San Rafael Ranch Airport (38XS)

Current Conditions at K38XS

San Rafael Ranch Airport, Santa Elena, TX

Airport Overview

Located in TX, San Rafael Ranch Airport (38XS) serves as a general aviation point of entry for the Santa Elena area. The airfield offers 1 runway(s) — 6,000 feet on the primary strip — for private and corporate traffic. Private and corporate operators value San Rafael Ranch Airport for efficient departures without commercial terminal congestion. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav 38XS.

Private Aviation Briefing

Located near Santa Elena, San Rafael Ranch Airport (38XS) sits at 312 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 Rafael Ranch Airport is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a TX facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Santa Elena to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near 38XS for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

6000 feet of runway at San Rafael Ranch Airport supports light jets through most super-midsize jets. Aircraft like the Phenom 300, Citation XLS, Challenger 350, and Gulfstream G280 operate comfortably from 38XS. Heavy jets (Gulfstream G550/G650, Global Express) require performance calculations accounting for temperature, weight, and field elevation before committing to this runway length.

Charter Considerations

Ground transportation at San Rafael Ranch Airport is a factor in total travel time. Private aviation eliminates the commercial terminal experience, but the drive from 38XS to your final destination determines the true door-to-door advantage. FBOs at most airports offer car service coordination, rental car delivery to the ramp, and concierge ground transportation for arriving passengers.

What to Know Before You Fly

Fuel pricing varies significantly between airports and FBOs. Jet-A at San Rafael Ranch Airport may cost $5.50 to $10.00 per gallon depending on the FBO. On shorter flights, fuel cost is a minor component. On longer legs, the price difference between FBOs adds up. The Jet Finder factors fuel cost into charter quotes to ensure accurate pricing from 38XS.

Safety & Planning

Flight planning from San Rafael Ranch Airport accounts for current NOTAMs, TFRs, and airspace restrictions. Pilots operating from 38XS check published notices before every departure. Temporary flight restrictions near stadiums, presidential movements, and military operations can affect routing and timing. The Jet Finder monitors these factors and communicates schedule impacts proactively.

Airport Selection Strategy

Based aircraft availability at San Rafael Ranch Airport directly impacts charter pricing. Airports with more locally based jets generate lower positioning costs. If 38XS has limited based aircraft, the charter operator repositions from the nearest base, adding 30 to 60 minutes of flight time at the hourly rate. The Jet Finder identifies the closest available aircraft to minimize this cost.

Seasonal Factors

Convective weather season (May through September) impacts afternoon scheduling reliability at San Rafael Ranch Airport. Thunderstorm activity typically builds after 2:00 PM local time, potentially delaying departures from 38XS. Morning flights on this corridor routinely depart on schedule. The Jet Finder recommends morning departures when schedule certainty matters.

Location & Address

Geographically, San Rafael Ranch Airport (38XS) is located at 26.8152° N, -98.4793° W near Santa Elena, TX. Private aviation clients arriving at 38XS save the 2-3 hours commercial passengers spend on check-in, security, and baggage claim.

Runways & Facilities

The 6,000-foot runway at San Rafael Ranch Airport accommodates all private jet categories without significant restriction, from light jets through super-midsize and many heavy jets. Aircraft like the Challenger 350, Citation Latitude, and Gulfstream G280 operate routinely at fields of this length.

FBOs & Ground Services

Ground services at San Rafael Ranch 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 38XS, consult AirNav or contact the airport directly.

Charter a Jet from San Rafael Ranch Airport

Departing Santa Elena by private jet means using San Rafael Ranch Airport (38XS) instead of fighting commercial terminals. The Jet Finder connects you with charter aircraft suited to 38XS's runway capabilities and your mission requirements. No markup. Direct operator access.

Fly Private from 38XS

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from San Rafael Ranch Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 38XS's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	San Rafael Ranch Airport
ICAO Code	38XS
IATA Code	38XS
FAA Identifier	38XS
Address	Santa Elena, TX
Elevation	312 ft MSL
Coordinates	26.8152° N, 98.4793° W
FAA Data	AirNav 38XS

Operations & Facilities
Runways	14/32: 6,000 ft (ASPH)
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

Texas has more airports than any other state. The state's vast distances make GA practical transportation. Regional conditions vary from Gulf Coast humidity to West Texas desert to Panhandle weather.

