Big Bear City Airport (RBF) | Private Jet Hub Near Big Bear

Current Conditions at KL35

Big Bear City Airport, Big Bear, CA

Airport Overview

The Big Bear, CA region is served by Big Bear City Airport (KL35), a public-use airport at 6,752 feet elevation. The field maintains 1 runway(s), with the longest measuring 5,850 feet on N/A surface. Operators and private travelers use Big Bear City Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KL35.

Private Aviation Briefing

Big Bear City Airport (KL35) serves Big Bear at 6,752 ft MSL elevation. This briefing covers the private aviation considerations for operators, passengers, and flight departments using this facility.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Big Bear City 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 Big Bear to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near KL35 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

5850 feet of runway at Big Bear City Airport supports light jets through most super-midsize jets. Aircraft like the Phenom 300, Citation XLS, Challenger 350, and Gulfstream G280 operate comfortably from KL35. Heavy jets (Gulfstream G550/G650, Global Express) require performance calculations accounting for temperature, weight, and field elevation before committing to this runway length.

Charter Considerations

Ground transportation at Big Bear City Airport is a factor in total travel time. Private aviation eliminates the commercial terminal experience, but the drive from KL35 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 Big Bear City 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 KL35.

Safety & Planning

Flight planning from Big Bear City Airport accounts for current NOTAMs, TFRs, and airspace restrictions. Pilots operating from KL35 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 Big Bear City Airport directly impacts charter pricing. Airports with more locally based jets generate lower positioning costs. If KL35 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 Big Bear City Airport. Thunderstorm activity typically builds after 2:00 PM local time, potentially delaying departures from KL35. Morning flights on this corridor routinely depart on schedule. The Jet Finder recommends morning departures when schedule certainty matters.

Location & Address

Big Bear City Airport is positioned at coordinates 34.2638° N, -116.8560° W, at 6,752 feet above mean sea level. Ground transportation from KL35 to Big Bear proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

The 5,850-foot runway at Big Bear City Airport accommodates all private jet categories without significant restriction, from light jets through super-midsize and many heavy jets. Aircraft like the Challenger 350, Citation Latitude, and Gulfstream G280 operate routinely at fields of this length.

FBOs & Ground Services

Ground services at Big Bear City Airport are available through the on-field FBO or airport management. Services typically include aircraft parking, tiedowns, and fuel coordination. For current FBO contact information and service availability at KL35, consult AirNav or contact the airport directly.

Charter a Jet from Big Bear City Airport

Charter operations from Big Bear City Airport (KL35) connect Big Bear to destinations across the country. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at KL35 with the right aircraft for your route.

Fly Private from KL35

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Big Bear City Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KL35's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Big Bear City Airport
ICAO Code	KL35
IATA Code	RBF
FAA Identifier	L35
Address	Big Bear, CA
Elevation	6,752 ft MSL
Coordinates	34.2638° N, 116.8560° W
FAA Data	AirNav RBF

Operations & Facilities
Runways	8/26: 5,850 ft (ASP)
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

Big Bear City Airport sits at 6,752 feet MSL, placing it firmly in the high-altitude operations category. On a standard day (15°C at sea level, decreasing 2°C per 1,000 feet), density altitude equals field elevation. On a hot summer afternoon at 35°C, density altitude at Big Bear City Airport approaches 8,552 feet. That means aircraft performance — takeoff roll, climb rate, engine power — degrades to match a runway at 8,552 feet, not 6,752 feet. The 5,850-foot runway provides roughly 4,665 feet of sea-level equivalent performance under those conditions. Normally aspirated engines lose approximately 3% power per 1,000 feet of density altitude; at Big Bear City Airport, that compounds to a 20% power deficit on a standard day.

Subtropical conditions at Big Bear City Airport mean warm temperatures dominate year-round. The primary weather challenge is convective: afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly during the warm season, often reaching maturity between 14:00 and 18:00 local time. Morning departures (before 10:00 local) consistently provide the smoothest, clearest conditions. Haze and humidity can reduce visibility below VFR minimums without obvious cloud formation. The cooler months offer the most reliable flying weather.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of Big Bear City Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Redlands Municipal Airport

KREI · 18 NM from KL35

Redlands Municipal Airport

KREI · 18 NM from KL35

Banning Municipal Airport

KBNG · 20 NM from KL35

San Bernardino International Airport

KSBD · 21 NM from KL35

Frequently Asked Questions

KL35 is both the ICAO and FAA identifier for Big Bear City Airport. Pilots should reference this code in all flight plan filings and ATC communications involving this facility.

Big Bear City Airport serves the Big Bear area in CA. GPS coordinates: 34.2638° N, 116.8560° W. The airport sits at 6,752 feet above sea level.

The airport features 1 runway(s). Runway 8/26 is the primary strip at 5,850 feet (ASP surface).

Private jets can land at Big Bear City Airport provided the 5,850-foot runway meets their performance requirements. Light and very light jets typically operate without restriction. Midsize jets may require careful performance analysis depending on conditions.

FBO services at Big Bear City Airport include basic ground handling, parking, and fuel coordination. Contact the airport directly for current service provider information, or check AirNav for details on KL35.

The airport elevation at Big Bear City Airport is 6,752 feet MSL. Pilots should factor this into takeoff and landing performance calculations, especially during summer operations.

Approach procedures at KL35 are published in the FAA's instrument approach plates. Consult current charts for the latest procedure information at Big Bear City Airport. RNAV and conventional approaches may be available depending on the facility.

Private charter from KL35 is available through The Jet Finder. We connect clients with FAA-certificated Part 135 operators. Pricing depends on aircraft type, destination, and scheduling.

The 5,850-foot runway at KL35 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.

Check the Airport/Facility Directory for KL35's tower status. Big Bear City Airport may be towered, non-towered, or part-time tower. Appropriate communication procedures depend on tower operating hours.

Big Bear City Airport (KL35) fuel information is available through AirNav. Common fuel types at general aviation airports include 100LL and Jet-A. Availability and pricing should be verified before planning a fuel stop.

International flight planning from KL35 requires CBP coordination. Big Bear City Airport may or may not have on-field customs services. The Jet Finder can identify the nearest CBP-equipped airport and handle logistics.

Real-time weather for Big Bear City Airport (KL35) is available through METAR reports on aviationweather.gov. CA experiences varied conditions throughout the year — plan accordingly for seasonal weather events.

KL35 provides access to Big Bear, CA. Ground transfer time from Big Bear City Airport to local destinations is generally efficient. The airport's GA-specific environment means no terminal queues — just a direct walk from ramp to vehicle.

Big Bear City Airport offers aircraft parking for visiting and based aircraft. Tiedown and hangar rates at KL35 should be confirmed directly with the airport. Overnight parking may require advance arrangement.

Request a charter quote from KL35 through The Jet Finder. Provide departure date, destination, passenger count, and luggage requirements. We source availability from multiple Part 135 operators for competitive pricing.

Ready to Fly from RBF?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Big Bear City Airport.

Big Bear City Airport (KL35)