San Rafael Airport CA35: Key Features and Visitor Information

San Rafael Airport, known by its designation CA35, is a unique spot nestled in Marin County, California.

Located just a few miles north of the vibrant city of San Rafael, CA35 offers a convenient gateway for small aircraft operations.

This small yet vital airport provides essential services and access to a region known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes, San Rafael Airport is ideally situated for those looking to explore the diverse offerings of Marin County.

Whether you’re arriving for business or leisure, the airport’s proximity to local attractions makes it a great starting point for any visit.

If you’re wondering what makes San Rafael a must-visit destination, exploring the area around the airport is a great way to discover more about San Rafael.

With its focus on general aviation, CA35 supports a community of aviation enthusiasts and professionals alike.

The airport’s operation enhances the accessibility of San Rafael and its surroundings, contributing to the local economy and offering unique opportunities for aerial views of the region’s stunning scenery.

Airport Overview

San Rafael Airport (CA35) is a privately-owned airstrip located in Marin County, California. It sits about three miles north of San Rafael, a city known for its scenic beauty and vibrant community. This small airport is mainly used for private aviation.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given it an identifier code of CA35. This eases navigation for pilots and ensures accurate location tracking for flight planning purposes. The airport is exclusively for private use, not hosting commercial airline services.

Covering approximately 100 acres, San Rafael Airport provides a quaint yet functional setting for aviators.

Its latitude and longitude coordinates are N38°1.01′ and W122°31.25′, respectively, aiding in precise geolocation.

Management is handled by San Rafael Airport, LLC, with notable figures such as manager Bob Herbst involved in operations.

The listed contact number for inquiries is 415-472-7700, located at 2173 D Francisco Blvd, San Rafael, CA 94901.

Key Details:

• FAA ID: CA35
• Location: San Rafael, Marin County, California, USA
• Ownership: Private use
• Coordinates: N38°1.01′ / W122°31.25′

The airport offers essential facilities and a supportive environment for private pilots looking to enjoy the sights and resources of Marin County.

Runway and Airfield Information

San Rafael Airport, known as CA35, features essential facilities and infrastructure to support various aviation activities. This section details the runway specifications, landing and takeoff procedures, and the lighting and navigational aids available to pilots.

Runway Specifications

San Rafael Airport has a single runway, designated 04/22. The runway measures 2,700 feet in length and 30 feet in width, with an asphalt surface that is considered to be in fair condition.

Single-wheel aircraft up to 7,000 pounds are permitted to use this runway.

There are markings to assist pilots during landing and takeoff, though there are no precision instrument approaches available.

The airfield sits approximately three miles north of downtown San Rafael and covers an area of 100 acres.

With a moderate elevation, San Rafael Airport provides pilots with key details necessary for safe landing and departure operations.

Landing and Takeoff

Landing and takeoff at San Rafael Airport involve using runway 04/22 primarily.

Due to the shorter length, pilots need to be prepared for the limited space during these maneuvers.

Pilots often follow standard traffic patterns for small, private-use airfields, ensuring safety and effective communication.

Airport infrastructure includes a segmented circle and wind indicator near the runway to assist pilots to determine wind direction and check traffic patterns.

Though the airport lacks a control tower, pilots typically rely on the standard UNICOM frequency for coordinating runway usage and ensuring smooth operations.

Lighting and Navigational Aids

The airfield is equipped with basic edge lights along the runway to help pilots during low-light conditions, although it lacks extensive lighting systems like centerline lights.

These lights are usually activated based on a predetermined lighting schedule, aiding visibility for evening or early morning flights.

Pilots do not have access to sophisticated navigational aids such as VOR on-site.

Instead, they must depend on their onboard navigational systems for guidance.

The lack of advanced systems means that pilots should maintain heightened awareness and plan accordingly for approaches and departures at this airfield.

Airport Facilities and Services

San Rafael Airport CA35 is a private-use airport located in Marin County, California. It offers essential services such as refueling, maintenance, and operational communication for pilots and aircraft.

Refueling and Maintenance

The airport provides fuel services including 100LL and Jet A for aircraft, supporting both piston and jet engines.

Pilots can call 415-897-2964 for fuel arrangements.

Maintenance services at the airport include airframe and power plant repair, ensuring planes are kept in optimal condition.

This allows for a seamless and efficient flying experience. The focus on maintenance ensures the safety and reliability of the aircraft using the facility.

Operational Information

San Rafael Airport operates within a specified set of rules to maintain safety and efficiency.

The airport communications system is robust to assist pilots in their operations, providing critical information through clear channels.

The facility includes a single runway, enabling various aircraft operations from light single-engine planes to small jets.

The airport lies within the boundary of the ARTCC, ensuring coordinated flight services with neighboring airspaces.

This allows smooth transition and safe air traffic management in and out of the facility.

Air Traffic Procedures and Regulations

San Rafael Airport CA35 operates under specific air traffic procedures and regulations to ensure smooth and safe operations. Key areas include flight procedures, safety and compliance measures, and weather reporting systems.

Each area plays a critical role in maintaining standards and supporting pilots with crucial information and tools.

Flight Procedures

Flight operations at San Rafael Airport involve specific protocols to handle both visual and instrument flight rules.

Instrument procedures, including Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) and instrument approaches, are designed to streamline arrivals and departures in varying weather conditions.

These procedures are FAA approved, ensuring compliance with federal regulations.

Pilots must also account for magnetic variation when planning their routes, as it can affect compass readings.

Additionally, a distance calculator can help pilots plan fuel and time estimates accurately.

Maintaining compliance with NOTAMs—Notices to Air Missions—is essential as they provide updates on any aeronautical changes or obstructions within the airport vicinity.

Safety and Compliance

Safety is paramount, with compliance measures in place to adhere to FAA standards.

The airport implements detailed protocols to manage civil aviation safety effectively.

Regular inspections ensure the airfield is free from obstructions and compliant with safety regulations.

These safety measures also extend to monitoring magnetic variation, crucial for maintaining accuracy in navigation.

Adherence to these protocols aids in the prevention of incidents and supports efficient air traffic management.

Pilots and staff receive continuous training to keep updated with the latest safety standards.

Understanding and following these safety guidelines fosters a secure environment for both flight crews and passengers alike.

Weather Reporting and Updates

Weather reporting at San Rafael Airport utilizes advanced tools to provide timely and precise updates critical for flight planning.

Systems like TAF (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast) and METAR (Meteorological Aerodrome Report) are used extensively for forecasting.

Real-time data is supported by Automated Surface Observing Systems (ASOS) and Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS-3P) which deliver live updates on local conditions.

These reports are crucial for understanding potential weather impacts on aviation operations.

Also, knowing sunrise and sunset times assists pilots in planning flights, especially those governed by visual flight rules.

Access to these detailed reports helps pilots make informed decisions and maintain safety throughout their flight operations.