Melon Field (1CO5)

Current Conditions at K1CO5

Melon Field, Rocky Ford, CO

Airport Overview

The Rocky Ford, CO region is served by Melon Field (1CO5), a public-use airport at 4,260 feet elevation. Runway infrastructure includes 2 strip(s); the primary surface extends 3,780 feet (N/A). Operators and private travelers use Melon Field for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav 1CO5.

Private Aviation Briefing

Private aviation at Melon Field (1CO5) connects Rocky Ford to destinations across the country and internationally. The airport sits at 4,260 ft MSL with 3780-foot primary runway. This briefing covers what matters for your mission.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Melon Field is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a CO facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Rocky Ford to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near 1CO5 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

At 3780 feet, Melon Field serves light jets and turboprops. The Citation CJ series, Phenom 100, HondaJet, and King Air family operate within this runway capability. Midsize jets require careful performance analysis based on temperature and aircraft weight. Pilots should reference aircraft-specific takeoff and landing distance charts for 1CO5's runway length and 4,260 ft MSL elevation.

Charter Considerations

Peak travel periods affect aircraft availability and pricing near Rocky Ford. 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 1CO5. 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 Melon Field 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 Melon Field determines minimum weather for arrival. Airports with ILS approaches allow lower minimums than GPS-only fields. If 1CO5 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 Melon Field.

Airport Selection Strategy

Choosing Melon Field over a larger commercial hub near Rocky Ford often reduces total travel time. General aviation airports like 1CO5 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 Melon Field. 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 1CO5.

Location & Address

Melon Field occupies coordinates 38.0162° N, -103.6946° W at 4,260 feet above sea level. FBO-arranged car service or rideshare connects passengers from Melon Field to Rocky Ford and surrounding areas efficiently.

Runways & Facilities

Melon Field's 3,780-foot runway accommodates turboprops, very light jets, and most light jet categories (Citation CJ series, Phenom 100/300, Premier I). Some midsize jets can operate under light-load conditions. Pilots should calculate performance based on temperature, elevation, and aircraft weight.

FBOs & Ground Services

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

Charter a Jet from Melon Field

Private charter from 1CO5 starts with a single call. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at 1CO5 with the right aircraft for your route.

Fly Private from 1CO5

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Melon Field. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 1CO5's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Melon Field
ICAO Code	1CO5
IATA Code	1CO5
FAA Identifier	1CO5
Address	Rocky Ford, CO
Elevation	4,260 ft MSL
Coordinates	38.0162° N, 103.6946° W
FAA Data	AirNav 1CO5

Operations & Facilities
Runways	08/26: 3,780 ft (ASPH-F) 18/36: 2,500 ft (GRVL-F)
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

Colorado's high elevation airports demand careful performance planning. Many fields sit above 5,000 feet MSL, and density altitude during summer can exceed 10,000 feet. Turbulence along the Front Range is common.

Operational Considerations

At 4,260 feet MSL, Melon Field operates at moderate elevation. Standard-day density altitude matches field elevation, but summer temperatures can push it above 6,060 feet. The 3,780-foot runway delivers approximately 3,297 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 Melon Field.

Melon Field'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.

Two runways at Melon Field 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 Melon Field. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

La Junta Municipal Airport

KLHX · 9 NM from 1CO5

Fowler Airport

CO80 · 17 NM from 1CO5

City of Las Animas Bent County Airport

K7V9 · 22 NM from 1CO5

Pueblo Memorial Airport

KPUB · 41 NM from 1CO5

Frequently Asked Questions

Melon Field carries the identifier 1CO5. This code is used in FAA databases, flight planning systems, and air traffic control communications for operations at this airport.

Melon Field is situated in Rocky Ford, CO, at coordinates 38.0162° N, 103.6946° W. Field elevation is 4,260 feet above mean sea level.

The airport features 2 runway(s). Runway 08/26 is the primary strip at 3,780 feet (ASPH-F surface).

Private jet operations at Melon Field (1CO5) depend on runway length and aircraft performance. The longest runway at 3,780 feet can accommodate most light jets and turboprops. Larger aircraft should verify takeoff and landing distances against current conditions.

For FBO information at Melon Field, visit airnav.com/airport/1CO5 or contact the airport office. Service levels vary; pre-arrival coordination is recommended for special requirements.

Melon Field sits at 4,260 feet MSL. Performance-conscious pilots should compute density altitude before each operation, particularly when temperatures exceed standard.

For approach data at Melon Field, reference the AirNav entry for 1CO5 or the FAA's digital Terminal Procedures. Approach type and minimums vary by facility.

The Jet Finder arranges private charter from Melon Field (1CO5). Tell us where you need to go, when, and how many passengers. We handle the aircraft sourcing, operator vetting, and logistics.

Aircraft types at Melon Field are limited by the 3,780-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.

For tower and radio frequency information at Melon Field, consult the Airport/Facility Directory or AirNav entry for 1CO5. Non-towered fields use CTAF/UNICOM for traffic advisories.

Fuel availability at Melon Field (1CO5) should be confirmed before arrival. Most GA airports offer 100LL (avgas). Jet-A availability varies by facility. Check AirNav for current fuel types and pricing.

For international departures or arrivals at 1CO5, CBP services are required. Availability depends on the facility. Some airports in the region may offer more convenient customs access. The Jet Finder can advise on the best routing.

Aviation weather for Melon Field is reported under identifier 1CO5. Monitor METAR, TAF, and PIREP data through official sources. CO's climate affects ceiling, visibility, and wind conditions at the field.

Melon Field is located in Rocky Ford, CO. 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 1CO5.

Parking options at 1CO5 include ramp tiedowns and potentially hangar space. Availability and pricing are set by the on-field operator at Melon Field. Pre-arrival coordination is recommended for overnight stays.

For a flight quote from Melon Field (1CO5), 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.

Ready to Fly from 1CO5?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Melon Field.