Catalina Island by Private Plane: A Practical Guide to Airport in the Sky

Most visitors reach Santa Catalina Island by ferry, but flying there in a small private aircraft turns the journey into part of the experience. There is no scheduled commercial airline service to Catalina Island. Private aircraft use Catalina Airport (KAVX), better known as Airport in the Sky, while on-demand helicopters land closer to Avalon.

For our family trip, I called my friend Jack, who is a pilot, and asked whether he could fly us over from Orange County. The flight itself took about 20 minutes. That was dramatically faster than the ferry crossing, although flying into Catalina also required coordinating the aircraft, airport operating hours, landing conditions, and transportation from the mountaintop airport into Avalon.

Important terminology: the airplane in these photos was not a private jet. The FAA registry identifies N87VB as a 2019 Cirrus SR20, a fixed-wing, single-engine piston aircraft. “Private plane” is therefore the accurate description of this trip. The airport publishes a fee category for jets, so a qualifying small jet is not automatically impossible, but a typical airline aircraft cannot use this 3,000-foot mountaintop runway.

Aircraft and airport records: FAA Registry — N87VB

Why Visit Catalina Island?

Catalina feels far removed from Southern California even though the island is only 22 miles offshore. Avalon combines a walkable waterfront, beaches, restaurants, shops, boat tours, and access to snorkeling and kayaking. The island interior offers hiking, bison country, Catalina Island fox habitat, ridgelines, and ocean views.

Our Aircraft: A Cirrus SR20

The aircraft shown in the photos is N87VB. The FAA currently lists it as a 2019 Cirrus Design SR20 with a Lycoming IO-390-C3B6 reciprocating engine. Cirrus publishes a maximum cruise speed of 155 KTAS for the current SR20 family, which helps explain why a coastal Southern California hop can be so short. Actual time depends on the departure airport, routing, weather, air traffic control, and how flight time is measured.

A pilot friend can make a trip like this feel informal, but it is not an ordinary sightseeing hop. The pilot—not the passenger—must decide whether the aircraft, loading, weather, runway, and personal qualifications are appropriate. This article is a visitor guide, not flight-planning instruction.

How to Fly to Catalina Island

1. Fly With an Experienced Pilot

This was our route. Jack handled the aviation planning and flew the Cirrus, while our family treated it as a day trip. If a friend offers to fly, passengers should still be comfortable asking about the aircraft, pilot experience, weather backup, and the plan for getting from KAVX to Avalon.

2. Rent an Aircraft—If You Are a Qualified Pilot

Aircraft rental is not comparable to renting a car. Flight schools normally require pilot credentials, renter’s insurance, and an aircraft checkout. Orange County Flight Center specifically requires a Catalina checkout with one of its instructors for renters who want to fly to the island. Cirrus rentals may also require type-specific transition training or a checkout.

Rental requirements: Orange County Flight Center — aircraft rental

3. Book an Air Charter

Non-pilots can request a charter quote from an FAA-authorized operator that is willing and able to serve KAVX. Ask the operator to confirm the exact aircraft, passenger and baggage limits, Catalina experience, ground transfer plan, cancellation terms, and whether the quote includes positioning, crew, landing, waiting, and taxes. Do not assume that every private jet or charter aircraft can use Catalina’s runway.

4. Take a Helicopter to Avalon

Love Catalina currently lists on-demand Maverick Helicopters service from Long Beach, Burbank, Orange County, and San Pedro, with an advertised flight time of about 15 minutes. Unlike a fixed-wing arrival at Airport in the Sky, the helicopter option is designed to bring travelers directly to Avalon.

Current air service information: Love Catalina — by air

How Long Does the Flight Take?

From a coastal Los Angeles or Orange County general-aviation airport, a small aircraft can often complete the airborne portion in roughly 15–30 minutes. Our Orange County flight took approximately 20 minutes. Treat that as a firsthand example, not a schedule: taxi time, airspace routing, winds, traffic, and the chosen aircraft can all change the total.

Do not overlook the second leg. Airport in the Sky is about 10 miles from Avalon. The Conservancy’s Wildlands Express connects the airport and Avalon, but advance reservations are required. The airport is not a walk-out terminal beside the waterfront, so the shuttle schedule must be part of the flight plan for a day trip.

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Which Mainland Airport Is Best?

There is no universally best departure airport. The most practical choice is usually the airport where the approved aircraft and pilot are already based; repositioning a plane can erase the time saved by choosing a slightly closer field. The recommendations below are therefore logistical, not aviation-performance advice.

Departure area	Practical choice	Why it may work
Orange County	John Wayne Airport (SNA)	Best fit when the travelers, pilot, and aircraft are already in central Orange County. JWA is a major general-aviation base with nearly 500 private aircraft.
Los Angeles / South Bay	Hawthorne (HHR) or Long Beach (LGB)	Hawthorne has published Cirrus rental options; Long Beach is geographically convenient. Compare the actual operator, checkout, and positioning requirements.
North / west Los Angeles	Burbank, Van Nuys, or Hawthorne	Choose the field that avoids a long ground transfer and has a Catalina-capable operator. A farther airport with the right airplane can be the better choice.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Plane Like This?

There is no reliable single “average” because providers use different wet or dry rates, insurance rules, checkout requirements, daily minimums, and fuel policies. For a current benchmark, CalAir at Hawthorne lists Cirrus rentals starting at $380 per hour. Modern Aero publishes an SR20-related rate structure of $350 dry plus $115 for consumables, or $465 per hour before any separate training, insurance, tax, or minimum-time requirements.

