Catalina Island Airport is one of the most amazing aviation destinations in the world and it happens to be a 15-20 minute flight from Long Beach. Called the airport in the sky since there are times when it seems to be perched on top of the clouds due to being at over 1600ft elevation while being beside the sea. Operations in and out of this airport can pose it challenges due to optical illusions associated with its aircraft carrier like appearance, varying runway slope, downdrafts and surface conditions. For these reasons we require people who rent our planes to be specifically approved to fly in and out of there by our instructional team.

If you are rated in a multi engine aircraft then we suggest taking a DA42 or DA62. This adds comfort to the 26 mile over water leg while allowing a low altitude tour of the island with the added safety of a second engine.

Our Catalina checkout will include ground briefings on how to prepare for the unique challenges associated with operating in and out of this great destination.