Private Aviation Airport

Thayer Aviation Airport (53CN)

Grimes's Premier Private Jet Gateway · Grimes, CA

1
Runway
54 ft
Elevation
1,800 ft
Longest Runway
CA
State

Current Conditions at K53CN

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Thayer Aviation Airport, Grimes, CA

Airport Overview

The Grimes, CA region is served by Thayer Aviation Airport (53CN), a public-use airport at 54 feet elevation. Runway infrastructure includes 1 strip(s); the primary surface extends 1,800 feet (N/A). Operators and private travelers use Thayer Aviation Airport for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav 53CN.

Private Aviation Briefing

53CN is the identifier for Thayer Aviation Airport, serving Grimes at 54 ft MSL elevation. Operators, passengers, and dispatchers should note the following details for flight planning and charter operations.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Thayer Aviation 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 Grimes to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near 53CN for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

Thayer Aviation Airport's 1800-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 53CN's runway.

Charter Considerations

Peak travel periods affect aircraft availability and pricing near Grimes. 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 53CN. 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 Thayer Aviation 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 Thayer Aviation Airport determines minimum weather for arrival. Airports with ILS approaches allow lower minimums than GPS-only fields. If 53CN 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 Thayer Aviation Airport.

Airport Selection Strategy

Choosing Thayer Aviation Airport over a larger commercial hub near Grimes often reduces total travel time. General aviation airports like 53CN 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 Thayer Aviation 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 53CN.

Location & Address

Geographically, Thayer Aviation Airport (53CN) is located at 39.0749° N, -121.9180° W near Grimes, CA. FBO-arranged car service or rideshare connects passengers from Thayer Aviation Airport to Grimes and surrounding areas efficiently.

Runways & Facilities

At 1,800 feet, Thayer Aviation Airport'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 Thayer Aviation Airport (53CN), 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 Thayer Aviation Airport

Private charter from 53CN starts with a single call. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at 53CN with the right aircraft for your route.

Charter a private jet from 53CN

Fly Private from 53CN

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Thayer Aviation Airport. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 53CN's runway and facilities.

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Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport NameThayer Aviation Airport
ICAO Code53CN
IATA Code53CN
FAA Identifier53CN
AddressGrimes, CA
Elevation54 ft MSL
Coordinates39.0749° N, 121.9180° W
FAA DataAirNav 53CN
Operations & Facilities
RunwaysNW/SE: 1,800 ft (ASPH)
FBOsAirport Services
CustomsNot available
FuelContact airport for availability
HoursContact airport for hours
ApproachesContact airport for approach information
Tower / FreqSee 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

Thayer Aviation Airport's 54-foot field elevation keeps density altitude effects manageable. Even on warm days, density altitude here tops out around 1,854 feet — within normal performance parameters for most aircraft. The 1,800-foot runway provides approximately 1,797 feet of effective sea-level performance.

Thayer Aviation 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 Thayer Aviation Airport. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Sanborn Airport
38CN · 3 NM from 53CN
Moronis Airport
92CL · 4 NM from 53CN
Colusa County Airport
KO08 · 7 NM from 53CN
Vanderford Ranch Company Airport
CA73 · 9 NM from 53CN

Frequently Asked Questions

The ICAO identifier for Thayer Aviation Airport is 53CN. The FAA designator is also 53CN. Use this code when filing flight plans and referencing the airport in official communications.

Thayer Aviation Airport is situated in Grimes, CA, at coordinates 39.0749° N, 121.9180° W. Field elevation is 54 feet above mean sea level.

Runway NW/SE is the main strip at Thayer Aviation Airport, providing 1,800 feet of ASPH runway. The airport has 1 total runway(s).

Yes, Thayer Aviation Airport accepts private aviation traffic. With 1,800 feet of available runway, light jets and many midsize jets can operate here under standard conditions. Consult aircraft performance charts for heavier categories.

Thayer Aviation Airport (53CN) 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.

Thayer Aviation Airport has a field elevation of 54 feet above mean sea level. This affects aircraft performance calculations, particularly during hot weather when density altitude increases.

Approach procedures at 53CN are published in the FAA's instrument approach plates. Consult current charts for the latest procedure information at Thayer Aviation Airport. RNAV and conventional approaches may be available depending on the facility.

Contact The Jet Finder for charter availability from Thayer Aviation Airport (53CN). Provide your destination, travel dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to 53CN's runway and facilities.

Aircraft types at Thayer Aviation Airport are limited by the 1,800-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 Thayer Aviation Airport (53CN) appear in the A/FD and electronic chart supplements. If untowered, use standard CTAF procedures for traffic separation and position reporting.

Thayer Aviation Airport (53CN) fuel information is available through AirNav. Common fuel types at general aviation airports include 100LL and Jet-A. Availability and pricing should be verified before planning a fuel stop.

International flight planning from 53CN requires CBP coordination. Thayer Aviation Airport may or may not have on-field customs services. The Jet Finder can identify the nearest CBP-equipped airport and handle logistics.

Real-time weather for Thayer Aviation Airport (53CN) is available through METAR reports on aviationweather.gov. CA experiences varied conditions throughout the year — plan accordingly for seasonal weather events.

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

Thayer Aviation Airport offers aircraft parking for visiting and based aircraft. Tiedown and hangar rates at 53CN should be confirmed directly with the airport. Overnight parking may require advance arrangement.

For a flight quote from Thayer Aviation Airport (53CN), 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.

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