French Valley Airport: A Historical Overview Of Its Construction

when was french valley airport built

French Valley Airport is a county-owned airport in southwestern Riverside County, California. It is located on 261 acres of land, 2 miles northeast of Murrieta/Temecula, and was the site of a plane crash on July 8, 2023, that killed two pilots and four passengers. But when was it built?

Characteristics Values
Location Southwest Riverside County, California
Nearby cities Murrieta, Temecula, and Winchester
Highway 79
Distance from Interstate 15 and the 215 Corridor Minutes away
Area 261 acres (106 ha)
Runway 1 asphalt-paved runway designated as 18/36; 6,000 x 75 ft (1,829 x 23 m)
Elevation 1349 feet MSL
Aircraft operations 89,790 (12-month period ending September 30, 2023)
Average daily aircraft operations 246
Aircraft based at the airport 257 (as of September 30, 2023)
Breakdown of aircraft based at the airport 215 single-engine, 30 multi-engine, 2 jet aircraft, and 10 helicopters

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French Valley Airport is located in southwestern Riverside County, California

French Valley Airport (IATA: RBK, FAA LID: F70) is a county-owned public-use airport in southwestern Riverside County, California. It is located on Highway 79, just 2 miles northeast of Murrieta and Temecula. The airport covers an area of 261 acres, which includes one asphalt runway designated as 18/36, measuring 6,000 by 75 feet.

French Valley Airport is conveniently situated near several communities, including Temecula, Murrieta, and Winchester. It is also in close proximity to Interstate 15 and the 215 Corridor, known for their high-tech and manufacturing businesses. The airport is surrounded by a variety of attractions, including championship golf courses, resorts, spas, restaurants, and shopping options. For those who enjoy the outdoors, nearby Lake Elsinore and Lake Skinner offer fishing, boating, and camping activities.

The airport is known for its high volume of general aviation traffic, with an average of 246 aircraft operations per day for the 12-month period ending September 30, 2023. As of that period, there were 257 aircraft based at the airport, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, and helicopter varieties. The airport also accommodates military flights, though these make up less than 1% of its total operations.

The French Valley Cafe, located on the airport grounds, is a popular dining spot known for its breakfast and full bar. The interior is adorned with air memorabilia, and the restaurant offers views of the runway. Unfortunately, the airport has also witnessed its share of accidents, including a tragic crash in 2023 involving a Cessna 550 Citation aircraft that resulted in the deaths of two pilots and four passengers.

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It covers 261 acres of land and has one asphalt runway

Covering 261 acres of land, the French Valley Airport is a county-owned public-use airport located in southwestern Riverside County, California. It is situated on Highway 79, just two miles northeast of Murrieta and Temecula. The airport is conveniently located near Interstate 15 and the 215 Corridor, which are known for their high-tech and manufacturing businesses.

The airport's single asphalt runway, designated as 18/36, measures 6,000 by 75 feet (1,829 by 23 metres). This runway can accommodate a variety of aircraft, including single-engine, multi-engine, jet, and helicopter operations. In the 12 months leading up to September 30, 2023, the airport recorded 89,790 aircraft operations, averaging 246 per day, with 100% general aviation and less than 1% military.

The French Valley Airport provides easy access to a range of attractions in the area. Visitors can explore the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve, the Old Town Temecula Historic District, premium outlet shopping, and the charm of Southern California Wine Country. With over 40 wineries open for tastings and tours, it's a popular destination for wine enthusiasts.

The airport also offers convenient access to leisure activities such as golf, spas, fine dining, and outdoor attractions. For those who enjoy nature, Lake Elsinore and Lake Skinner are nearby, offering fishing, boating, and camping opportunities. The airport's cafe, the French Valley Cafe, is a popular spot for diners, serving meals throughout the day and boasting a full bar.

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The airport is close to Temecula, Murrieta and Winchester

French Valley Airport is located in southwestern Riverside County, California, on Highway 79. It is close to the communities of Temecula, Murrieta, and Winchester. The airport is conveniently located just minutes away from Interstate 15 and the 215 Corridor, which are known for their high-tech and manufacturing businesses.

Temecula, one of the nearby cities, is a vibrant destination known for its picturesque wine country. It is home to over 40 wineries, including Wilson Creek Winery, Vindemia Estate Winery, and Ponte Winery, which offer tastings, tours, and events. The city also boasts a charming Old Town, featuring historic buildings from the late 1800s that now house antique shops, boutiques, restaurants, and tasting rooms. Temecula's hot air balloon rides at sunrise offer a unique and unforgettable experience.

