Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Aircraft Landing Strip

A friend might be flying another friend/hiking partner into the Lone Pine area in about a week. Anyone know if there is a landing strip available to him in Lone Pine, or anywhere else close by?

Never flown in there before..but I've seen it quite a few times..Lone Pine strip...

http://www.airnav.com/airport/O26

SBSlowpoke might know a bit more too..I think he flies in that area (?)...

Regards..
Chris

Thanks much Beach... BIG help here.

There are several airports nearby. As Beach said, the closest is Lone Pine (just north of Owens Lake) with a runway of 4000'. The runway is listed as being in good condition and fuel at the airport.

Since the Lone Pine airport is somewhat high (3680') and very hot, some planes need a longer runway. For that, Bishop is good (7500' runway). There is also a small airport in Independence.

The following airports are listed in the <a href="http://www.whitneyportalstore.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=004101;#B5">orientation notes</a> thread. Links are included to online descriptions.

General aviation airports
Lone Pine (<A href="http://www.airnav.com/airport/O26">O26</A>) – 1 mile
Independence (<A href="http://www.airnav.com/airport/2O7">2O7</A>) – 16 miles (US-395)
Bishop (<A href="http://www.airnav.com/airport/KBIH">BIH</A>) – 60 miles (US-395)

then there is China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station just south of Lone Pine an hour.

see if you can land there, he he he

Yeah..Sierra Sam makes a good point..(as a CFI I should have mentioned it..doh!). At 4000' in length, and nearly 3700' in elevation...be sure to check out the density altitude if it's warm out...

Regards..
Chris

Thanks to all of you. I'm sure Kevin will know what all of this means. You are all very helpful. This site is a great resource.

When China Lake isn't open, Inyokern Airport is. Read about it at www.inyokernairport.com. They also have two car rental agencies.

Dale B. Dalrymple
www.dbdimages.com

Hey guys - you aaren't going to fly a private plane into China Lake unless you have a DOD facilities license. It's in a restricted area.

Lone Pine and Independence both have airstrips. Inyokern is also good. If you are real adventurous, you can fly into the Panamint Springs Resort strip, or even into Saline Valley.

I guess some people don't see humor on a message board.

Those who fly into China Lake would a "nice" reception and a free meal or two.