The Buzzing Activity At Oxnard Airport

Oxnard Airport, a county-owned, public airport in Ventura County, California, has been described as a busy place. The airport has a long history of aviation, dating back to 1941 when it was assigned to the U.S. Navy. Since then, it has been used for various purposes, including military operations, flight training, and commercial flights. While the airport has faced challenges in restoring scheduled commercial flights due to a pilot shortage and infrastructure limitations, it still sees a significant number of aircraft operations, with about 110,000 landings or take-offs annually.

Oxnard Airport has about 110,000 operations annually

Oxnard Airport is a county-owned, public airport located about a mile west of downtown Oxnard, in Ventura County, California. The airport has not had scheduled passenger service since 2010, when United Express ended its flights to Los Angeles International Airport. However, it still handles a significant number of aircraft operations, with about 110,000 takeoffs and landings annually, mostly involving personal aircraft and flight training.

The airport covers 230 acres of land, with an elevation of 45 feet above mean sea level. It has a single runway, designated as 7/25, which measures 5,953 by 100 feet. This runway was recently rebuilt and received a new surface and runway markings in 2021. The reconstruction of Runway 25 is expected to serve Ventura County's interests as it progresses and grows in the future.

In 2010, the airport recorded 55,323 aircraft operations, averaging 151 per day. The majority of these operations were general aviation (92%), with a smaller percentage being air taxi (8%) and military flights (<1%). At that time, 157 aircraft were based at the airport, with most being single-engine (79%) or multi-engine (17%) planes, and a small number of helicopters (5%).

While Oxnard Airport currently does not have scheduled commercial flights, there have been discussions and efforts to restore them. The Ventura County Department of Airports has been seeking community feedback on the prospect of introducing commercial airline services or cargo services at the airport. Additionally, the airport has been included in studies conducted typically every 10 years to gather input on its plans and future developments. However, challenges such as a pilot shortage and the airport's shorter runway that can only accommodate up to 90-seat aircraft have made it difficult to attract commercial air carriers.

The airport has a single runway, 7/25, which is 5,953 ft long

Oxnard Airport is a busy place, with around 110,000 operations a year, including landings and take-offs. The airport, which covers 230 acres at an elevation of 45 feet above sea level, has a single runway, 7/25, which is 5,953 feet long and 100 feet wide. This runway was rebuilt and reopened in 2021, with a new surface and runway markings.

The single runway at Oxnard Airport is just under 6,000 feet long, which is a limiting factor in the airport's ability to restore commercial air service. The runway can accommodate aircraft with no more than 90 seats, and this, along with a pilot shortage, has made it challenging to resume commercial flights.

In 2010, the year the airport lost its commercial passenger service, there were 55,323 aircraft operations, averaging 151 per day. The majority of these were general aviation (92%), with a small percentage of air taxi (8%) and an even smaller percentage of military flights (1%).

The airport's single runway is asphalt, measuring 5,953 by 100 feet, or 1,814 by 30 meters. This runway is shorter than those at nearby airports in Santa Barbara, Burbank, and Los Angeles, which are all within 60 miles of Oxnard Airport.

In 2010, the airport had 55,323 aircraft operations

Oxnard Airport is a county-owned, public airport located about a mile west of downtown Oxnard, in Ventura County, California. The airport has been a Ventura County asset for over 80 years, first opening in 1934. In 2010, the airport had 55,323 aircraft operations, averaging 151 per day. These operations consisted of 92% general aviation, 8% air taxi, and less than 1% military. 157 aircraft were based at the airport at this time, with 79% being single-engine, 17% multi-engine, and 5% helicopter.

The airport covers 230 acres of land at an elevation of 45 feet above mean sea level. It has one runway, 7/25, which is 5,953 feet by 100 feet and made of asphalt. Fuel, parking, and hangar space are available from private vendors. While the airport has not had scheduled passenger service since 2010, it remains an important element of the national transportation system, with multiple thriving aviation businesses and over 125 based aircraft.