Murrieta, another city in close proximity to the airport, provides easy access to attractions such as the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve and the charm of Southern California Wine Country. With its convenient location, ample parking, and range of amenities, French Valley Airport caters to the needs of both pilots and passengers.

Winchester, the third community neighbouring the airport, offers a variety of attractions and outdoor activities. Nearby Lake Elsinore and Lake Skinner provide opportunities for fishing, boating, and camping. The airport's proximity to these communities and their diverse offerings makes it a convenient gateway for visitors exploring the region.

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It is also near Lake Elsinore and Lake Skinner, which offer fishing, boating and camping

French Valley Airport is located in southwestern Riverside County, California, on Highway 79, near the cities of Murrieta and Temecula. The airport is situated on 261 acres of land and features a single asphalt runway, designated as Runway 18/36, with dimensions of 6,000 by 75 feet.

In addition to its proximity to several communities and businesses, the airport is also conveniently located near Lake Elsinore and Lake Skinner, offering a range of outdoor recreational activities. Lake Elsinore and Lake Skinner are popular destinations for those who enjoy fishing, boating, and camping. Imagine spending a day out on the lake, soaking in the California sun while trying your hand at catching some fish or exploring the lake by boat. If you prefer a more land-based experience, you can set up camp and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, perhaps even roasting some marshmallows over a campfire under the stars.

Lake Elsinore, the smaller of the two lakes, is known for its picturesque setting and offers a variety of water-based activities. Visitors can rent boats, kayaks, and paddleboards to explore the lake or try their luck at catching bass, catfish, and trout. The lake also features a swimming beach and picnic areas, making it a great spot for families and groups of friends to enjoy a day outdoors. Additionally, Lake Elsinore has a vibrant cultural scene, with the Lake Elsinore Casino offering gaming and entertainment, and the Lake Elsinore Storm baseball team drawing sports enthusiasts to the Diamond Stadium.

Lake Skinner, on the other hand, is a larger reservoir located within the Temecula Valley Wine Country. It is a popular destination for camping, with over 200 campsites available, offering stunning views of the surrounding vineyards and mountains. The lake is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, with bass, catfish, bluegill, and trout being the most commonly caught fish. Lake Skinner also has a swimming beach, picnic areas, and a playground, making it a family-friendly location. Visitors can also enjoy a variety of events hosted at the lake, such as the Temecula Valley Balloon & Wine Festival, which combines hot air balloon rides with wine tasting and live entertainment.

The proximity of French Valley Airport to these lakes provides visitors and locals with easy access to a range of outdoor recreational activities. Whether one is looking for a peaceful camping trip, an exciting day of boating, or a relaxing afternoon of fishing, Lake Elsinore and Lake Skinner offer diverse options to suit different interests. The availability of these outdoor pursuits adds to the appeal of the region, enhancing the airport's attractiveness to both aviation enthusiasts and those seeking leisure activities in the beautiful Southern California landscape.

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The airport had 89,790 aircraft operations in the year ending September 30, 2023

French Valley Airport, located in southwestern Riverside County, California, is a county-owned public airport. Covering an area of 261 acres, the airport features a single asphalt runway, designated 18/36, with dimensions of 6,000 by 75 feet.

The airport is strategically positioned on Highway 79, providing convenient access to nearby communities such as Murrieta, Temecula, and Winchester. It is also in close proximity to Interstate 15 and the 215 Corridor, known for their high-tech and manufacturing businesses.

In the year ending September 30, 2023, French Valley Airport recorded an impressive 89,790 aircraft operations, averaging 246 flights per day. This high volume of flights is attributed entirely to general aviation, with less than 1% associated with military operations.

At the time of the report, 257 aircraft were based at the airport, including 215 single-engine planes, 30 multi-engine planes, 2 jet aircraft, and 10 helicopters. The airport's popularity is further enhanced by its surrounding attractions, including golf courses, resorts, and the nearby Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve.

The airport has also witnessed its share of incidents. On July 8, 2023, a tragic accident claimed the lives of two pilots and four passengers when a Cessna 550 Citation crashed while approaching Runway 18. This incident brought to light the potential challenges posed by low visibility in the area.

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