Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport (GAL)

Current Conditions at KPAGA

Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport, Galena, AK

Airport Overview

The Galena, AK region is served by Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport (PAGA), a public-use airport at 153 feet elevation. The field maintains 2 runway(s), with the longest measuring 6,000 feet on N/A surface. Operators and private travelers use Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav PAGA.

Private Aviation Briefing

Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport (PAGA) serves Galena at 153 ft MSL elevation. This briefing covers the private aviation considerations for operators, passengers, and flight departments using this facility.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a AK facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Galena to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near PAGA for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

6000 feet of runway at Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport supports light jets through most super-midsize jets. Aircraft like the Phenom 300, Citation XLS, Challenger 350, and Gulfstream G280 operate comfortably from PAGA. 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 Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport is a factor in total travel time. Private aviation eliminates the commercial terminal experience, but the drive from PAGA 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 Edward G. Pitka Sr 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 PAGA.

Safety & Planning

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

Location & Address

Geographically, Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport (PAGA) is located at 64.7362° N, -156.9370° W near Galena, AK. Ground transportation from PAGA to Galena proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

The 6,000-foot runway at Edward G. Pitka Sr 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

Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport offers ground handling through its on-airport service provider. Fuel availability, hangar space, and passenger amenities should be confirmed prior to arrival. The Galena area may have limited FBO options compared to larger metropolitan airports.

Charter a Jet from Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport

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

Fly Private from PAGA

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to PAGA's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport
ICAO Code	PAGA
IATA Code	GAL
FAA Identifier	GAL
Address	Galena, AK
Elevation	153 ft MSL
Coordinates	64.7362° N, 156.9370° W
FAA Data	AirNav GAL

Operations & Facilities
Runways	08/26: 6,000 ft (PEM) 06/24: 2,600 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

Alaska has more pilots per capita than any other state. Bush flying culture and remote communities make general aviation essential, not recreational. Weather changes rapidly; PIREP awareness is critical.

Operational Considerations

Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport's 153-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 1,953 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 6,000-foot runway provides approximately 5,972 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport's high latitude brings extreme seasonal variation to flight operations. Winter days in this region may provide only 6-8 hours of usable daylight. Runway contamination from snow and ice is expected from November through March. Icing conditions — both structural and induction — are a persistent hazard during the cold months. Summer operations benefit from extended twilight or near-continuous daylight, expanding the operational window significantly. Fog formation is common during seasonal transitions as temperature and moisture patterns shift.

Two runways at Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport provide crosswind flexibility. When the primary runway's crosswind component exceeds aircraft limitations, the secondary runway typically offers a more favorable alignment. Runway selection should account for wind, obstacle clearance, and any published procedures.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

McGrath Airport

PAMC · 113 NM from PAGA

Unalakleet Airport

PAUN · 113 NM from PAGA

Frequently Asked Questions

Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport carries the identifier PAGA. This code is used in FAA databases, flight planning systems, and air traffic control communications for operations at this airport.

Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport serves the Galena area in AK. GPS coordinates: 64.7362° N, 156.9370° W. The airport sits at 153 feet above sea level.

The airport features 2 runway(s). Runway 08/26 is the primary strip at 6,000 feet (PEM surface).

Private jets can land at Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport provided the 6,000-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.

For FBO information at Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport, visit airnav.com/airport/PAGA or contact the airport office. Service levels vary; pre-arrival coordination is recommended for special requirements.

Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport has a field elevation of 153 feet above mean sea level. This affects aircraft performance calculations, particularly during hot weather when density altitude increases.

Instrument approach availability at Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport depends on the facility's current FAA designation. Check the Terminal Procedures Publication or ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot for published approaches at PAGA.

Contact The Jet Finder for charter availability from Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport (PAGA). Provide your destination, travel dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to PAGA's runway and facilities.

General aviation aircraft including piston singles, turboprops, and light jets routinely use Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport. The 6,000-foot runway is the determining factor for larger categories. Consult aircraft performance data for specifics.

Tower status at PAGA: check the current A/FD entry. If non-towered, Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport uses CTAF for traffic coordination. Pilots should announce intentions on the appropriate frequency.

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

Flying internationally from Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport? CBP clearance is mandatory. Whether PAGA has on-field customs depends on the facility. Nearby airports with customs capability may be a better option — contact The Jet Finder for routing advice.

Check aviationweather.gov for current conditions at PAGA. Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport's weather is influenced by AK's regional climate. Seasonal fog, wind, and precipitation patterns should be factored into flight planning.

Transit from Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport to Galena proper is typically a short ground drive. The exact distance depends on your destination within the Galena area. Private aviation eliminates the hour+ that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Aircraft parking at Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport (PAGA) typically includes tiedown space and may include hangar availability. Rates vary by facility. Contact the FBO or airport manager for current parking options.

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

Ready to Fly from GAL?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport.

Edward G. Pitka Sr Airport (PAGA)