Alta Sierra Airport (09CL)

Current Conditions at K09CL

Alta Sierra Airport, Grass Valley, CA

Airport Overview

The Grass Valley, CA region is served by Alta Sierra Airport (09CL), a public-use airport at 2,275 feet elevation. The airfield offers 1 runway(s) — 2,834 feet on the primary strip — for private and corporate traffic. Operators and private travelers use Alta Sierra Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav 09CL.

Private Aviation Briefing

Alta Sierra Airport (09CL) serves Grass Valley at 2,275 ft MSL elevation. This briefing covers the private aviation considerations for operators, passengers, and flight departments using this facility.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Alta Sierra Airport is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a CA facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Grass Valley to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near 09CL for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

Alta Sierra Airport's 2834-foot runway limits operations to piston aircraft, light turboprops, and select short-field-capable jets. The Pilatus PC-12 (2,600 ft required), Cessna Caravan, and King Air C90 are among the turbine aircraft that can use fields of this length. Charter passengers should coordinate with The Jet Finder to identify aircraft types suited to 09CL's runway.

Charter Considerations

Ground transportation at Alta Sierra Airport is a factor in total travel time. Private aviation eliminates the commercial terminal experience, but the drive from 09CL to your final destination determines the true door-to-door advantage. FBOs at most airports offer car service coordination, rental car delivery to the ramp, and concierge ground transportation for arriving passengers.

What to Know Before You Fly

Fuel pricing varies significantly between airports and FBOs. Jet-A at Alta Sierra Airport may cost $5.50 to $10.00 per gallon depending on the FBO. On shorter flights, fuel cost is a minor component. On longer legs, the price difference between FBOs adds up. The Jet Finder factors fuel cost into charter quotes to ensure accurate pricing from 09CL.

Safety & Planning

Flight planning from Alta Sierra Airport accounts for current NOTAMs, TFRs, and airspace restrictions. Pilots operating from 09CL check published notices before every departure. Temporary flight restrictions near stadiums, presidential movements, and military operations can affect routing and timing. The Jet Finder monitors these factors and communicates schedule impacts proactively.

Airport Selection Strategy

Based aircraft availability at Alta Sierra Airport directly impacts charter pricing. Airports with more locally based jets generate lower positioning costs. If 09CL has limited based aircraft, the charter operator repositions from the nearest base, adding 30 to 60 minutes of flight time at the hourly rate. The Jet Finder identifies the closest available aircraft to minimize this cost.

Seasonal Factors

Convective weather season (May through September) impacts afternoon scheduling reliability at Alta Sierra Airport. Thunderstorm activity typically builds after 2:00 PM local time, potentially delaying departures from 09CL. Morning flights on this corridor routinely depart on schedule. The Jet Finder recommends morning departures when schedule certainty matters.

Location & Address

Alta Sierra Airport is positioned at coordinates 39.1138° N, -121.0570° W, at 2,275 feet above mean sea level. Ground transportation from 09CL to Grass Valley proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

The 2,834-foot runway at Alta Sierra Airport supports piston aircraft, turboprops, and very light jets (VLJs) under favorable conditions. Light jet operators should verify takeoff and landing performance against current density altitude and weight. Midsize jets typically require a longer field.

FBOs & Ground Services

Aircraft services at 09CL are handled by the airport's fixed base operation. Standard general aviation services — fuel, parking, aircraft positioning — are typically available during operating hours. Contact Alta Sierra Airport directly for current service hours, fuel pricing, and hangar availability.

Charter a Jet from Alta Sierra Airport

Private charter from 09CL starts with a single call. Pricing from 09CL depends on aircraft type, distance, and availability. Contact us for a quote tailored to your routing and schedule.

Fly Private from 09CL

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Alta Sierra Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 09CL's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Alta Sierra Airport
ICAO Code	09CL
IATA Code	09CL
FAA Identifier	09CL
Address	Grass Valley, CA
Elevation	2,275 ft MSL
Coordinates	39.1138° N, 121.0570° W
FAA Data	AirNav 09CL

Operations & Facilities
Runways	01/19: 2,834 ft (ASPH-F)
FBOs	Airport Services
Customs	Not available
Fuel	Contact airport for availability
Hours	Contact airport for hours
Approaches	Contact airport for approach information
Tower / Freq	See Airport/Facility Directory

Regional Aviation Context

California has more registered aircraft than any other state. The state's GA infrastructure ranges from backcountry strips in the Sierra Nevada to the busiest GA airport in the world at Van Nuys.

