Colorado Springs East Airport (CO4)

Current Conditions at KCO4

Colorado Springs East Airport, Ellicott, CO

Airport Overview

The Ellicott, CO region is served by Colorado Springs East Airport (KCO4), a public-use airport at 6,145 feet elevation. Runway infrastructure includes 3 strip(s); the primary surface extends 4,500 feet (N/A). Operators and private travelers use Colorado Springs East Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KCO4.

Private Aviation Briefing

Colorado Springs East Airport provides general aviation access to the Ellicott area. The field sits at 6,145 ft MSL MSL. Here is the charter and operational briefing for KCO4.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Colorado Springs East Airport is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a CO facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Ellicott to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near KCO4 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

At 4500 feet, Colorado Springs East Airport serves light jets and turboprops. The Citation CJ series, Phenom 100, HondaJet, and King Air family operate within this runway capability. Midsize jets require careful performance analysis based on temperature and aircraft weight. Pilots should reference aircraft-specific takeoff and landing distance charts for KCO4's runway length and 6,145 ft MSL elevation.

Charter Considerations

When chartering from Colorado Springs East Airport, consider the round-trip economics. One-way charters incur a repositioning fee (the empty leg back to base). Round-trips from KCO4 eliminate this cost. For one-way flights, The Jet Finder checks for aircraft that need to reposition through Ellicott anyway, reducing or eliminating the empty-leg premium.

What to Know Before You Fly

Arrive at the FBO 15 to 20 minutes before departure. That is the entire pre-flight process for private charter from Colorado Springs East Airport. No security lines, no boarding groups, no gate announcements. Your vehicle pulls up to the aircraft, luggage is loaded directly, and you board at your convenience.

Safety & Planning

The Jet Finder sources charter aircraft exclusively from FAA Part 135 certified operators. Every crew flying from Colorado Springs East Airport meets federal duty time, rest, and recurrency requirements. We verify operator certifications, audit history, and insurance coverage before presenting any aircraft option from KCO4 to our clients.

Airport Selection Strategy

Colorado Springs East Airport serves the Ellicott market for private aviation. Airport selection affects charter cost through positioning fees, landing charges, and fuel prices. An airport 20 miles farther from your destination but with lower fees and better aircraft availability can save thousands on a charter. The Jet Finder runs this analysis for every booking from the Ellicott area.

Seasonal Factors

Summer density altitude affects aircraft performance at Colorado Springs East Airport, particularly on hot afternoons when field elevation of 6,145 ft MSL increases effective altitude. Early morning departures maximize payload and performance from KCO4. The Jet Finder schedules departures to optimize aircraft performance when density altitude is a factor.

Location & Address

Colorado Springs East Airport is positioned at coordinates 38.8744° N, -104.4100° W, at 6,145 feet above mean sea level. Ground transportation from KCO4 to Ellicott proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

With 4,500 feet of runway, Colorado Springs East Airport supports all light jets and most midsize jets (Citation XLS, Learjet 45/60, Hawker 800). Super-midsize jets may operate under favorable weight and weather conditions. Heavy jets typically require longer fields.

FBOs & Ground Services

FBO services at KCO4 cover the standard general aviation needs: fuel, parking, and ground handling. Service levels vary by facility size and staffing. Pilots and passengers should coordinate arrival requirements in advance, particularly for after-hours operations at Colorado Springs East Airport.

Charter a Jet from Colorado Springs East Airport

Private charter from KCO4 starts with a single call. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at KCO4 with the right aircraft for your route.

Fly Private from KCO4

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Colorado Springs East Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KCO4's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Colorado Springs East Airport
ICAO Code	KCO4
IATA Code	CO4
FAA Identifier	CO4
Address	Ellicott, CO
Elevation	6,145 ft MSL
Coordinates	38.8744° N, 104.4100° W
FAA Data	AirNav CO4

Operations & Facilities
Runways	17L/35R: 4,500 ft (GVL) 17R/35L: 4,500 ft (ASP) 08/26: 3,440 ft (GVL)
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

Colorado's high elevation airports demand careful performance planning. Many fields sit above 5,000 feet MSL, and density altitude during summer can exceed 10,000 feet. Turbulence along the Front Range is common.

