Ocean Ridge Airport (E55) | Private Jet Hub Near Gualala

Current Conditions at KE55

Ocean Ridge Airport, Gualala, CA

Airport Overview

The Gualala, CA region is served by Ocean Ridge Airport (KE55), a public-use airport at 940 feet elevation. The airfield offers 1 runway(s) — 2,504 feet on the primary strip — for private and corporate traffic. Operators and private travelers use Ocean Ridge Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KE55.

Private Aviation Briefing

KE55 is the identifier for Ocean Ridge Airport, serving Gualala at 940 ft MSL elevation. Operators, passengers, and dispatchers should note the following details for flight planning and charter operations.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Ocean Ridge 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 Gualala to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near KE55 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

Ocean Ridge Airport's 2504-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 KE55's runway.

Charter Considerations

Ground transportation at Ocean Ridge Airport is a factor in total travel time. Private aviation eliminates the commercial terminal experience, but the drive from KE55 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 Ocean Ridge Airport 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 KE55.

Safety & Planning

Flight planning from Ocean Ridge Airport accounts for current NOTAMs, TFRs, and airspace restrictions. Pilots operating from KE55 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 Ocean Ridge Airport directly impacts charter pricing. Airports with more locally based jets generate lower positioning costs. If KE55 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 Ocean Ridge Airport. Thunderstorm activity typically builds after 2:00 PM local time, potentially delaying departures from KE55. Morning flights on this corridor routinely depart on schedule. The Jet Finder recommends morning departures when schedule certainty matters.

Location & Address

Ocean Ridge Airport is positioned at coordinates 38.8016° N, -123.5305° W, at 940 feet above mean sea level. Compared to routing through a large hub, KE55 cuts total door-to-door travel time to Gualala significantly. Ground options include car service and rideshare.

Runways & Facilities

The 2,504-foot runway at Ocean Ridge 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

For ground services at Ocean Ridge Airport (KE55), contact the airport office or on-field operator. Available services may include tiedowns, fuel, and basic ground handling. Larger aircraft or special handling requests should be arranged in advance to ensure availability.

Charter a Jet from Ocean Ridge Airport

Charter operations from Ocean Ridge Airport (KE55) connect Gualala to destinations across the country. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at KE55 with the right aircraft for your route.

Fly Private from KE55

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Ocean Ridge Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KE55's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Ocean Ridge Airport
ICAO Code	KE55
IATA Code	E55
FAA Identifier	E55
Address	Gualala, CA
Elevation	940 ft MSL
Coordinates	38.8016° N, 123.5305° W
FAA Data	AirNav E55

Operations & Facilities
Runways	13/31: 2,504 ft (ASPH-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

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

Ocean Ridge Airport's 940-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 2,740 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 2,504-foot runway provides approximately 2,433 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Ocean Ridge Airport'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 Ocean Ridge Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

The Sea Ranch Airport

CA51 · 7 NM from KE55

Boonville Airport

KD83 · 14 NM from KE55

Cloverdale Municipal Airport

none · 24 NM from KE55

Ukiah Municipal Airport

KUKI · 25 NM from KE55

Frequently Asked Questions

KE55 is both the ICAO and FAA identifier for Ocean Ridge Airport. Pilots should reference this code in all flight plan filings and ATC communications involving this facility.

Ocean Ridge Airport is situated in Gualala, CA, at coordinates 38.8016° N, 123.5305° W. Field elevation is 940 feet above mean sea level.

Ocean Ridge Airport operates 1 runway(s). 13/31 is the longest at 2,504 feet on ASPH-F. Aircraft performance planning should account for field elevation of 940 feet.

KE55 supports private jet operations. The 2,504-foot runway accommodates light jets and turboprops in most conditions. Pilots of larger aircraft should calculate required distances based on weight, temperature, and elevation before committing.

Ocean Ridge Airport (KE55) offers ground services through its FBO. Standard services include fuel, parking, and aircraft handling. Check with the facility for after-hours availability and current fuel pricing.

Field elevation at KE55: 940 feet above mean sea level. This figure appears in the Airport/Facility Directory and should be used for all performance computations at Ocean Ridge Airport.

For current instrument approach procedure information at Ocean Ridge Airport (KE55), consult the FAA's Terminal Procedures Publication or check electronic charts in your EFB.

To arrange a charter from KE55, 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.

Ocean Ridge Airport's 2,504-foot primary runway accommodates most general aviation traffic. Turboprops and light jets are the largest categories that operate routinely. Jet operations beyond light category should be verified against performance requirements.

Radio frequencies for Ocean Ridge Airport (KE55) appear in the A/FD and electronic chart supplements. If untowered, use standard CTAF procedures for traffic separation and position reporting.

Ocean Ridge Airport (KE55) 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 flight planning from KE55 requires CBP coordination. Ocean Ridge Airport 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 Ocean Ridge Airport is reported under identifier KE55. Monitor METAR, TAF, and PIREP data through official sources. CA's climate affects ceiling, visibility, and wind conditions at the field.

Ocean Ridge Airport is located in Gualala, CA. 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 KE55.

Ocean Ridge Airport offers aircraft parking for visiting and based aircraft. Tiedown and hangar rates at KE55 should be confirmed directly with the airport. Overnight parking may require advance arrangement.

Request a charter quote from KE55 through The Jet Finder. Provide departure date, destination, passenger count, and luggage requirements. We source availability from multiple Part 135 operators for competitive pricing.

Ready to Fly from E55?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Ocean Ridge Airport.

Ocean Ridge Airport (KE55)