Ellsworth Air Force Base (RCA)

Current Conditions at KRCA

Ellsworth Air Force Base, Rapid City, SD

Airport Overview

Ellsworth Air Force Base (KRCA) is a public-use aviation facility serving Rapid City, SD. The field maintains 1 runway(s), with the longest measuring 13,497 feet on N/A surface. For time-sensitive travelers, KRCA eliminates the overhead of routing through a commercial hub. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KRCA.

Private Aviation Briefing

KRCA is the identifier for Ellsworth Air Force Base, serving Rapid City at 3,276 ft MSL elevation. Operators, passengers, and dispatchers should note the following details for flight planning and charter operations.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Ellsworth Air Force Base is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a SD facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Rapid City to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near KRCA for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

With 13497 feet of runway, Ellsworth Air Force Base 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 KRCA under standard conditions. Long runway availability also provides comfortable safety margins for hot-day and high-gross-weight departures.

Charter Considerations

Ground transportation at Ellsworth Air Force Base is a factor in total travel time. Private aviation eliminates the commercial terminal experience, but the drive from KRCA 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 Ellsworth Air Force Base 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 KRCA.

Safety & Planning

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

Location & Address

Ellsworth Air Force Base is positioned at coordinates 44.1450° N, -103.1040° W, at 3,276 feet above mean sea level. Ground transportation from KRCA to Rapid City proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

Ellsworth Air Force Base's 13,497-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

FBO services at KRCA 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 Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Charter a Jet from Ellsworth Air Force Base

Departing Rapid City by private jet means using Ellsworth Air Force Base (KRCA) instead of fighting commercial terminals. The Jet Finder connects you with charter aircraft suited to KRCA's runway capabilities and your mission requirements. No markup. Direct operator access.

Fly Private from KRCA

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Ellsworth Air Force Base. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KRCA's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Ellsworth Air Force Base
ICAO Code	KRCA
IATA Code	RCA
FAA Identifier	RCA
Address	Rapid City, SD
Elevation	3,276 ft MSL
Coordinates	44.1450° N, 103.1040° W
FAA Data	AirNav RCA

Operations & Facilities
Runways	13/31: 13,497 ft (CON)
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

South Dakota's GA infrastructure supports tourism (Black Hills, Mount Rushmore) and agricultural operations. Wind is a persistent factor; winter operations require cold-weather protocols.

Operational Considerations

At 3,276 feet MSL, Ellsworth Air Force Base operates at moderate elevation. Standard-day density altitude matches field elevation, but summer temperatures can push it above 5,076 feet. The 13,497-foot runway delivers approximately 12,171 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 Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Ellsworth Air Force Base'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 Ellsworth Air Force Base. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Rapid City Regional Airport

KRAP · 6 NM from KRCA

Infinity Landing Airport

SD25 · 8 NM from KRCA

Sturgis Municipal Airport

K49B · 20 NM from KRCA

Custer State Park Airport

K3V0 · 27 NM from KRCA

Frequently Asked Questions

Ellsworth Air Force Base is designated KRCA in the FAA system. Pilots and dispatchers use this code for flight planning, weather briefings, and NOTAMs associated with the airport.

Ellsworth Air Force Base is situated in Rapid City, SD, at coordinates 44.1450° N, 103.1040° W. Field elevation is 3,276 feet above mean sea level.

Ellsworth Air Force Base has 1 runway(s). The longest is N/A at 13,497 feet, surfaced in N/A.

Private jet operations at Ellsworth Air Force Base (KRCA) depend on runway length and aircraft performance. The longest runway at 13,497 feet can accommodate most light jets and turboprops. Larger aircraft should verify takeoff and landing distances against current conditions.

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

Ellsworth Air Force Base sits at 3,276 feet MSL. Performance-conscious pilots should compute density altitude before each operation, particularly when temperatures exceed standard.

Approach procedures at KRCA are published in the FAA's instrument approach plates. Consult current charts for the latest procedure information at Ellsworth Air Force Base. RNAV and conventional approaches may be available depending on the facility.

The Jet Finder arranges private charter from Ellsworth Air Force Base (KRCA). Tell us where you need to go, when, and how many passengers. We handle the aircraft sourcing, operator vetting, and logistics.

Aircraft types at Ellsworth Air Force Base are limited by the 13,497-foot runway. Light jets (Citation CJ series, Phenom 100/300), turboprops (King Air, PC-12), and piston singles operate without issues. Larger jets require performance verification.

Radio frequencies for Ellsworth Air Force Base (KRCA) appear in the A/FD and electronic chart supplements. If untowered, use standard CTAF procedures for traffic separation and position reporting.

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

International flight planning from KRCA requires CBP coordination. Ellsworth Air Force Base may or may not have on-field customs services. The Jet Finder can identify the nearest CBP-equipped airport and handle logistics.

Aviation weather for Ellsworth Air Force Base is reported under identifier KRCA. Monitor METAR, TAF, and PIREP data through official sources. SD's climate affects ceiling, visibility, and wind conditions at the field.

Ellsworth Air Force Base is located in Rapid City, SD. 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 KRCA.

Parking options at KRCA include ramp tiedowns and potentially hangar space. Availability and pricing are set by the on-field operator at Ellsworth Air Force Base. Pre-arrival coordination is recommended for overnight stays.

The Jet Finder provides personalized charter quotes from Ellsworth Air Force Base. Submit your trip details at thejetfinder.com/contact.html — departure date, destination, party size. No obligation. We match KRCA's runway to the right aircraft.

Ready to Fly from RCA?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Ellsworth Air Force Base.

Ellsworth Air Force Base (KRCA)