From Bomber Base to Business Jet Reliever
Mather Field opened in WWII as a military training base and later hosted a Strategic Air Command B-52 wing. Mather Air Force Base closed in 1993 under BRAC, and the field reopened for civilian use in May 1995 as Sacramento Mather Airport. Today Sacramento County operates KMHR as a cargo and general aviation reliever to Sacramento International (SMF), with one of the longest runways in the state inherited from its bomber heritage.
Runway Capability
The 11,301-foot primary runway (04R/22L) places KMHR in rare company for a GA field, accepting the full spectrum of business aircraft from light jets to heavy, ultra-long-range types without performance penalty. The 6,081-foot crosswind runway (04L/22R) covers light and midsize operations. Low field elevation keeps density altitude manageable even on warm Central Valley afternoons.
FBOs and Ground Services
Two competing FBOs serve KMHR: Modern Aviation (the former Mather Aviation) and Mather Jet Center, an Avfuel location. Both supply Jet-A, ramp and hangar space, and crew amenities, and Modern Aviation also offers sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Competition between the two generally benefits operators on fuel pricing and handling. Call ahead to arrange hangar space, fuel uplift, or after-hours service.
Charter Considerations
KMHR is the practical private-aviation gateway for east Sacramento, Rancho Cordova, Folsom, and El Dorado County, avoiding the airline congestion at SMF. The long runway means aircraft availability is rarely limited by field performance, so charter selection is driven by mission range and passenger count rather than runway constraints. The Jet Finder sources Part 135 aircraft positioned near Sacramento and checks empty-leg opportunities to reduce one-way repositioning costs.
Safety and Planning
The Jet Finder books only FAA Part 135 certified operators, with verified crew currency, insurance, and audit history. KMHR's control tower operates roughly 0500-2100 local; outside those hours the airport reverts to CTAF self-announce procedures, so confirm tower status when scheduling early-morning or late-night departures. Published instrument approaches support arrivals in marginal weather.
Customs and International Arrivals
Mather falls within the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Port of Sacramento and handles international cargo, so CBP clearance can be coordinated for arriving flights. General aviation operators should arrange CBP and file eAPIS well in advance rather than assuming on-demand processing. The Jet Finder assists with eAPIS filing and customs coordination for international itineraries through KMHR.
Regional Context
Sacramento Mather sits about 12 miles east of downtown Sacramento and is one of several Sacramento-area airports, alongside Sacramento International (SMF) and Sacramento Executive (SAC). Among them, Mather offers the longest runway by far, making it the preferred choice for larger-cabin and longer-range jets serving the capital region, Gold Country, and Lake Tahoe-bound traffic.