Desert Rock Airport (DRA) | Private Jet Hub Near Mercury

Current Conditions at KDRA

Desert Rock Airport, Mercury, NV

Airport Overview

The Mercury, NV region is served by Desert Rock Airport (KDRA), a public-use airport at 3,314 feet elevation. Runway infrastructure includes 1 strip(s); the primary surface extends 7,515 feet (N/A). Operators and private travelers use Desert Rock Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KDRA.

Private Aviation Briefing

Private aviation at Desert Rock Airport (KDRA) connects Mercury to destinations across the country and internationally. The airport sits at 3,314 ft MSL with 7515-foot primary runway. This briefing covers what matters for your mission.

U.S. General Aviation Context

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

Runway Capability

With 7515 feet of runway, Desert Rock Airport accommodates the full spectrum of business aviation aircraft. Light jets, midsize jets, super-mids, and heavy jets (including Gulfstream G650, Global 7500, and Boeing BBJ) can operate from KDRA under standard conditions. Long runway availability also provides comfortable safety margins for hot-day and high-gross-weight departures.

Charter Considerations

Peak travel periods affect aircraft availability and pricing near Mercury. Holiday weekends, major events, and seasonal migration patterns drive demand. Booking 7 to 14 days ahead of peak periods secures better aircraft selection and pricing from KDRA. Last-minute charter is possible but typically costs 15 to 30% more due to limited positioning options.

What to Know Before You Fly

Weather at Desert Rock Airport affects scheduling reliability. IFR-equipped aircraft and instrument-rated crews fly in most weather conditions, but low ceilings, thunderstorms, and winter ice can delay departures. Flexible scheduling improves reliability. Morning departures generally encounter better weather than afternoon flights, particularly during convective season.

Safety & Planning

Instrument approach availability at Desert Rock Airport determines minimum weather for arrival. Airports with ILS approaches allow lower minimums than GPS-only fields. If KDRA has limited approach options, weather alternate planning becomes critical. The Jet Finder identifies suitable alternate airports and factors this into flight planning for charter from Desert Rock Airport.

Airport Selection Strategy

Choosing Desert Rock Airport over a larger commercial hub near Mercury often reduces total travel time. General aviation airports like KDRA eliminate terminal congestion, commercial airline scheduling, and the 90-minute early arrival buffer. The net time savings on a typical trip can exceed three hours each direction.

Seasonal Factors

Seasonal demand patterns affect charter availability and pricing from Desert Rock Airport. Holiday periods (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Spring Break) see 40 to 60% price increases due to demand spikes. Summer leisure travel and winter ski season create directional imbalances that generate empty leg opportunities. Planning around these patterns saves significantly on charter from KDRA.

Location & Address

Geographically, Desert Rock Airport (KDRA) is located at 36.6194° N, -116.0330° W near Mercury, NV. Ground transportation from KDRA to Mercury proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

Desert Rock Airport's 7,515-foot runway accommodates every private jet in current production, including ultra-long-range aircraft like the Gulfstream G700, Bombardier Global 7500, and Falcon 8X. No runway length restrictions for any private jet category.

FBOs & Ground Services

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

Charter a Jet from Desert Rock Airport

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

Fly Private from KDRA

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

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Desert Rock Airport
ICAO Code	KDRA
IATA Code	DRA
FAA Identifier	NV65
Address	Mercury, NV
Elevation	3,314 ft MSL
Coordinates	36.6194° N, 116.0330° W
FAA Data	AirNav DRA

Operations & Facilities
Runways	02/20: 7,515 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

Nevada's GA infrastructure supports Las Vegas's charter market and mining operations in remote areas. High temperatures and elevation create significant density altitude challenges.

Operational Considerations

At 3,314 feet MSL, Desert Rock Airport operates at moderate elevation. Standard-day density altitude matches field elevation, but summer temperatures can push it above 5,114 feet. The 7,515-foot runway delivers approximately 6,768 feet of sea-level equivalent performance after altitude correction. Pilots transitioning from sea-level airports should plan for longer ground rolls and reduced initial climb performance at Desert Rock Airport.

Desert Rock 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 Desert Rock Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Creech Air Force Base

KINS · 17 NM from KDRA

Yucca Airstrip

NV11 · 19 NM from KDRA

Calvada Meadows Airport

K74P · 21 NM from KDRA

Pahute Mesa Airstrip

KL23 · 32 NM from KDRA

Frequently Asked Questions

The airport code for Desert Rock Airport is KDRA. This identifier appears on sectional charts, in the Airport/Facility Directory, and in electronic flight planning tools.

You will find Desert Rock Airport near Mercury, NV. The geographic position is 36.6194° N, 116.0330° W, at an elevation of 3,314 feet MSL.

Runway 02/20 is the main strip at Desert Rock Airport, providing 7,515 feet of ASP runway. The airport has 1 total runway(s).

Desert Rock Airport (KDRA) is open to private jet traffic. The primary runway offers 7,515 feet. Whether a specific aircraft type can operate depends on its takeoff/landing requirements relative to field conditions.

The FBO at Desert Rock Airport handles fuel, parking, and ground coordination for arriving aircraft. Visit AirNav for current operator contact information at KDRA. Pre-arrival calls are advisable.

Desert Rock Airport has a field elevation of 3,314 feet above mean sea level. This affects aircraft performance calculations, particularly during hot weather when density altitude increases.

Instrument approach availability at Desert Rock Airport depends on the facility's current FAA designation. Check the Terminal Procedures Publication or ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot for published approaches at KDRA.

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

General aviation aircraft including piston singles, turboprops, and light jets routinely use Desert Rock Airport. The 7,515-foot runway is the determining factor for larger categories. Consult aircraft performance data for specifics.

Radio frequencies for Desert Rock Airport (KDRA) appear in the A/FD and electronic chart supplements. If untowered, use standard CTAF procedures for traffic separation and position reporting.

For fuel at KDRA, contact the on-field FBO or check airnav.com/airport/KDRA. Jet-A and 100LL availability depends on the facility. Self-serve and full-serve options may vary.

International flight planning from KDRA requires CBP coordination. Desert Rock 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 Desert Rock Airport (KDRA) is available through METAR reports on aviationweather.gov. NV experiences varied conditions throughout the year — plan accordingly for seasonal weather events.

Desert Rock Airport is located in Mercury, NV. 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 KDRA.

Desert Rock Airport offers aircraft parking for visiting and based aircraft. Tiedown and hangar rates at KDRA should be confirmed directly with the airport. Overnight parking may require advance arrangement.

For a flight quote from Desert Rock Airport (KDRA), contact The Jet Finder at thejetfinder.com/contact.html. Include your destination, dates, passenger count, and any special requirements. We respond with operator options and pricing.

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Experience the difference of private aviation at Desert Rock Airport.

Desert Rock Airport (KDRA)