In 2010, the county and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) partnered on a project to lengthen the landing distance at the airport from 4,610 feet to 5,953 feet. This enhancement enabled the airport to accommodate modern regional jets, rather than just turboprop aircraft. The FAA's records also show that the airport had 15,961 passenger boardings in 2008, 12,060 in 2009, and 4,074 in 2010.

Today, the airport is without air service, as it has struggled to adapt to changes in airline business models and shortages in regional aircraft and pilots. However, two rental car companies still operate out of the airport terminal, and planes can still be seen coming and going, mostly from private flights.

The airport has not had scheduled passenger service since 2010

Oxnard Airport, a county-owned, public airport, is located a mile west of downtown Oxnard, in Ventura County, California. The airport has not had scheduled passenger service since 8 June 2010, when United Express ended its flights to Los Angeles International Airport.

United Express operated these flights via a code-sharing agreement with United Airlines through SkyWest Airlines. America West Express also served the airport in the early 2000s, offering non-stop flights to Phoenix through a similar agreement with America West Airlines. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records show that the airport saw 15,961 passenger boardings in 2008, 12,060 in 2009, and 4,074 in 2010.

The National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2011-2015 designated Oxnard Airport as a primary commercial service airport based on its enplanements in 2008, which exceeded 10,000. However, by the next NPIAS report for 2015-2019, the airport had been downgraded to a regional general aviation airport, with only 19 enplanements.

Despite the lack of scheduled passenger service, Oxnard Airport remains operational and busy, with about 110,000 operations per year, including landings and take-offs. The airport primarily serves personal aircraft operations and flight training. According to an Economic Benefits analysis, the airport generated $51.3 million in output, supported 310 total jobs, and contributed $19.8 million in payrolls for workers.

While there have been discussions and challenges in restoring scheduled commercial flights to the airport, the community's feedback on the desire for such services is essential. Ventura County has also explored ways to improve the airport, including major runway rehabilitation projects and integrating small drone aircraft operations.

The airport covers 230 acres at an elevation of 45 ft above sea level

Oxnard Airport is a county-owned, public airport located a mile west of downtown Oxnard, in Ventura County, California. Covering 230 acres of land, it is situated at an elevation of 44 to 45 feet above mean sea level. The airport has a single asphalt runway, designated 7/25, which measures 5,953 feet in length and 100 feet in width.

The history of Oxnard Airport dates back to the 1930s when aviator Howard Hughes used a dirt runway at the site to test his famous H-1 monoplane racer. In 1938, Ventura County paved the runway and constructed a large hangar. The airport was officially opened in 1934, and in 1939, James McLean established the Oxnard Flying School, providing housing for both instructors and students nearby. During World War II, the airport was temporarily assigned to the U.S. Navy until the completion of the Naval Air Station at Point Mugu in 1945. Ventura County resumed control of the airport in 1948 and received its operating permit from the state of California the following year.

In terms of elevation, the airport sits just above sea level, with its highest point reaching 45 feet. This elevation is crucial for aviation operations, as it provides a safe height for takeoffs and landings while also ensuring the airport's infrastructure is protected from potential flooding or other hazards associated with lower-lying areas. The elevation also contributes to the airport's overall size and layout, allowing for the necessary runway length and facilities required for aircraft operations.

The 230 acres of land that the airport covers encompass not only the runway but also various support facilities and infrastructure. This includes parking areas, hangar spaces, and fuel vendors, all of which are essential for serving the aircraft and passengers that utilize the airport. The size of the airport allows for efficient aircraft operations and ensures that there is sufficient room for expansion or the addition of new facilities as needed.

While the airport's elevation and acreage are fixed, the airport continues to evolve in other aspects. In recent years, there has been community engagement and studies conducted by the Ventura County Department of Airports to gather feedback and determine the future direction of the airport. These efforts aim to shape the airport's services, including the potential introduction of commercial flights, cargo services, or other enhancements to meet the needs and preferences of the community it serves.

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