Fly-ins to Sea Ranch
Booking your stay at Sea Ranch Abalone Bay offers far more than just a place to rest—it’s your gateway to an unforgettable coastal retreat. Nestled oceanfront along the rugged Sonoma coast, our elegantly appointed home invites you to relax in refined comfort, surrounded by natural beauty and iconic Sea Ranch architecture.
Fly-ins to Sea Ranch are one of the best ways to begin your vacation in style. Whether you’re planning a girlfriends’ getaway, treating your family to a well-deserved escape, or blending business with pleasure on a corporate retreat, arriving by private plane to The Sea Ranch Association airstrip makes your journey as special as your destination. Flying in transforms your journey into a breeze, allowing you to trade travel stress for scenic views and serenity the moment you arrive. From romantic escapes to family gatherings or restorative weekends with friends, Abalone Bay is the perfect destination to land softly into luxury.
New TSRA Aircraft Limits and Required Pilot Registration
As of 2024, The Sea Ranch Home Owners Association (TSRA) imposes new limits on all aircraft allowed to land. These restrictions apply to both private pilots’ aircraft and chartered aircraft. In addition, pilots who plan to tie down their planes must register as guests of a TSRA member.
For further questions or clarifications, you are advised to call the TSRA-HOA office at 707-785-2444.
Limits on Aircraft
All aircraft must also have an accelerate-stop distance below the 2,300-foot limit. The manufacturer’s recommended VR or VLOF should be used. VR —rotation speed— is the speed at which back pressure is applied to rotate the airplane to a takeoff attitude. VLOF —lift-off speed— is the speed at which the airplane leaves the surface and becomes airborne as specified by the manufacturer. It also accounts for the distance to bring the airplane to a complete stop in the event of an engine failure at that instant. (Learn more about lift-off speeds here).
In addition, an aircraft’s MTOW (certified maximum takeoff weight) must be below the 8,500-pound limit. This includes the weight of the aircraft, passengers, cargo, fuel, and other items on board. The aircraft manufacturer defines the MTOW based on structural and other limits.
Pilot Registration Required
Pilots are now required to provide TSRA with the information below prior to their arrival. We at Sea Ranch Abalone Bay require a copy of this information for our files as well.
- Member Name (and pilot name if different from member):
- Unit-Block-Lot # / Sea Ranch address:
- Phone:
- Email:
- FAA aircraft tail number:
- Is your aircraft’s MTOW (certified max takeoff weight) below the 8,500-pound limit?
- Is your aircraft’s accelerate-stop distance below the 2,300-foot limit?
- Have you read the updated TSRA Airstrip Rules?
- Do you plan on parking your car at the airstrip for more than 14 days at a time? If so, what is your vehicle’s license plate number?
Please note: Your vehicle will need to display a valid TSRA parking pass & please park in the fenced parking area at the south end.
TSRA Rule 7.2 Regarding The Sea Ranch Airstrip
Available for your review is the specific language of TSRA-Rule 7.2 of The Sea Ranch Airstrip
CA51- The Sea Ranch Airstrip Briefing
Pilots are advised to review the current CA51 Airstrip Briefing:
Transportation After You Land
When you plan to fly into Sea Ranch it is critical you assure you have transportation available from friends, your vacation rental owner, property manager. Or consider coordinating the delivery of a rental car to be delivered to The Sea Ranch upon your landing. The latter may take some considerate coordination, however.
Courtesy Car, Taxi, Uber Transportation
Car transportation services, such as taxis or private drivers available through smartphone applications (such as Uber or Lyft drivers) are non-existent in this coastal area.
Contact us should you need a ride from the airstrip to your vacation rental and back, or into town. While we can not guarantee any transportation, it may be possible to arrange transportation with local vendor.
Go Rental Cars
Another transportation option available in the Sonoma County area is to rent a car from GoRentals.com, a fixed based operator located in at the Sonoma Jet Center and KaiserAir in Santa Rosa in the Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport. Go Rentals will arrange to deliver your car to The Sea Ranch. It is important to note, this will require coordinating the pilot’s flight plan’s for arrival time with that of the arrival of the car or an agent who will be available to keep the car until your arrival.
