The Hunt For The Big Bear Airport

what airport has a big bear

Big Bear Airport is located in Big Bear City, California, in the San Bernardino Mountains. It is a high-elevation public airport that has been in operation since 1928. The airport covers 117 acres and includes a terminal building, a taxiway system, and a runway oriented in an east-west direction. It is known for providing quick access to Southern California's only four-season resort town and is a popular destination for ski enthusiasts. Big Bear Airport caters to various aircraft, from gliders to small corporate jets, and is open to the public 24 hours a day.

Characteristics Values
Name Big Bear City Airport
Location Big Bear City, California, United States
Mountain Range San Bernardino
Elevation 6,752 feet
Area 117 acres
Runway One asphalt-paved runway (8/26) measuring 5,850 x 75 ft
Taxiway A 45-foot wide full-parallel taxiway (Taxiway "A") with five connector taxiways; a 40-foot wide partial parallel taxiway (Taxiway "B") with four connector taxiways
Aircraft Operations 30,000 in 2004, averaging 82 per day
Aircraft Based at Airport 141: 94% single-engine, 3% multi-engine, 2% ultralight, 1% glider
Hangar Spaces Approximately 142 hangar spaces in 31 separate buildings
Fuel Storage Two 15,000-gallon above-ground tanks: one 100LL Avgas tank and one Jet A tank
Restaurant The Barnstorm Restaurant serving German-American cuisine
Major Nearby Airports LA/Ontario International Airport (60 miles), Palm Springs International Airport (86 miles), John Wayne Airport (93 miles)

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Big Bear Airport is located in Big Bear City, California

The airport covers an area of 117 acres and features a single asphalt-paved runway (8/26) measuring 5,850 by 75 feet. In 2004, the airport recorded 30,000 aircraft operations, averaging 82 per day, with 93% general aviation and 7% military flights. There are 141 aircraft based at Big Bear Airport, with the majority being single-engine planes, followed by multi-engine, ultralight, and glider aircraft.

The airside facilities at Big Bear Airport include a full-parallel taxiway (Taxiway "A") and a partial parallel taxiway (Taxiway "B"), both constructed of asphalt. The taxiways provide access between the runway surface and the landside aviation use areas. The airport also has a terminal area, aircraft parking aprons, Fixed Base Operator (FBO) facilities, general aviation aircraft storage hangars, and fuel storage facilities.

Big Bear Airport is committed to accessibility and provides a safe and convenient option for pilots and passengers alike. With its high elevation and proximity to the resort town, it is a popular choice for those seeking outdoor adventures, such as hiking and water activities, or those looking to enjoy the area's shopping, dining, and entertainment offerings.

Overall, Big Bear Airport, located in Big Bear City, California, plays a crucial role in serving the aviation needs of the region and contributing to the local tourism industry. Its unique location and accessibility make it a convenient gateway to the natural wonders and recreational opportunities that Southern California has to offer.

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The airport is 6,752 feet above sea level

Big Bear Airport is located in Big Bear City, California, in the San Bernardino mountain range. It sits at an elevation of 6,752 feet above sea level, making it a high-elevation airport. This elevation gives pilots the benefit of "instant altitude" upon clearing the nearby mountain ridges. However, it also means pilots must be cautious of possible turbulence and mountain wave/rotor activity in the area.

The airport has been in continuous operation at this site since 1928 and is open to the public and visiting aircraft 24 hours a day. It provides a safe operating environment for general aviation aircraft, from gliders to small corporate jets. The airport is equipped with one primary runway, oriented east-west, and two parallel taxiways, one partial and one full, providing access to the runway from the general aviation development areas.

The high elevation of the airport is a significant factor in aviation operations, and the airport has implemented several measures to ensure safe and efficient operations. The runway and taxiway system is designed to accommodate various aircraft, and the airport provides a safe operating environment for different types of general aviation aircraft.

Being situated at 6,752 feet above sea level, Big Bear Airport offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, lake, and forests. This unique setting adds to the appeal of the airport for pilots and passengers alike. The elevation also contributes to the airport's role as a gateway to the nearby four-season resort and vacation area, providing quick access to outdoor activities such as hiking and skiing.

The airport's elevation plays a crucial role in its operations and distinguishes it from other airports in the region. At this height, Big Bear Airport offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for pilots, requiring careful navigation and adherence to specific flight rules. The elevation also contributes to the airport's quiet and tranquil atmosphere, as pilots are requested to avoid flying between 10 pm and 7 am to maintain a noise-friendly environment for the surrounding communities.

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It has one primary runway and two taxiways

Big Bear Airport, located in Big Bear City, California, has one primary runway and two taxiways. The airport has been in operation since 1928 and is situated 6,752 feet above sea level in the San Bernardino mountain range. It provides general aviation air service to several small communities and Southern California's only four-season resort, Big Bear.

