From Southern California, Catalina Island is the ultimate hundred-dollar hamburger destination for pilots. A flight over the channel offers spectacular views, sharing the airspace with jets traveling from John Wayne Airport to the famous “Airport in the Sky.” The serenity of the sparkling blue water below, contrasted with the rugged coastline, provides a picture-perfect introduction to the airport, which sits atop twin peaks that were flattened to create the airport.
The recommended approach is a right hand pattern over the water to Runway 22, even with a slight tailwind, since it rises uphill. It is recommended to avoid a downhill landing toward the sixteen-hundred-foot drop to the ocean below. The approach still adds a thrill, as it can tempt even experienced aviators to come in too low for a runway perched atop the island’s cliff-lined peaks.
As you enter the ramp, the Airport in the Sky’s tower and restaurant stands out with its multi level, almost mission style facade — wooden balconies, large windows, and an elevated vantage point overlooking the runway. A sign as you enter the courtyard reminds you visit the second floor of the tower to pay your landing fees.
Catalina and the airport is managed by a private conservancy and is funded by these modest fees.