Note, it will be the responsibility of the guests or their agent to assure they have secured a parking tag(s) in order to leave the car parked at the airstrip should your plane’s arrival not be coordinated with the car’s arrival. Without the parking tag both the car and the airplane both may be cited, booted, and fined.
When staying at Sea Ranch Abalone Bay, our staff will work with you, the pilot and Go Rental to assure the arrival of your car is well coordinated and successful.
About Go Rentals
Go Rentals is an elite car rental service company, with special emphasis on service. The company is also the only one specializing in the private jet industry since 1995. Still a family owned and operated business, Go Rentals has locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Nevada, Texas, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Washington D.C. and service to over 95 airports and various fine hotels and resorts.
Forbes Travel Guide Brand Official
In 2021, Go Rentals was selected as a Brand Official by the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas. As part of this honor, Go Rentals joins a stellar list of FTG Brand Officials, handpicked for their impeccable standards of service within luxury hospitality. Furthermore, the company raises the bar on rental experiences with a focus on providing seasoned travelers with seamless luxury and outstanding customer service.
Learn more here.
Alternate Option: Land in Ocean Ridge then Drive into Sea Ranch
Another option is to fly into Ocean Ridge-AirNav E55, a privately-owned airport open to the public. The airport continues to be a community asset for tourism, resident pilots, and emergency medical transport services. The owners will be happy to assist you. Donations are gratefully accepted to help in maintaining the airport in operational condition. The airstrip receives no city or county funding. Through donations, they remain open to serve private pilots, but more is still needed to cover the costs.
We recommend you contact Julie Bower, spokesperson for the airport at 707-884-3579, or post your questions on their comment page.
Airport Information
AirNav has everything you need to plan your flight. Nightly tie-down fees are:
- $7 for single engine
- $10 for multi-engine
Payments can be made on-site using the provided envelopes and depositing them into the red payment box in the tie-down closet.
Fly-ins to Visit Friends Vacationing in Sea Ranch
Sea Ranch Abalone Bay’s number of guests is restricted to a maximum of 6 at any time.
Any added guests not listed on Sea Ranch Abalone Bay’s guest registration must be approved and added to your contract prior to their arrival.
Before you invite guests to fly-in and stay with you for a lunch at your vacation rental home or an overnight visit, be certain your rental contract allows for added people in the home.
Fly-in Guests for the day will also be required to fill out the landing TSRA registration forms and follow all new regulations for allowed aircraft.
Charter a Plane to Sea Ranch Airstrip
Flying for pleasure to arrive at Abalone Bay begins the moment you step into your plane’s passenger seat. You not only add hours to your vacation at The Sea Ranch upon arrival, but you also have the added thrill of flying over the coast viewing all of its majesties.
You’re also free to choose your departure times from The Sea Ranch since the private pilot fly-ins run on your schedule… and not the other way around.
A Word to the Wise
Before you book your private pilot fly-ins to The Sea Ranch, make sure you only deal with companies that put your safety first. Investigate the company before you select them to assure they only use aircraft and flight crews that fulfill the industry’s highest specifications. Every one of their flights should be fully PART 135 certified. You should also firmly insist that each of their jets is examined by ARG/US or Wyvern, third-party auditors who stand for the maximum criteria of safety and repairs and maintenance in air travel. Also, check with your district regulating body to make certain that the provider is reputable.
Remember, both your comfort and safe travel to and from The Sea Ranch is dependent upon your due diligence.
Air Charter Companies
There are a variety of available private pilot fly-ins to The Sea Ranch. Below are companies that fly out of the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California.
Air Galore
Air Galore offers many services: Charter Flights, Flight Instruction, Ground Instruction, Full Detailing Services Nor-Cal, Car & Bicycle rentals at Little River KLLR Mendocino Coast, Boonville D83, in the heart of Anderson Valley Wine & Apple Country, and E45 Pine Mountain Lake, the Gateway to Yosemite! Stop by Air Galore FBO at KLLR and sign our 128 year old Coast Hotel piano!
