Ranchaero Airport (CL56)

Current Conditions at KCL56

Ranchaero Airport, Chico, CA

Airport Overview

The Chico, CA region is served by Ranchaero Airport (CL56), a public-use airport at 173 feet elevation. The field maintains 1 runway(s), with the longest measuring 2,156 feet on N/A surface. Operators and private travelers use Ranchaero Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav CL56.

Private Aviation Briefing

Private aviation at Ranchaero Airport (CL56) connects Chico to destinations across the country and internationally. The airport sits at 173 ft MSL with 2156-foot primary runway. This briefing covers what matters for your mission.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Ranchaero 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 Chico to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near CL56 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

Ranchaero Airport's 2156-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 CL56's runway.

Charter Considerations

Charter availability from Ranchaero Airport depends on aircraft positioning. Airports with higher business aviation traffic generally have more aircraft based locally, reducing repositioning costs. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from the nearest available operators, comparing positioning fees, hourly rates, and aircraft quality to find the best option for your specific mission from CL56.

What to Know Before You Fly

Pets fly in-cabin on private charter from Ranchaero Airport. No cargo hold, no carrier requirements, no breed restrictions. Dogs, cats, and other animals sit with you in the cabin. Inform The Jet Finder of pet travel when booking so we can confirm the operator's pet policy and cabin configuration for your flight from CL56.

Safety & Planning

Aircraft operating from Ranchaero Airport file IFR flight plans regardless of weather. Instrument flight rules provide ATC separation, radar monitoring, and structured routing. Even in clear weather, IFR operations from CL56 provide an additional layer of safety. Charter operators flying under Part 135 are required to operate under IFR for most passenger flights.

Airport Selection Strategy

For travelers based near Chico, Ranchaero Airport may not be the only private aviation option. Comparing nearby airports on runway length, FBO services, fuel pricing, and drive time from your origin can reveal better options. The Jet Finder evaluates all airports within a reasonable radius of your departure point to find the best combination of cost and convenience.

Seasonal Factors

Winter operations at Ranchaero Airport may involve de-icing procedures that add 15 to 30 minutes to departure times. De-icing fluid costs $500 to $3,000 depending on aircraft size and icing conditions. These costs pass through to the charter client. Morning departures during winter often avoid the worst icing conditions at CL56.

Location & Address

Ranchaero Airport is positioned at coordinates 39.7196° N, -121.8710° W, at 173 feet above mean sea level. Compared to routing through a large hub, CL56 cuts total door-to-door travel time to Chico significantly. Ground options include car service and rideshare.

Runways & Facilities

At 2,156 feet, Ranchaero Airport'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

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

Charter a Jet from Ranchaero Airport

Private charter from CL56 starts with a single call. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at CL56 with the right aircraft for your route.

Fly Private from CL56

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Ranchaero Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to CL56's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Ranchaero Airport
ICAO Code	CL56
IATA Code	CL56
FAA Identifier	CL56
Address	Chico, CA
Elevation	173 ft MSL
Coordinates	39.7196° N, 121.8710° W
FAA Data	AirNav CL56

Operations & Facilities
Runways	14/32: 2,156 ft (ASPH-P)
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

Ranchaero Airport's 173-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 1,973 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 2,156-foot runway provides approximately 2,145 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Ranchaero 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 Ranchaero Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Chico Municipal Airport

KCIC · 5 NM from CL56

Paradise Skypark Airport

CA92 · 12 NM from CL56

Haigh Field

KO37 · 13 NM from CL56

Richvale Airport

07CL · 14 NM from CL56

Frequently Asked Questions

CL56 is both the ICAO and FAA identifier for Ranchaero Airport. Pilots should reference this code in all flight plan filings and ATC communications involving this facility.

Located in Chico, CA, Ranchaero Airport has coordinates of 39.7196° N, 121.8710° W. Airport elevation: 173 feet MSL. The field is accessible from the local road network.

Ranchaero Airport has 1 runway(s). The longest is 14/32 at 2,156 feet, surfaced in ASPH-P.

CL56 supports private jet operations. The 2,156-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.

For FBO information at Ranchaero Airport, visit airnav.com/airport/CL56 or contact the airport office. Service levels vary; pre-arrival coordination is recommended for special requirements.

Ranchaero Airport sits at 173 feet MSL. Performance-conscious pilots should compute density altitude before each operation, particularly when temperatures exceed standard.

For approach data at Ranchaero Airport, reference the AirNav entry for CL56 or the FAA's digital Terminal Procedures. Approach type and minimums vary by facility.

The Jet Finder arranges private charter from Ranchaero Airport (CL56). Tell us where you need to go, when, and how many passengers. We handle the aircraft sourcing, operator vetting, and logistics.

General aviation aircraft including piston singles, turboprops, and light jets routinely use Ranchaero Airport. The 2,156-foot runway is the determining factor for larger categories. Consult aircraft performance data for specifics.

Radio frequencies for Ranchaero Airport (CL56) appear in the A/FD and electronic chart supplements. If untowered, use standard CTAF procedures for traffic separation and position reporting.

Confirm fuel availability at CL56 before arrival. Ranchaero Airport may offer 100LL, Jet-A, or both. Pricing is set by the FBO. AirNav provides crowd-sourced fuel price reports from visiting pilots.

For international departures or arrivals at CL56, 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.

Current conditions at CL56: check METAR/TAF on aviationweather.gov or your EFB. Ranchaero Airport is subject to CA's regional weather, which may include convective activity, low ceilings, or seasonal wind patterns.

Ranchaero Airport serves the Chico, CA area. Actual driving distance to city center depends on your specific destination. FBOs at CL56 can typically arrange ground transportation or provide directions.

Aircraft parking at Ranchaero Airport (CL56) typically includes tiedown space and may include hangar availability. Rates vary by facility. Contact the FBO or airport manager for current parking options.

To price a charter flight from Ranchaero Airport (CL56), 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 CL56?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Ranchaero Airport.