Big Bear Airport: Does It Exist?

Yes, Big Bear does have an airport. Big Bear Airport (L35) is located in Big Bear City, California, in the San Bernardino mountain range. It is a high-elevation public airport, sitting at 6,752 feet above sea level. The airport has been in operation since 1928 and provides general aviation air service to the surrounding small communities, as well as Southern California's only four-season resort, Big Bear. While Big Bear Airport does not have any commercial passenger activity, it offers various services such as aircraft maintenance, sightseeing flights, and emergency services. It also serves as a base for aerial firefighters during large fires and facilitates medical evacuations, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations.

Big Bear Airport's location and elevation

Big Bear Airport (L35) is located in Big Bear City, California, in the San Bernardino mountain range. The airport is approximately 40 miles outside of the Los Angeles metropolitan area, on the southern boundary of the mountain range. The airport is open 24 hours a day to the general public and visiting aircraft.

The airport is situated 6,752 feet above sea level and covers an area of 117 acres. It operates with one primary runway, oriented in an east-west direction, and two parallel taxiways, one partial and one full, which provide access to the runway. The primary runway is 5,850 feet long and 75 feet wide, and it is constructed of asphalt.

Big Bear Airport is a popular destination for pilots and vacationers due to its proximity to Southern California's only four-season resort town, as well as ski destinations such as Snow Summit and Bear Mountain. The airport offers various services, including aircraft maintenance, sightseeing flights, and emergency services. It also serves as a base for aerial firefighters during large fires and provides support for the local community.

The airport's location in the mountains provides a unique challenge for pilots, with high altitudes and potential turbulence. Pilots are advised to follow specific flight rules and double-check their aircraft's performance capabilities before taking off.

Aircraft operations and facilities

Big Bear Airport (L35) is a high-elevation public airport located in the San Bernardino Mountains in Big Bear City, California. The airport is situated 6,752 feet above sea level and covers an area of 117 acres. It features one asphalt-paved runway, measuring 5,850 feet by 75 feet, with a gross weight-bearing capacity of 12,500 pounds. The runway is equipped with medium-intensity runway lights and a precision approach path indicator system, providing a safe operating environment for aircraft ranging from gliders to small corporate jets.

In terms of aircraft operations, Big Bear Airport had approximately 15,000 takeoffs and landings in 2024, with an average of 82 operations per day in 2004. The airport caters to general aviation and military aircraft, with 93% of operations being general aviation and 7% military in 2004. There are no commercial passenger activities, but it offers services like aircraft maintenance, sightseeing flights, and emergency services. The airport is open 24 hours a day to the public and visiting aircraft.

The airport has a total of 141 aircraft based onsite, with a breakdown of 94% single-engine, 3% multi-engine, 2% ultralight, and 1% glider. The airport provides 129 paved aircraft tie-down locations and approximately 142 hangar spaces in 31 separate buildings. Additionally, there is a maintenance/storage hangar and numerous storage units in leased hangars.

Big Bear Airport also boasts an advanced fuel storage facility, completed in September 2018, with two 15,000-gallon above-ground tanks for Avgas and Jet A fuel. Avgas and Jet A fuel are accessible 24 hours a day to the flying public and emergency services. The airport's elevation and proximity to Los Angeles make it an exciting destination for flight instructors and pilots.

The airport's economic impact

Big Bear Airport (L35) is a high-elevation public airport located in the San Bernardino Mountains in Big Bear City, California. The airport has a significant economic impact on the local community, generating approximately $8.3 million in total annual economic output, according to a 2014 Economic Impact Study. This includes direct, indirect, and reduced impacts on the local economy.

The airport provides over 40 full-time jobs in the Big Bear area, yielding more than $2.3 million in labor income and contributing to a total financial output of over $5.8 million. It also supports local businesses, with payroll dollars generated by airport-based businesses providing a direct stimulus to the local economy. The airport's ability to accommodate business aircraft and general aviation tourism brings revenue to the local ski, restaurant, hotel, and shopping industries, further enhancing the economic vitality of the region.

Big Bear Airport plays a crucial role in emergency response, including medical, fire, law enforcement, and search and rescue operations. During the active 2020 fire season, the airport served as a base for US Forest Service, California Department of Forestry, and US Military aircraft, facilitating their efforts in battling fires and protecting lives and property. The airport's accessibility and infrastructure make it a vital resource for emergency management and a lifeline for the community.

Additionally, Big Bear Airport offers various services such as aircraft maintenance, sightseeing flights, and access to fuel at competitive rates. The airport's proximity to Southern California's four-season resort and its surrounding small communities makes it a convenient and attractive destination for pilots and visitors alike. With no landing fees and low overnight charges, the airport promotes accessibility and tourism in the region.