The primary runway at Big Bear Airport is oriented in an east-west direction and is designated as Runway 08/26. It is constructed of asphalt and measures 5,850 feet in length and 75 feet in width. The runway accommodates various aircraft, from gliders to small corporate jets.

Two parallel taxiways, Taxiway "A" and Taxiway "B," provide access to the runway from the general aviation development areas. Taxiway "A" is a full-length parallel taxiway located south of the runway, constructed of asphalt, and equipped with five connector taxiways. It is separated from the runway by approximately 200 feet (centerline to centerline). For night operations, this taxiway is illuminated by a Medium Intensity Taxiway Lighting (MITL) system.

Taxiway "B" is a partial parallel taxiway located north of the runway, also constructed of asphalt. It has four connector taxiways linking it to the runway and is separated from the runway by approximately 180-185 feet (centerline to centerline). Similar to Taxiway "A," Taxiway "B" is also equipped with an MITL system for enhanced visibility during nighttime operations.

The combination of the primary runway and the two taxiways allows for efficient aircraft movement and ground operations at Big Bear Airport, ensuring safe and smooth access for both arriving and departing flights.

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The airport is open 24 hours a day

Big Bear Airport is open 24 hours a day. Located in Big Bear City, California, the airport is situated 6,752 feet above sea level in the San Bernardino mountain range. It has been in operation since 1928 and is accessible to the public and visiting aircraft at all hours. Pilots can take advantage of the airport's low fuel rates, with a fuel storage facility located on the south side of the runway, offering Avgas and Jet A fuel. The airport also has a restaurant, Barnstorm, serving German-American cuisine, which is open daily for breakfast and lunch, and for dinner Thursday through Sunday.

The airport caters to a range of aircraft, from gliders to small corporate jets, and has a single primary runway with two parallel taxiways, one partial and one full. The taxiway system is equipped with a Medium Intensity Taxiway Lighting (MITL) system, making it suitable for night use. Big Bear Airport is the only airport providing access to Southern California's four-season resort, and it serves several surrounding small communities. Pilots should be cautious of possible turbulence and mountain activity in the area.

While the airport is open around the clock, pilots are asked to avoid flying between 10 pm and 7 am to maintain a noise-friendly environment for the nearby resort and vacation home rental area. The airport had an average of 82 aircraft operations per day in 2004, with 93% general aviation and 7% military aircraft. There are 141 aircraft based at the airport, with the majority being single-engine, followed by multi-engine, ultralight, and gliders.

For those travelling to Big Bear Lake, there are several nearby major airports to choose from, including LA/Ontario International Airport, Palm Springs International Airport, John Wayne Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport. These airports offer both international and domestic flights and are within a reasonable distance from Big Bear Lake, making them convenient options for visitors.

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It is located near Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Airport is located near Big Bear Lake in California. It is situated in the San Bernardino mountain range, 6,752 feet above sea level, and has been in continuous operation at this site since 1928. The airport is open to the public and visiting aircraft 24 hours a day, and it provides a safe operating environment for a range of general aviation aircraft, from gliders to small corporate jets. Big Bear Airport is a popular choice for pilots due to its proximity to the lake and the surrounding natural attractions, including hiking trails and water activities.

The airport covers an area of 117 acres and features a single asphalt-paved runway, with two parallel taxiways providing access to the runway from the general aviation development areas. The main aircraft parking apron offers approximately 450,000 square feet of parking and movement space, accommodating up to 218 aircraft tie-down positions. The airport also has a terminal area, aircraft parking aprons, Fixed Base Operator (FBO) facilities, general aviation aircraft storage hangars, and fuel storage facilities.

Big Bear Airport is the only four-season resort town in Southern California served by an airport. It provides quick access to the nearby resort and vacation home rental areas. Pilots are requested to avoid flying between 10 pm and 7 am to maintain a noise-friendly environment for the surrounding communities. The airport is conveniently located just a few minutes' drive from Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, making it a favourite among skiers.

While Big Bear Airport caters to private planes and smaller aircraft, larger airports near Big Bear Lake include LA/Ontario International Airport, Palm Springs International Airport, John Wayne Airport, and Los Angeles International Airport. These airports offer a range of international and domestic flight options for travellers visiting the Big Bear Lake region.

Frequently asked questions

Big Bear Airport is located in Big Bear City, California, United States. It is situated 6,752 feet above sea level in the San Bernardino mountain range.

Big Bear Airport is a high-elevation public airport that has been in continuous operation at the same site since 1928. It is the only airport with a big bear statue at its entrance. The airport provides quick access to Southern California's only four-season resort town and has a restaurant, Barnstorm, that serves German-American cuisine.

Big Bear Airport has one primary runway oriented in an east-west direction, with two parallel taxiways, one partial and one full, providing access to the runway. It covers an area of 117 acres and includes a terminal area, aircraft parking aprons, Fixed Base Operator (FBO) facilities, general aviation aircraft storage hangars, and fuel storage facilities.

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