San Rafael Airport (CA35)

Current Conditions at KCA35

San Rafael Airport, San Rafael, CA

Airport Overview

Located in CA, San Rafael Airport (CA35) serves as a general aviation point of entry for the San Rafael area. The airfield offers 1 runway(s) — 2,700 feet on the primary strip — for private and corporate traffic. Private and corporate operators value San Rafael Airport for efficient departures without commercial terminal congestion. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav CA35.

Private Aviation Briefing

San Rafael Airport provides general aviation access to the San Rafael area. The field sits at 5 ft MSL MSL. Here is the charter and operational briefing for CA35.

U.S. General Aviation Context

San Rafael 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 San Rafael to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near CA35 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

San Rafael Airport's 2700-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 CA35's runway.

Charter Considerations

Peak travel periods affect aircraft availability and pricing near San Rafael. 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 CA35. 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 Rafael Airport 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 Rafael Airport determines minimum weather for arrival. Airports with ILS approaches allow lower minimums than GPS-only fields. If CA35 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 Rafael Airport.

Airport Selection Strategy

Choosing San Rafael Airport over a larger commercial hub near San Rafael often reduces total travel time. General aviation airports like CA35 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 Rafael Airport. 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 CA35.

Location & Address

Geographically, San Rafael Airport (CA35) is located at 38.0169° N, -122.5210° W near San Rafael, CA. Private aviation clients arriving at CA35 save the 2-3 hours commercial passengers spend on check-in, security, and baggage claim.

Runways & Facilities

The 2,700-foot runway at San Rafael 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

Ground services at San Rafael Airport 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 CA35, consult AirNav or contact the airport directly.

Charter a Jet from San Rafael Airport

Departing San Rafael by private jet means using San Rafael Airport (CA35) instead of fighting commercial terminals. The Jet Finder connects you with charter aircraft suited to CA35's runway capabilities and your mission requirements. No markup. Direct operator access.

Fly Private from CA35

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from San Rafael Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to CA35's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	San Rafael Airport
ICAO Code	CA35
IATA Code	CA35
FAA Identifier	CA35
Address	San Rafael, CA
Elevation	5 ft MSL
Coordinates	38.0169° N, 122.5210° W
FAA Data	AirNav CA35

Operations & Facilities
Runways	04/22: 2,700 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 Rafael Airport's 5-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 1,805 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 2,700-foot runway provides approximately 2,700 feet of effective sea-level performance.

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

Marin County Airport - Gnoss Field

KDVO · 8 NM from CA35

Sonoma Valley Airport

K0Q3 · 13 NM from CA35

Petaluma Municipal Airport

KO69 · 15 NM from CA35

Sonoma Skypark Airport

K0Q9 · 15 NM from CA35

Frequently Asked Questions

CA35 is both the ICAO and FAA identifier for San Rafael Airport. Pilots should reference this code in all flight plan filings and ATC communications involving this facility.

San Rafael Airport serves the San Rafael area in CA. GPS coordinates: 38.0169° N, 122.5210° W. The airport sits at 5 feet above sea level.

San Rafael Airport has 1 runway(s). The longest is 04/22 at 2,700 feet, surfaced in ASPH-F.

Yes, San Rafael Airport accepts private aviation traffic. With 2,700 feet of available runway, light jets and many midsize jets can operate here under standard conditions. Consult aircraft performance charts for heavier categories.

FBO services at San Rafael Airport include basic ground handling, parking, and fuel coordination. Contact the airport directly for current service provider information, or check AirNav for details on CA35.

San Rafael Airport has a field elevation of 5 feet above mean sea level. This affects aircraft performance calculations, particularly during hot weather when density altitude increases.

Instrument approach availability at San Rafael Airport depends on the facility's current FAA designation. Check the Terminal Procedures Publication or ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot for published approaches at CA35.

Private charter from CA35 is available through The Jet Finder. We connect clients with FAA-certificated Part 135 operators. Pricing depends on aircraft type, destination, and scheduling.

The 2,700-foot runway at CA35 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.

For tower and radio frequency information at San Rafael Airport, consult the Airport/Facility Directory or AirNav entry for CA35. Non-towered fields use CTAF/UNICOM for traffic advisories.

For fuel at CA35, contact the on-field FBO or check airnav.com/airport/CA35. Jet-A and 100LL availability depends on the facility. Self-serve and full-serve options may vary.

For international departures or arrivals at CA35, 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.

Aviation weather for San Rafael Airport is reported under identifier CA35. Monitor METAR, TAF, and PIREP data through official sources. CA's climate affects ceiling, visibility, and wind conditions at the field.

San Rafael Airport is located in San Rafael, 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 CA35.

Aircraft parking at San Rafael Airport (CA35) 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 San Rafael Airport (CA35), 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 CA35?

Experience the difference of private aviation at San Rafael Airport.