Southard Field (O55) | Private Jet Hub Near Bieber

Current Conditions at KO55

Southard Field, Bieber, CA

Airport Overview

The Bieber, CA region is served by Southard Field (KO55), a public-use airport at 4,158 feet elevation. The field maintains 1 runway(s), with the longest measuring 2,980 feet on N/A surface. Operators and private travelers use Southard Field for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KO55.

Private Aviation Briefing

Southard Field provides general aviation access to the Bieber area. The field sits at 4,158 ft MSL MSL. Here is the charter and operational briefing for KO55.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Southard 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 Bieber to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near KO55 for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

Southard Field's 2980-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 KO55's runway.

Charter Considerations

When chartering from Southard Field, consider the round-trip economics. One-way charters incur a repositioning fee (the empty leg back to base). Round-trips from KO55 eliminate this cost. For one-way flights, The Jet Finder checks for aircraft that need to reposition through Bieber anyway, reducing or eliminating the empty-leg premium.

What to Know Before You Fly

Arrive at the FBO 15 to 20 minutes before departure. That is the entire pre-flight process for private charter from Southard Field. No security lines, no boarding groups, no gate announcements. Your vehicle pulls up to the aircraft, luggage is loaded directly, and you board at your convenience.

Safety & Planning

The Jet Finder sources charter aircraft exclusively from FAA Part 135 certified operators. Every crew flying from Southard Field meets federal duty time, rest, and recurrency requirements. We verify operator certifications, audit history, and insurance coverage before presenting any aircraft option from KO55 to our clients.

Airport Selection Strategy

Southard Field serves the Bieber market for private aviation. Airport selection affects charter cost through positioning fees, landing charges, and fuel prices. An airport 20 miles farther from your destination but with lower fees and better aircraft availability can save thousands on a charter. The Jet Finder runs this analysis for every booking from the Bieber area.

Seasonal Factors

Summer density altitude affects aircraft performance at Southard Field, particularly on hot afternoons when field elevation of 4,158 ft MSL increases effective altitude. Early morning departures maximize payload and performance from KO55. The Jet Finder schedules departures to optimize aircraft performance when density altitude is a factor.

Location & Address

Southard Field is positioned at coordinates 41.1396° N, -121.1240° W, at 4,158 feet above mean sea level. Ground transportation from KO55 to Bieber proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

The 2,980-foot runway at Southard Field 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

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

Charter a Jet from Southard Field

Charter operations from Southard Field (KO55) connect Bieber to destinations across the country. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at KO55 with the right aircraft for your route.

Fly Private from KO55

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Southard Field. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KO55's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Southard Field
ICAO Code	KO55
IATA Code	O55
FAA Identifier	O55
Address	Bieber, CA
Elevation	4,158 ft MSL
Coordinates	41.1396° N, 121.1240° W
FAA Data	AirNav O55

Operations & Facilities
Runways	04/22: 2,980 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

At 4,158 feet MSL, Southard Field operates at moderate elevation. Standard-day density altitude matches field elevation, but summer temperatures can push it above 5,958 feet. The 2,980-foot runway delivers approximately 2,608 feet of sea-level equivalent performance after altitude correction. Pilots transitioning from sea-level airports should plan for longer ground rolls and reduced initial climb performance at Southard Field.

Southard 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 Southard Field. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Adin Airport

KA26 · 8 NM from KO55

Fall River Mills Airport

KO89 · 16 NM from KO55

California Pines Airport

KA24 · 26 NM from KO55

Alturas Municipal Airport

KAAT · 33 NM from KO55

Frequently Asked Questions

KO55 is both the ICAO and FAA identifier for Southard Field. Pilots should reference this code in all flight plan filings and ATC communications involving this facility.

Located in Bieber, CA, Southard Field has coordinates of 41.1396° N, 121.1240° W. Airport elevation: 4,158 feet MSL. The field is accessible from the local road network.

The airport features 1 runway(s). Runway 04/22 is the primary strip at 2,980 feet (ASPH-F surface).

Private jets can land at Southard Field provided the 2,980-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.

For FBO information at Southard Field, visit airnav.com/airport/KO55 or contact the airport office. Service levels vary; pre-arrival coordination is recommended for special requirements.

Southard Field has a field elevation of 4,158 feet above mean sea level. This affects aircraft performance calculations, particularly during hot weather when density altitude increases.

Approach procedures at KO55 are published in the FAA's instrument approach plates. Consult current charts for the latest procedure information at Southard Field. RNAV and conventional approaches may be available depending on the facility.

To arrange a charter from KO55, 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.

General aviation aircraft including piston singles, turboprops, and light jets routinely use Southard Field. The 2,980-foot runway is the determining factor for larger categories. Consult aircraft performance data for specifics.

Radio frequencies for Southard Field (KO55) 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 KO55 before arrival. Southard Field may offer 100LL, Jet-A, or both. Pricing is set by the FBO. AirNav provides crowd-sourced fuel price reports from visiting pilots.

Customs and Border Protection services are required for international operations at Southard Field. Contact the airport for CBP availability at KO55. The Jet Finder assists with eAPIS filing and customs coordination.

Current conditions at KO55: check METAR/TAF on aviationweather.gov or your EFB. Southard Field is subject to CA's regional weather, which may include convective activity, low ceilings, or seasonal wind patterns.

KO55 provides access to Bieber, CA. Ground transfer time from Southard Field to local destinations is generally efficient. The airport's GA-specific environment means no terminal queues — just a direct walk from ramp to vehicle.

Transient aircraft parking at KO55 is available through the on-field operator. Southard Field typically provides tiedown space on the ramp. Hangar availability and rates vary — inquire before arrival.

To price a charter flight from Southard Field (KO55), 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 O55?

Experience the difference of private aviation at Southard Field.

Southard Field (KO55)