Overall, Big Bear Airport's economic impact extends beyond its immediate operations, influencing various industries and contributing significantly to the prosperity and resilience of the local community. The airport's role in emergency management and its support for local businesses underscore its integral role in the economic landscape of Big Bear City and the surrounding areas.

The airport's role in emergency situations

Big Bear Airport is used as a base for aerial firefighting during large fires. In 2020, over 400 injured or sick residents and visitors were flown out to hospitals, and in June 2021 alone, there were 55 medical flights.

Airports play a crucial role in emergency situations, and their efficient management can make a significant difference in saving lives and protecting property. Here are some key aspects of the airport's role in emergency situations:

• Command and Control: Airports establish a clear chain of command to manage the emergency effectively. This includes designating specific individuals or teams responsible for overall command, incident management, and on-scene response.
• Communication: Effective communication is critical during emergencies. Airports must have reliable and interoperable communication systems to coordinate with various agencies and first responders. This includes radio, telephone, email, text, and other means of communication.
• Emergency Response Team (ERT): Airports are encouraged to establish an ERT with executive, core, and support members from relevant departments. These teams work together to assess the situation, activate emergency response plans, and coordinate the necessary actions.
• Training and Drills: Airports conduct regular training and drills to prepare their staff for emergencies. This includes tabletop exercises, functional exercises, and full-scale simulations involving various first responder teams to ensure a coordinated response.
• Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF): Airports have specialized ARFF teams and equipment to deal with aircraft-related emergencies, such as fires or crashes. The training and deployment of ARFF personnel are crucial in safeguarding lives and property.
• Medical Response: Airports often have medical facilities or collaborate with local hospitals to provide emergency medical care to those affected by emergencies. This includes treating injuries, providing critical care, and coordinating with local health authorities.
• Mutual Aid and Collaboration: Airports work closely with local communities, emergency response agencies, and other airports to enhance their emergency response capabilities. They establish Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and agreements to pool resources and expertise effectively.
• National Incident Management System (NIMS): In the US, the NIMS provides a standardized framework for incident management. It includes the Incident Command System (ICS), multi-agency coordination, and public information systems, helping airports and other agencies work together seamlessly.
• Water Rescue Operations: Airports located near water bodies have special considerations for water rescue operations. They collaborate with entities like the US Coast Guard to prepare for such emergencies and ensure the necessary training and equipment are in place.
• Emergency Planning: Airports develop comprehensive emergency plans, such as the Aerodrome Emergency Plan (AEP), to outline procedures for different types of emergencies. These plans are integrated with local and regional emergency response plans to ensure a coordinated response.

Rules and regulations for pilots

Big Bear Airport is located in the San Bernardino Mountains in Big Bear City, California. It is a high-elevation public airport that provides the quickest access to Southern California's only four-season resort town.

Noise Abatement Procedures:

Big Bear Airport is located in a noise-sensitive area surrounded by residential and vacation homes. Pilots are asked to avoid flying between 10 pm and 7 am to keep the area quiet and peaceful for the residents.

Flight Rules:

Inbound traffic should fly in over the ski slopes at 9,500 feet, while departing traffic should fly at or below 8,500 feet. Due to the high altitude, pilots must double-check the performance tables in their aircraft manuals to ensure a safe takeoff.

Aircraft Performance:

Big Bear Airport is located 6,750 feet above sea level, with a pattern altitude of 8,000 feet. Pilots should use the corrected "density altitude" numbers to figure their aircraft performance. Failing to lean the mixture for best performance before takeoff, overloading the craft, or miscalculating runway usage can lead to mishaps.

Landing Procedures:

When approaching the traffic pattern area, fly the upwind leg near the mountains over the ski areas. The valley is narrow, so maintaining a safe distance from other aircraft is crucial. Execute a 45-degree pattern entry at 8,000 feet and communicate your position when abeam midfield, turning base, and final.

Radio Communication:

After landing and taxiing off the active runway, pilots should keep their radios on until they are parked. This ensures that the Unicom operator can provide necessary taxiing and parking instructions.

Traffic Awareness:

Big Bear Airport is an "uncontrolled airport," but safe operations can be maintained by adhering to the standard traffic pattern and using proper self-announce procedures. Pilots should remain alert for other traffic and exchange information with fellow pilots and the Unicom operator.

Drone Regulations:

Pilots can refer to the airport's website for rules and regulations regarding the operation of UAS/drones. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety and security of aircraft and people in the area.

Frequently asked questions