Contact Mary or Susan P: 707.972.4498
E: c3458j@gmail.com
Little River FBO
43001A Little River Airport Road
Little River, CA 95456
AirSF
AirSF is a division of McLean Aviation Services, Inc., an FAA Part 135 Air Charter Operator. They operated a fleet of air charter Pilatus aircraft in the San Francisco Bay Area for the past 20 years as AirSF, have now expanded and landed in Sun Valley.
Blackbird Charter
Blackbird rrecently joined forces with Surf Air, a membership service. As a result, Surf Air members can now travel in and out of convenient local airports in California and Texas. In California, some of the most popular destinations include the San Francisco Bay Area, the Los Angeles area, Truckee in Lake Tahoe, and Santa Barbara. Meanwhile, top destinations in Texas include Dallas, Austin, and Houston. Additionally, seasonal destinations such as Las Vegas, Napa, Monterey, Palm Springs, San Antonio, and Midland are also available.
Priority One Jets
Priority One Jets charter service offers The Sea Ranch Private Jet Charter and Air Charter Service. With just a few hours notice Priority One Jets is able to arrange any type of aircraft from The Sea Ranch or to The Sea Ranch regardless of the number of passengers.
GaryAir Air Taxi/Charter
GaryAir Air Taxi/Charter‘s 2010 Piper Matrix is perfect for small groups (4 or less). Their planes have the ability to fly into almost any airport. Flights originating out Oakland Airport to The Sea Ranch airstrip would take 40 minutes maximum. Unlike airlines and jet charter companies that are restricted to much longer runways, GaryAir is able to use the smaller airports closest to their actual departure or destination. GaryAir is an FAA Certificated Air Carrier (Certificate Number 6GTA731M).
Contact 408.805.IFLY (4359) info@GaryAir.us
Helico: Helicopter Services
Helico Sonoma provides both tours and charter services. With locations around the Bay Area, Sonoma County, and Sacramento, getting to Sea Ranch is now easy. Contact them at their Santa Rosa office, 707-526-8949, or email: info@helicosonoma.com.
San Francisco Helicopters
Limousines as an Option
Sonoma Sterling Limousine Service
Sonoma Sterling Limousine offers luxury transportation to all public and private Bay Area airports, with your comfort and convenience as our priority. Once you ride in their spacious stretch limousine, sedan, SUV or executive shuttle for larger groups, and get dropped just steps from your airline ticket counter, you will realize the value of their airport service. Sedan or Limousine Services for up to 10 passengers. Events include: Wine Tours, Weddings, Quinceaneras, Airport Transfers, Birthday/Anniversary Outings, Concerts, Sporting Events, etc.
Executive Charters & Limousine
Executive Charters & Limousine is a limousine and charter bus company. They are a full line transportation company, offering charter bus services, wine tours, San Francisco city tours, Los Angeles
Weather Updates
For weather updates, whether you are flying or driving check out the following:
For weather updates—whether you are flying or driving—be sure to check out the following resources. For a real-time view, Webcamwx offers a helpful look at the general area, including views of the landing strips for The Sea Ranch, Gualala, Willits, and Covelo.
CA51- Advisory page for weather is for advisory purposes only and is not FAA certified. CA51 weather also available by call or SMS: (707) 600-3847
Flight Information for Private Pilot Fly-ins to The Sea Ranch
This in-depth video for fly-ins to The Sea Ranch, demonstrates a landing into the Sea Ranch Airport (CA51) in Sea Ranch, California. The landing into the Sea Ranch Airport provides you with lots of information on charts, weights, altitudes, and airport information for pilots to plan for a safe landing!
For specific updates on Fly-ins see The Sea Ranch Association Airstrip Briefing file(pdf):
Location
FAA Identifier: CA51
Lat/Long:( estimated)
- 38-42-16.6830N / 123-25-57.0310W
- 38-42.278050N / 123-25.950517W
- 38.7046342 / -123.4325086
Elevation: 360 ft. / 109.7 m (surveyed)
Variation: 16E (1985)
From city: 3 miles N of THE SEA RANCH, CA
Time zone: UTC -7 (UTC -8 during Standard Time)
Zip code: 95497
Airport Operations
Airport use: Private use. Permission required prior to landing
Sectional chart: SAN FRANCISCO
Control tower:no
ARTCC: OAKLAND CENTER
FSS: OAKLAND FLIGHT SERVICE STATION
Attendance: UNATNDD
Wind indicator: yes
Segmented circle: yes
Nearby radio navigation aids
VOR radial/distance VOR name Freq Var
ENIr183/22.2 MENDOCINO VORTAC 112.30 16E
STSr276/31.5 SANTA ROSA VOR/DME 113.00 16E
Airport Services
There no services available at The Sea Ranch airstip.
