Gray Butte Field (04CA)

Airport Overview

The Palmdale, CA region is served by Gray Butte Field (04CA), a public-use airport at 3,020 feet elevation. The airfield offers 1 runway(s) — 8,000 feet on the primary strip — for private and corporate traffic. Operators and private travelers use Gray Butte Field for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav 04CA.

Private Aviation Briefing

04CA is the identifier for Gray Butte Field, serving Palmdale at 3,020 ft MSL elevation. Operators, passengers, and dispatchers should note the following details for flight planning and charter operations.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Gray Butte Field 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 Palmdale to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near 04CA for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

With 8000 feet of runway, Gray Butte Field 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 04CA under standard conditions. Long runway availability also provides comfortable safety margins for hot-day and high-gross-weight departures.

Charter Considerations

Ground transportation at Gray Butte Field is a factor in total travel time. Private aviation eliminates the commercial terminal experience, but the drive from 04CA 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 Gray Butte Field 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 04CA.

Safety & Planning

Flight planning from Gray Butte Field accounts for current NOTAMs, TFRs, and airspace restrictions. Pilots operating from 04CA 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 Gray Butte Field directly impacts charter pricing. Airports with more locally based jets generate lower positioning costs. If 04CA 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 Gray Butte Field. Thunderstorm activity typically builds after 2:00 PM local time, potentially delaying departures from 04CA. Morning flights on this corridor routinely depart on schedule. The Jet Finder recommends morning departures when schedule certainty matters.

Location & Address

Gray Butte Field is positioned at coordinates 34.5666° N, -117.6707° W, at 3,020 feet above mean sea level. Ground transportation from 04CA to Palmdale proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

Gray Butte Field's 8,000-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 04CA 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 Gray Butte Field.

Charter a Jet from Gray Butte Field

Charter operations from Gray Butte Field (04CA) connect Palmdale to destinations across the country. The Jet Finder connects you with charter aircraft suited to 04CA's runway capabilities and your mission requirements. No markup. Direct operator access.