Methow Valley State Airport (S52)

Current Conditions at KS52

Methow Valley State Airport, Winthrop, WA

Airport Overview

Methow Valley State Airport (KS52) is a public-use aviation facility serving Winthrop, WA. The field maintains 1 runway(s), with the longest measuring 5,049 feet on N/A surface. For time-sensitive travelers, KS52 eliminates the overhead of routing through a commercial hub. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KS52.

Private Aviation Briefing

KS52 is the identifier for Methow Valley State Airport, serving Winthrop at 1,706 ft MSL elevation. Operators, passengers, and dispatchers should note the following details for flight planning and charter operations.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Methow Valley State Airport is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a WA facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Winthrop to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near KS52 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

5049 feet of runway at Methow Valley State Airport supports light jets through most super-midsize jets. Aircraft like the Phenom 300, Citation XLS, Challenger 350, and Gulfstream G280 operate comfortably from KS52. 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

When chartering from Methow Valley State Airport, consider the round-trip economics. One-way charters incur a repositioning fee (the empty leg back to base). Round-trips from KS52 eliminate this cost. For one-way flights, The Jet Finder checks for aircraft that need to reposition through Winthrop anyway, reducing or eliminating the empty-leg premium.

What to Know Before You Fly

Arrive at the FBO 15 to 20 minutes before departure. That is the entire pre-flight process for private charter from Methow Valley State Airport. No security lines, no boarding groups, no gate announcements. Your vehicle pulls up to the aircraft, luggage is loaded directly, and you board at your convenience.

Safety & Planning

The Jet Finder sources charter aircraft exclusively from FAA Part 135 certified operators. Every crew flying from Methow Valley State Airport meets federal duty time, rest, and recurrency requirements. We verify operator certifications, audit history, and insurance coverage before presenting any aircraft option from KS52 to our clients.

Airport Selection Strategy

Methow Valley State Airport serves the Winthrop market for private aviation. Airport selection affects charter cost through positioning fees, landing charges, and fuel prices. An airport 20 miles farther from your destination but with lower fees and better aircraft availability can save thousands on a charter. The Jet Finder runs this analysis for every booking from the Winthrop area.

Seasonal Factors

Summer density altitude affects aircraft performance at Methow Valley State Airport, particularly on hot afternoons when field elevation of 1,706 ft MSL increases effective altitude. Early morning departures maximize payload and performance from KS52. The Jet Finder schedules departures to optimize aircraft performance when density altitude is a factor.

Location & Address

Methow Valley State Airport is positioned at coordinates 48.4249° N, -120.1460° W, at 1,706 feet above mean sea level. Ground transportation from KS52 to Winthrop proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

With 5,049 feet of runway, Methow Valley State Airport supports all light jets and most midsize jets (Citation XLS, Learjet 45/60, Hawker 800). Super-midsize jets may operate under favorable weight and weather conditions. Heavy jets typically require longer fields.

FBOs & Ground Services

Aircraft services at KS52 are handled by the airport's fixed base operation. Standard general aviation services — fuel, parking, aircraft positioning — are typically available during operating hours. Contact Methow Valley State Airport directly for current service hours, fuel pricing, and hangar availability.

Charter a Jet from Methow Valley State Airport

Charter operations from Methow Valley State Airport (KS52) connect Winthrop to destinations across the country. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at KS52 with the right aircraft for your route.

Fly Private from KS52

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Methow Valley State Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KS52's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Methow Valley State Airport
ICAO Code	KS52
IATA Code	S52
FAA Identifier	S52
Address	Winthrop, WA
Elevation	1,706 ft MSL
Coordinates	48.4249° N, 120.1460° W
FAA Data	AirNav S52

Operations & Facilities
Runways	13/31: 5,049 ft (ASP)
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

Washington State's GA network spans from Puget Sound's marine environment to the Cascades' volcanic peaks to eastern Washington's agricultural plains. Seattle's tech economy drives corporate demand.

Operational Considerations

Methow Valley State Airport's 1,706-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 3,506 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 5,049-foot runway provides approximately 4,791 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Four distinct seasons define operations at Methow Valley State Airport. Winter brings icing potential, snow-covered surfaces, and reduced daylight hours. De-icing capability is valuable from November through March. Spring and fall transitions produce the most variable weather — warm fronts, cold fronts, and rapid ceiling changes. Summer typically delivers the best VFR conditions but introduces convective risk during afternoon heating. Preflight weather assessment should include both surface observations and area forecasts at this latitude.

Nearby Airports

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

Twisp Municipal Airport

K2S0 · 5 NM from KS52

Okanogan Legion Airport

KS35 · 23 NM from KS52

Omak Municipal Airport

KOMK · 25 NM from KS52

Anderson Field

KS97 · 26 NM from KS52

Frequently Asked Questions

The ICAO identifier for Methow Valley State Airport is KS52. The FAA designator is also KS52. Use this code when filing flight plans and referencing the airport in official communications.

Located in Winthrop, WA, Methow Valley State Airport has coordinates of 48.4249° N, 120.1460° W. Airport elevation: 1,706 feet MSL. The field is accessible from the local road network.

The airport features 1 runway(s). Runway 13/31 is the primary strip at 5,049 feet (ASP surface).

Yes, Methow Valley State Airport accepts private aviation traffic. With 5,049 feet of available runway, light jets and many midsize jets can operate here under standard conditions. Consult aircraft performance charts for heavier categories.

The FBO at Methow Valley State Airport handles fuel, parking, and ground coordination for arriving aircraft. Visit AirNav for current operator contact information at KS52. Pre-arrival calls are advisable.

Methow Valley State Airport sits at 1,706 feet MSL. Performance-conscious pilots should compute density altitude before each operation, particularly when temperatures exceed standard.

Instrument approach availability at Methow Valley State Airport depends on the facility's current FAA designation. Check the Terminal Procedures Publication or ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot for published approaches at KS52.

To arrange a charter from KS52, reach The Jet Finder at thejetfinder.com/contact.html. Share your routing, dates, and party size. We coordinate everything from aircraft selection to ground transportation.

Aircraft types at Methow Valley State Airport are limited by the 5,049-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 Methow Valley State Airport, consult the Airport/Facility Directory or AirNav entry for KS52. Non-towered fields use CTAF/UNICOM for traffic advisories.

For fuel at KS52, contact the on-field FBO or check airnav.com/airport/KS52. Jet-A and 100LL availability depends on the facility. Self-serve and full-serve options may vary.

International operations from Methow Valley State Airport require U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance. Some airports arrange CBP on-call or by appointment. Contact KS52 and The Jet Finder for international flight planning.

Weather at Methow Valley State Airport varies seasonally. For current METAR and TAF reports, check aviationweather.gov using identifier KS52. WA weather patterns can include seasonal precipitation, fog, and convective activity.

Methow Valley State Airport serves the Winthrop, WA area. Actual driving distance to city center depends on your specific destination. FBOs at KS52 can typically arrange ground transportation or provide directions.

Parking options at KS52 include ramp tiedowns and potentially hangar space. Availability and pricing are set by the on-field operator at Methow Valley State Airport. Pre-arrival coordination is recommended for overnight stays.

To price a charter flight from Methow Valley State Airport (KS52), contact The Jet Finder with your route, dates, and number of passengers. We provide all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees. Direct operator access.

Ready to Fly from S52?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Methow Valley State Airport.

Methow Valley State Airport (KS52)