Operational Considerations

Alta Sierra Airport's 2,275-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 4,075 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 2,834-foot runway provides approximately 2,641 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Alta Sierra Airport's temperate latitude produces generally favorable flying conditions with seasonal variation. Winter brings frontal passages that can drop ceilings to IFR minimums for 24-48 hour periods. Freezing precipitation is possible but less persistent than at higher latitudes. Summer convective activity peaks in late afternoon — morning departures typically encounter smoother, clearer conditions. Year-round instrument currency is recommended for reliable scheduling.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of Alta Sierra Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Nevada County Airport

KGOO · 7 NM from 09CL

Auburn Municipal Airport

KAUN · 10 NM from 09CL

Auburn Municipal Airport

KAUN · 10 NM from 09CL

Georgetown Airport

KE36 · 15 NM from 09CL

Frequently Asked Questions

The airport code for Alta Sierra Airport is 09CL. This identifier appears on sectional charts, in the Airport/Facility Directory, and in electronic flight planning tools.

Located in Grass Valley, CA, Alta Sierra Airport has coordinates of 39.1138° N, 121.0570° W. Airport elevation: 2,275 feet MSL. The field is accessible from the local road network.

The airport features 1 runway(s). Runway 01/19 is the primary strip at 2,834 feet (ASPH-F surface).

09CL supports private jet operations. The 2,834-foot runway accommodates light jets and turboprops in most conditions. Pilots of larger aircraft should calculate required distances based on weight, temperature, and elevation before committing.

The FBO at Alta Sierra Airport handles fuel, parking, and ground coordination for arriving aircraft. Visit AirNav for current operator contact information at 09CL. Pre-arrival calls are advisable.

Field elevation at 09CL: 2,275 feet above mean sea level. This figure appears in the Airport/Facility Directory and should be used for all performance computations at Alta Sierra Airport.

Approach procedures at 09CL are published in the FAA's instrument approach plates. Consult current charts for the latest procedure information at Alta Sierra Airport. RNAV and conventional approaches may be available depending on the facility.

Charter a private flight from Alta Sierra Airport through The Jet Finder. We have access to over 15,000 aircraft and can match the right one to 09CL's 2,834-foot runway. No middleman. Direct operator connection.

The 2,834-foot runway at 09CL supports turboprops, very light jets, and most light jet categories. Midsize jet capability depends on aircraft performance and field conditions. Heavy jets typically require longer fields.

For tower and radio frequency information at Alta Sierra Airport, consult the Airport/Facility Directory or AirNav entry for 09CL. Non-towered fields use CTAF/UNICOM for traffic advisories.

Confirm fuel availability at 09CL before arrival. Alta Sierra Airport may offer 100LL, Jet-A, or both. Pricing is set by the FBO. AirNav provides crowd-sourced fuel price reports from visiting pilots.

Customs and Border Protection services are required for international operations at Alta Sierra Airport. Contact the airport for CBP availability at 09CL. The Jet Finder assists with eAPIS filing and customs coordination.

Real-time weather for Alta Sierra Airport (09CL) is available through METAR reports on aviationweather.gov. CA experiences varied conditions throughout the year — plan accordingly for seasonal weather events.

The distance from Alta Sierra Airport (09CL) to downtown Grass Valley varies by route. Most general aviation airports are located within a short drive of their associated city. Contact The Jet Finder for ground transportation coordination.

Transient aircraft parking at 09CL is available through the on-field operator. Alta Sierra Airport typically provides tiedown space on the ramp. Hangar availability and rates vary — inquire before arrival.

The Jet Finder provides personalized charter quotes from Alta Sierra Airport. Submit your trip details at thejetfinder.com/contact.html — departure date, destination, party size. No obligation. We match 09CL's runway to the right aircraft.

Ready to Fly from 09CL?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Alta Sierra Airport.