Operational Considerations

Colorado Springs East Airport sits at 6,145 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 Colorado Springs East Airport approaches 7,945 feet. That means aircraft performance — takeoff roll, climb rate, engine power — degrades to match a runway at 7,945 feet, not 6,145 feet. The 4,500-foot runway provides roughly 3,670 feet of sea-level equivalent performance under those conditions. Normally aspirated engines lose approximately 3% power per 1,000 feet of density altitude; at Colorado Springs East Airport, that compounds to a 18% power deficit on a standard day.

Colorado Springs East 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.

Colorado Springs East Airport's 3-runway configuration provides multiple approach options. Wind coverage across multiple runway headings means crosswind limits rarely restrict operations. Pilots should monitor the appropriate frequency for traffic pattern and runway selection. Published noise abatement procedures may designate preferred runways during certain hours.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of Colorado Springs East Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Usaf Academy Bullseye Aux Airstrip

CO90 · 8 NM from KCO4

Meadow Lake Airport

KFLY · 9 NM from KCO4

Colorado Springs Airport

KCOS · 14 NM from KCO4

Butts AAF (Fort Carson) Air Field

KFCS · 20 NM from KCO4

Frequently Asked Questions

The airport code for Colorado Springs East Airport is KCO4. This identifier appears on sectional charts, in the Airport/Facility Directory, and in electronic flight planning tools.

Located in Ellicott, CO, Colorado Springs East Airport has coordinates of 38.8744° N, 104.4100° W. Airport elevation: 6,145 feet MSL. The field is accessible from the local road network.

Runway 17L/35R is the main strip at Colorado Springs East Airport, providing 4,500 feet of GVL runway. The airport has 3 total runway(s).

KCO4 supports private jet operations. The 4,500-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.

Ground services at KCO4 are provided by the on-field operator. Available services may include aircraft parking, tiedowns, fuel, and basic passenger amenities. Confirm availability before arrival.

The airport elevation at Colorado Springs East Airport is 6,145 feet MSL. Pilots should factor this into takeoff and landing performance calculations, especially during summer operations.

For current instrument approach procedure information at Colorado Springs East Airport (KCO4), consult the FAA's Terminal Procedures Publication or check electronic charts in your EFB.

Charter a private flight from Colorado Springs East Airport through The Jet Finder. We have access to over 15,000 aircraft and can match the right one to KCO4's 4,500-foot runway. No middleman. Direct operator connection.

General aviation aircraft including piston singles, turboprops, and light jets routinely use Colorado Springs East Airport. The 4,500-foot runway is the determining factor for larger categories. Consult aircraft performance data for specifics.

Tower status at KCO4: check the current A/FD entry. If non-towered, Colorado Springs East Airport uses CTAF for traffic coordination. Pilots should announce intentions on the appropriate frequency.

Fuel availability at Colorado Springs East Airport (KCO4) should be confirmed before arrival. Most GA airports offer 100LL (avgas). Jet-A availability varies by facility. Check AirNav for current fuel types and pricing.

Customs and Border Protection services are required for international operations at Colorado Springs East Airport. Contact the airport for CBP availability at KCO4. The Jet Finder assists with eAPIS filing and customs coordination.

Check aviationweather.gov for current conditions at KCO4. Colorado Springs East Airport's weather is influenced by CO's regional climate. Seasonal fog, wind, and precipitation patterns should be factored into flight planning.

Colorado Springs East Airport is located in Ellicott, CO. Distance to the city center depends on the airport's specific location relative to downtown. Ground transportation — car service, rideshare, or rental — is the standard connection from KCO4.

Colorado Springs East Airport offers aircraft parking for visiting and based aircraft. Tiedown and hangar rates at KCO4 should be confirmed directly with the airport. Overnight parking may require advance arrangement.

The Jet Finder provides personalized charter quotes from Colorado Springs East Airport. Submit your trip details at thejetfinder.com/contact.html — departure date, destination, party size. No obligation. We match KCO4's runway to the right aircraft.

Ready to Fly from CO4?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Colorado Springs East Airport.

Colorado Springs East Airport (KCO4)