San Ardo Field (CA88)

Current Conditions at KCA88

San Ardo Field, San Ardo, CA

Airport Overview

The San Ardo, CA region is served by San Ardo Field (CA88), a public-use airport at 441 feet elevation. The field maintains 1 runway(s), with the longest measuring 2,000 feet on N/A surface. Operators and private travelers use San Ardo Field for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav CA88.

Private Aviation Briefing

Located near San Ardo, San Ardo Field (CA88) sits at 441 ft MSL above sea level. Below is the operational context for private jet and charter operations from this airport.

U.S. General Aviation Context

San Ardo Field 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 San Ardo to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near CA88 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

San Ardo Field's 2000-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 CA88's runway.

Charter Considerations

Peak travel periods affect aircraft availability and pricing near San Ardo. 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 CA88. 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 San Ardo Field 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 San Ardo Field determines minimum weather for arrival. Airports with ILS approaches allow lower minimums than GPS-only fields. If CA88 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 San Ardo Field.

Airport Selection Strategy

Choosing San Ardo Field over a larger commercial hub near San Ardo often reduces total travel time. General aviation airports like CA88 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 San Ardo Field. 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 CA88.

Location & Address

Geographically, San Ardo Field (CA88) is located at 36.0261° N, -120.9084° W near San Ardo, CA. Ground transportation from CA88 to San Ardo proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

At 2,000 feet, San Ardo Field'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

For ground services at San Ardo Field (CA88), 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 San Ardo Field

Private charter from CA88 starts with a single call. Pricing from CA88 depends on aircraft type, distance, and availability. Contact us for a quote tailored to your routing and schedule.

Fly Private from CA88

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from San Ardo Field. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to CA88's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	San Ardo Field
ICAO Code	CA88
IATA Code	CA88
FAA Identifier	CA88
Address	San Ardo, CA
Elevation	441 ft MSL
Coordinates	36.0261° N, 120.9084° W
FAA Data	AirNav CA88

Operations & Facilities
Runways	14/32: 2,000 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

San Ardo Field's 441-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 2,241 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 2,000-foot runway provides approximately 1,974 feet of effective sea-level performance.

San Ardo Field'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 San Ardo Field. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Mesa Del Rey Airport

KKIC · 16 NM from CA88

Halter Ranch Airport

89CA · 23 NM from CA88

Paso Robles Municipal Airport

KPRB · 25 NM from CA88

Clark Ranch Airport

3CA9 · 28 NM from CA88

Frequently Asked Questions

CA88 is both the ICAO and FAA identifier for San Ardo Field. Pilots should reference this code in all flight plan filings and ATC communications involving this facility.

San Ardo Field (CA88) sits at 36.0261° N, 120.9084° W, near San Ardo, CA. At 441 feet MSL, the airport provides general aviation access to the surrounding region.

San Ardo Field operates 1 runway(s). 14/32 is the longest at 2,000 feet on ASPH-F. Aircraft performance planning should account for field elevation of 441 feet.

CA88 supports private jet operations. The 2,000-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.

San Ardo Field (CA88) 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.

441 feet MSL. San Ardo Field's elevation is a consideration for performance planning. Standard atmospheric deviations can push density altitude higher than field elevation on warm days.

For approach data at San Ardo Field, reference the AirNav entry for CA88 or the FAA's digital Terminal Procedures. Approach type and minimums vary by facility.

To arrange a charter from CA88, 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.

The 2,000-foot runway at CA88 supports turboprops, very light jets, and most light jet categories. Midsize jet capability depends on aircraft performance and field conditions. Heavy jets typically require longer fields.

San Ardo Field's tower status and radio frequencies are published in the Airport/Facility Directory. AirNav (airnav.com/airport/CA88) also lists current frequency assignments.

For fuel at CA88, contact the on-field FBO or check airnav.com/airport/CA88. Jet-A and 100LL availability depends on the facility. Self-serve and full-serve options may vary.

Flying internationally from San Ardo Field? CBP clearance is mandatory. Whether CA88 has on-field customs depends on the facility. Nearby airports with customs capability may be a better option — contact The Jet Finder for routing advice.

Check aviationweather.gov for current conditions at CA88. San Ardo Field's weather is influenced by CA's regional climate. Seasonal fog, wind, and precipitation patterns should be factored into flight planning.

Transit from San Ardo Field to San Ardo proper is typically a short ground drive. The exact distance depends on your destination within the San Ardo area. Private aviation eliminates the hour+ that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

San Ardo Field offers aircraft parking for visiting and based aircraft. Tiedown and hangar rates at CA88 should be confirmed directly with the airport. Overnight parking may require advance arrangement.

To price a charter flight from San Ardo Field (CA88), contact The Jet Finder with your route, dates, and number of passengers. We provide all-inclusive quotes with no hidden fees. Direct operator access.

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