Airport Overview
Located in CA, Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42 (KPMD) serves as a general aviation point of entry for the Palmdale area. The airfield offers 2 runway(s) — 0 feet on the primary strip — for private and corporate traffic. Private and corporate operators value Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42 for efficient departures without commercial terminal congestion. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KPMD.
Private Aviation Briefing
Private aviation at Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42 (KPMD) connects Palmdale to destinations across the country and internationally. The airport sits at 2,543 ft MSL with 12002-foot primary runway. This briefing covers what matters for your mission.
U.S. General Aviation Context
Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42 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 KPMD for on-demand charter.
Runway Capability
With 12002 feet of runway, Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42 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 KPMD under standard conditions. Long runway availability also provides comfortable safety margins for hot-day and high-gross-weight departures.
Charter Considerations
Peak travel periods affect aircraft availability and pricing near Palmdale. 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 KPMD. 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 Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42 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 Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42 determines minimum weather for arrival. Airports with ILS approaches allow lower minimums than GPS-only fields. If KPMD 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 Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42.
Airport Selection Strategy
Choosing Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42 over a larger commercial hub near Palmdale often reduces total travel time. General aviation airports like KPMD 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 Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42. 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 KPMD.
Location & Address
Geographically, Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42 (KPMD) is located at 34.6294° N, -118.0846° W near Palmdale, CA. Ground transportation from KPMD to Palmdale proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.
Runways & Facilities
At 0 feet, Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42's runway accommodates piston singles and light turboprops. Jet operations are not practical at this field length. Pilots flying larger aircraft should plan for a nearby airport with more runway.
FBOs & Ground Services
Ground services at Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42 are available through the on-field FBO or airport management. Services typically include aircraft parking, tiedowns, and fuel coordination. For current FBO contact information and service availability at KPMD, consult AirNav or contact the airport directly.
Charter a Jet from Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42
The Jet Finder arranges private flights from Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42 (KPMD) in Palmdale, CA. Pricing from KPMD depends on aircraft type, distance, and availability. Contact us for a quote tailored to your routing and schedule.
Fly Private from KPMD
The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KPMD's runway and facilities.
Contact UsWeather & Operations
Regional climate patterns apply.
Landing Fee Estimates
Approximate landing fees at Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42 by aircraft category. Fees vary by FBO and may change. Contact the FBO directly for current rates.
| Aircraft Category | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Light Jet (up to 12,500 lbs) | $15–$40 |
| Midsize Jet (12,500–25,000 lbs) | $40–$80 |
| Super-Mid Jet (25,000–45,000 lbs) | $80–$125 |
| Heavy Jet (45,000+ lbs) | $125–$200 |
Fuel Availability at PMD
Approximate Jet-A fuel pricing at Palmdale Regional Airport / USAF Plant 42. Prices fluctuate with market conditions. Contact each FBO for current rates. View national fuel price trends \u2192
| FBO | Jet-A Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Palmdale Air Services | $5.00–$6.20/gal | Skunk Works |
Aircraft Registered in PALMDALE (51)
51 aircraft are registered to owners in PALMDALE, CA according to the FAA Aircraft Registry. Showing 20 of 51. Track live flights from PMD →