Operational Considerations

San Rafael Ranch Airport's 312-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 2,112 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 6,000-foot runway provides approximately 5,944 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Subtropical conditions at San Rafael Ranch Airport mean warm temperatures dominate year-round. The primary weather challenge is convective: afternoon thunderstorms build rapidly during the warm season, often reaching maturity between 14:00 and 18:00 local time. Morning departures (before 10:00 local) consistently provide the smoothest, clearest conditions. Haze and humidity can reduce visibility below VFR minimums without obvious cloud formation. The cooler months offer the most reliable flying weather.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of San Rafael Ranch Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Diamond O Ranch Airport

XS93 · 7 NM from 38XS

El Coyote Ranch Airport

2TA8 · 14 NM from 38XS

BFS West Airport

TA20 · 21 NM from 38XS

Cage Ranch Airport

7TE2 · 23 NM from 38XS

Frequently Asked Questions

The ICAO identifier for San Rafael Ranch Airport is 38XS. The FAA designator is also 38XS. Use this code when filing flight plans and referencing the airport in official communications.

San Rafael Ranch Airport is situated in Santa Elena, TX, at coordinates 26.8152° N, 98.4793° W. Field elevation is 312 feet above mean sea level.

The airport features 1 runway(s). Runway 14/32 is the primary strip at 6,000 feet (ASPH surface).

Private jets can land at San Rafael Ranch Airport provided the 6,000-foot runway meets their performance requirements. Light and very light jets typically operate without restriction. Midsize jets may require careful performance analysis depending on conditions.

FBO services at San Rafael Ranch Airport include basic ground handling, parking, and fuel coordination. Contact the airport directly for current service provider information, or check AirNav for details on 38XS.

San Rafael Ranch Airport sits at 312 feet MSL. Performance-conscious pilots should compute density altitude before each operation, particularly when temperatures exceed standard.

Instrument approach availability at San Rafael Ranch Airport depends on the facility's current FAA designation. Check the Terminal Procedures Publication or ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot for published approaches at 38XS.

Contact The Jet Finder for charter availability from San Rafael Ranch Airport (38XS). Provide your destination, travel dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 38XS's runway and facilities.

Aircraft types at San Rafael Ranch Airport are limited by the 6,000-foot runway. Light jets (Citation CJ series, Phenom 100/300), turboprops (King Air, PC-12), and piston singles operate without issues. Larger jets require performance verification.

Radio frequencies for San Rafael Ranch Airport (38XS) appear in the A/FD and electronic chart supplements. If untowered, use standard CTAF procedures for traffic separation and position reporting.

Fuel availability at San Rafael Ranch Airport (38XS) should be confirmed before arrival. Most GA airports offer 100LL (avgas). Jet-A availability varies by facility. Check AirNav for current fuel types and pricing.

Customs and Border Protection services are required for international operations at San Rafael Ranch Airport. Contact the airport for CBP availability at 38XS. The Jet Finder assists with eAPIS filing and customs coordination.

Current conditions at 38XS: check METAR/TAF on aviationweather.gov or your EFB. San Rafael Ranch Airport is subject to TX's regional weather, which may include convective activity, low ceilings, or seasonal wind patterns.

38XS provides access to Santa Elena, TX. Ground transfer time from San Rafael Ranch Airport to local destinations is generally efficient. The airport's GA-specific environment means no terminal queues — just a direct walk from ramp to vehicle.

For aircraft parking at San Rafael Ranch Airport, contact the FBO at 38XS. Most GA airports offer both transient and overnight tiedowns. Hangar space, if available, should be reserved in advance.

For a flight quote from San Rafael Ranch Airport (38XS), contact The Jet Finder at thejetfinder.com/contact.html. Include your destination, dates, passenger count, and any special requirements. We respond with operator options and pricing.

Ready to Fly from 38XS?

Experience the difference of private aviation at San Rafael Ranch Airport.