Ludlow Airport (5CA4)

Current Conditions at K5CA4

Ludlow Airport, Barstow, CA

Airport Overview

The Barstow, CA region is served by Ludlow Airport (5CA4), a public-use airport at 1,700 feet elevation. The field maintains 1 runway(s), with the longest measuring 2,604 feet on N/A surface. Operators and private travelers use Ludlow Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav 5CA4.

Private Aviation Briefing

5CA4 is the identifier for Ludlow Airport, serving Barstow at 1,700 ft MSL elevation. Operators, passengers, and dispatchers should note the following details for flight planning and charter operations.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Ludlow Airport 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 Barstow to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near 5CA4 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

Ludlow Airport's 2604-foot runway limits operations to piston aircraft, light turboprops, and select short-field-capable jets. The Pilatus PC-12 (2,600 ft required), Cessna Caravan, and King Air C90 are among the turbine aircraft that can use fields of this length. Charter passengers should coordinate with The Jet Finder to identify aircraft types suited to 5CA4's runway.

Charter Considerations

Peak travel periods affect aircraft availability and pricing near Barstow. 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 5CA4. 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 Ludlow 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 Ludlow Airport determines minimum weather for arrival. Airports with ILS approaches allow lower minimums than GPS-only fields. If 5CA4 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 Ludlow Airport.

Airport Selection Strategy

Choosing Ludlow Airport over a larger commercial hub near Barstow often reduces total travel time. General aviation airports like 5CA4 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 Ludlow 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 5CA4.

Location & Address

Geographically, Ludlow Airport (5CA4) is located at 34.7287° N, -116.1587° W near Barstow, CA. Ground transportation from 5CA4 to Barstow proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

The 2,604-foot runway at Ludlow Airport supports piston aircraft, turboprops, and very light jets (VLJs) under favorable conditions. Light jet operators should verify takeoff and landing performance against current density altitude and weight. Midsize jets typically require a longer field.

FBOs & Ground Services

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

Charter a Jet from Ludlow Airport

Private charter from 5CA4 starts with a single call. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at 5CA4 with the right aircraft for your route.

Fly Private from 5CA4

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Ludlow Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 5CA4's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Ludlow Airport
ICAO Code	5CA4
IATA Code	5CA4
FAA Identifier	5CA4
Address	Barstow, CA
Elevation	1,700 ft MSL
Coordinates	34.7287° N, 116.1587° W
FAA Data	AirNav 5CA4

Operations & Facilities
Runways	08/26: 2,604 ft (ASPH)
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

California has more registered aircraft than any other state. The state's GA infrastructure ranges from backcountry strips in the Sierra Nevada to the busiest GA airport in the world at Van Nuys.

Operational Considerations

Ludlow Airport's 1,700-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 3,500 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 2,604-foot runway provides approximately 2,471 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Subtropical conditions at Ludlow Airport mean warm temperatures dominate year-round. The primary weather challenge is convective: afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly during the warm season, often reaching maturity between 14:00 and 18:00 local time. Morning departures (before 10:00 local) consistently provide the smoothest, clearest conditions. Haze and humidity can reduce visibility below VFR minimums without obvious cloud formation. The cooler months offer the most reliable flying weather.

Nearby Airports

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

Barstow Daggett Airport

KDAG · 32 NM from 5CA4

Baker Airport

K0O2 · 34 NM from 5CA4

Cadiz Airstrip

CA90 · 34 NM from 5CA4

Twentynine Palms Airport

KTNP · 37 NM from 5CA4

Frequently Asked Questions

Ludlow Airport is designated 5CA4 in the FAA system. Pilots and dispatchers use this code for flight planning, weather briefings, and NOTAMs associated with the airport.

Ludlow Airport serves the Barstow area in CA. GPS coordinates: 34.7287° N, 116.1587° W. The airport sits at 1,700 feet above sea level.

Ludlow Airport has 1 runway(s). The longest is 08/26 at 2,604 feet, surfaced in ASPH.

Private jet operations at Ludlow Airport (5CA4) depend on runway length and aircraft performance. The longest runway at 2,604 feet can accommodate most light jets and turboprops. Larger aircraft should verify takeoff and landing distances against current conditions.

For FBO information at Ludlow Airport, visit airnav.com/airport/5CA4 or contact the airport office. Service levels vary; pre-arrival coordination is recommended for special requirements.

The airport elevation at Ludlow Airport is 1,700 feet MSL. Pilots should factor this into takeoff and landing performance calculations, especially during summer operations.

Approach procedures at 5CA4 are published in the FAA's instrument approach plates. Consult current charts for the latest procedure information at Ludlow Airport. RNAV and conventional approaches may be available depending on the facility.

Contact The Jet Finder for charter availability from Ludlow Airport (5CA4). Provide your destination, travel dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 5CA4's runway and facilities.

Aircraft types at Ludlow Airport are limited by the 2,604-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 Ludlow Airport (5CA4) appear in the A/FD and electronic chart supplements. If untowered, use standard CTAF procedures for traffic separation and position reporting.

Ludlow Airport (5CA4) fuel information is available through AirNav. Common fuel types at general aviation airports include 100LL and Jet-A. Availability and pricing should be verified before planning a fuel stop.

International operations from Ludlow Airport require U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance. Some airports arrange CBP on-call or by appointment. Contact 5CA4 and The Jet Finder for international flight planning.

Check aviationweather.gov for current conditions at 5CA4. Ludlow Airport's weather is influenced by CA's regional climate. Seasonal fog, wind, and precipitation patterns should be factored into flight planning.

5CA4 provides access to Barstow, CA. Ground transfer time from Ludlow Airport to local destinations is generally efficient. The airport's GA-specific environment means no terminal queues — just a direct walk from ramp to vehicle.

Aircraft parking at Ludlow Airport (5CA4) typically includes tiedown space and may include hangar availability. Rates vary by facility. Contact the FBO or airport manager for current parking options.

Get a quote for private charter from 5CA4: visit thejetfinder.com/contact.html or call directly. Share your itinerary and passenger details. We handle aircraft sourcing from Ludlow Airport to your destination.

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