- Airframe service: NONE
- Powerplant service: NONE
- Bottled oxygen: NONE
- Bulk oxygen: NONE
Runway Information
Runway 12/30
Dimensions: 2600 x 40 ft. / 792 x 12 m
Surface: asphalt, in good condition
Weight bearing capacity: Single wheel:
12.5
RUNWAY 12 RUNWAY 30
Elevation: 340.0 ft. 338.0 ft.
Gradient: 0.1% 0.1%
Traffic pattern: right right
Displaced threshold: no 300 ft.
Markings: basic, in fair condition basic, in fair condition
Runway end identifier lights: no no
Obstructions: hill, 700 ft. from runway, 8:1 slope to clear trees hill, 3200 ft. from runway, 12:1 slope to clear
+TV TWR 1.5 MILES & 300′ LEFT OF CNTRL RWY 30 APCH END LGTD: 1015′ MSL.
Airport Ownership and Management from official FAA records
Ownership: Privately-owned
Owner: THE SEA RANCH ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 16
THE SEA RANCH, CA 95497
Phone 707-785-2444
Manager: JOHN PRESCOTT, OPS MGR
P.O. BOX 16
THE SEA RANCH, CA 95497
Phone 707-785-2444
Airport Operational Statistics
Aircraft based on the field: 9
Single engine airplanes: 8
Multi engine airplanes: 1
Additional Remarks
–200-FOOT OVERRUN EACH END RWY 12/30.
-FLD CONDS–TWYS SOME WEATHERING-GOOD; APRON FAIR.
-ALL AIRCRAFT W/ACCELERATE-STOP DISTANCE EXCESS OF 2300 FEET, PROHIBITED FROM USING ARPT.
-RWYS 12/30 LEFT TURN AFTER TKOF.
Instrument Procedures
There are no published instrument procedures at CA51.
Some nearby airports with instrument procedures:
O60 – Cloverdale Municipal Airport (21 nm E)
KUKI – Ukiah Municipal Airport (27 nm NE)
1O2 – Lampson Field Airport (30 nm NE)
KSTS – Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport (31 nm E)
KLLR – Little River Airport (37 nm NW)
Sea Ranch Association Airstrip Briefing- 2017
General Approach:
- On gusty days expect wind shear, turbulence & loss of lift on short final
- No Straight-ins
- No Base entries.
- Announce all intentions on 122.9
Runway:
This video shows the landing approach to The Sea Ranch Association airstrip.
- 2600 ft. by 40 ft. Runway has a 300 ft. displaced threshold
- Runway Hump in middle-prevents seeing traffic or deer at end
- Turkeys and deer are frequently on or near the runways
- A 25-foot AWOS Tower is near the main windsock
General Approach:
- On gusty days expect wind shear, turbulence & loss of lift on short final
- No Straight-ins
- No Base entries.
- Announce all intentions on 122.9
Runway 30 approach:
- Enter right upwind at midfield.
- Check for deer, turkeys, or people on runway then right crosswind to right downwind to right base to final.
Runway 12 approach:
- Airstrip license specifies that approach to
- Runway 12 be “…angled 15° westerly of runway…” i.e. from Pool and
- Tennis Courts (1 mile up the coast from Runway 12), turn to 105 and
- proceed to Runway 12.
- Arrivals Always use right traffic.
- Departures Always use left traffic.
Other
- No operations between local sunset and sunrise
- No touch and goes
- Uncertified AWOS info available at 707-785-9999 or by 5 clicks on 122.9
- In case the Sea Ranch Strip is fogged you may attempt landing at Gualala’s: AirNav: E55 – Ocean Ridge Airport
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