budlong on 13-Apr-2006

What a great place to go! being based in SBA, it is quick hour there. The island is beautiful, the approach is breathtaking and the Buffalo Burgers are delicous. As for the landing fee, a small price to pay for the experience. As for those whiners comments, the conservancy should charge you more! Leave your whining at home!
 

From Jon Nevin on 23-Feb-2006

This is a must do flight for anyone in Southern California. Great approach, beautiful island. Well worth the landing fee. The sloped runway (as reported) is quite deceiving. Be careful of people entering the pattern without calling or coming on straight in.
 

From Laurence Litrico on 11-Jan-2006

Visited today for my first cross country, got VFR flight following through So Cal. Avalon Unicom gave the winds and altimeter. Runway surface was not too bad. Landing fee is still $20. There were only 3 planes on that Tuesday early afternoon, used rocks for tie-downs.