Planning rate for a Cirrus SR20	About $380–$465 per billed hour, based on the published examples above; verify wet/dry terms.
Bare 40-minute round-trip arithmetic	$253–$310 for 0.67 billed hour (0.67 × $380–$465), before other charges.
Current KAVX piston landing fee	$40, bringing the bare arithmetic example to about $293–$350.
Why the real invoice may be higher	Taxi and run-up time, instructor or checkout fees, tax, insurance, fuel policy, daily minimums, overnight minimums, and repositioning.

Airport fee: Catalina Island Conservancy — rates and fees

Chartering is a different product. One Catalina-focused charter broker currently advertises roughly $1,500–$3,000 per hour for light piston or turboprop aircraft serving the island. That is an advertised hourly range, not a guaranteed trip total; minimums and positioning can dominate a very short mission. Always request an all-in written quote.

Charter benchmark: Los Angeles Private Jets — Catalina Island charter

Airport in the Sky: What Makes KAVX Different?

Airport in the Sky sits on a 1,602-foot mountaintop, about 10 miles from Avalon. Its single 3,000-foot runway was created in 1941 by leveling two peaks and filling the gap between them. The airfield was repaired in 2019 and is now called ACE Clearwater Airfield.

The difficulty is not just runway length. The Conservancy’s published procedures describe an approximately 2.1% slope, a crest that can hide the final 700 feet of Runway 22 after touchdown, common downdrafts on short final in some wind conditions, terrain, and the possibility of wildlife on the runway. Touch-and-go landings are not permitted. These are reasons to use an experienced pilot who has reviewed the current airport procedures—not reasons for a passenger to attempt to judge a landing.

Required pilot reading: Catalina Island Conservancy — Airport Procedures

Airport code	KAVX / AVX
Elevation	1,602 feet
Runway	One paved runway, 3,000 feet long
Distance to Avalon	About 10 miles
Published operating hours	8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.; check current notices before travel
On-site stop	Airport in the Sky Restaurant, known for Killer Cookies and Buffalo Burgers

Getting From the Airport to Avalon

Landing on the island does not mean you have arrived at the beach. Reserve the Wildlands Express from Airport in the Sky to Avalon in advance. The service has limited capacity and limited baggage space, so families carrying beach gear, strollers, or overnight luggage should confirm what the shuttle can accept before flying. If the shuttle schedule does not fit the day, ask the airport or charter operator about a prearranged ground transfer rather than assuming transportation will be waiting.

Shuttle rules and reservations: Catalina Island Conservancy — Wildlands Express

Key Places to Visit on Catalina Island

Avalon Waterfront and Crescent Avenue: The easiest first stop for a short visit: harbor views, restaurants, shops, the Green Pleasure Pier, and a compact, walkable center.

Descanso Beach: A beach-and-water-sports base beyond the Catalina Casino, with swimming plus rentals for kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling.

Lovers Cove and Casino Point Dive Park: Two well-known marine protected snorkeling areas in Avalon. Summer brings the warmest water, while wetsuits may be useful in cooler months.

Catalina Casino: Avalon’s circular landmark and a classic subject for waterfront photos. Despite its name, it is a historic entertainment building, not a gambling casino.

Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden: A quieter inland stop centered on the memorial to William Wrigley Jr. and the Conservancy’s botanic garden.

Two Harbors: A rustic west-end alternative for hiking, camping, kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling; better for a longer trip than a rushed Avalon day.

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Is Catalina Island Interesting for Children?

Yes—especially for children who enjoy water, boats, and wildlife. The snorkeling photo captures one of the island’s strongest family activities. Love Catalina lists guided snorkeling for children ages 5–12 at Lovers Cove and also recommends glass-bottom boats or semi-submersible tours for younger children who prefer to stay dry. Families can also consider beaches, kayaking, paddleboarding, mini golf, museums, and short land tours.

Water-safety reference: U.S. Coast Guard — choosing and fitting a life jacket

Practical family note: Children should use properly fitted flotation and snorkeling equipment and remain under close adult supervision. Water temperature and conditions vary, so choose an age-appropriate guided activity when anyone is inexperienced.

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Alternative Ways to Get to Catalina Island

Catalina Flyer From Newport Beach

For Orange County travelers who do not have access to a small plane, the Catalina Flyer is the most direct ferry alternative in this guide. The operator advertises a roughly 75-minute crossing from 400 Main Street in Newport Beach to Avalon, with open-air deck space, large windows, a bar, and a snack bar.

Groupon price checked Aug. 24, 2026	$59 round trip Monday–Friday, compared with a displayed $94 value (37% off).
Any-day option	$69 round trip, compared with a displayed $94 value (27% off).
Temporary code shown on page	FUN reduced the displayed totals to $47.29 and $55.29 at the time checked; availability and code terms can change.
Important restrictions	Advance online reservation required; morning departure only; all passengers need tickets; no pets; check-in at least one hour before departure; voucher terms and availability apply.

Deal checked on the supplied page: Groupon — Catalina Flyer round-trip ferry deal

Editorial disclosure: Prices and promo codes are time-sensitive. Recheck the Groupon page and the operator’s reservation calendar immediately before publishing or purchasing. Groupon states that voucher purchases on this offer are final and non-refundable.

Catalina Express

Catalina Express operates year-round service from San Pedro, Long Beach, and Dana Point, with crossings advertised at about one hour and up to 30 departures per day across its network. It serves Avalon and, on applicable routes, Two Harbors. This option generally offers more port and schedule flexibility than a single Newport Beach departure.

Ferry network: Catalina Express — official website

Private Boat or Cruise Ship

Travelers can also arrive by private boat, and cruise ships regularly call at Avalon. Those options suit a boating itinerary or a cruise port day rather than a simple point-to-point transfer from Los Angeles or Orange County.

Cruise arrival information: Love Catalina — Cruise to Catalina

Private Plane vs. Ferry: Which Should You Choose?

Factor	Private plane to KAVX	Passenger ferry to Avalon
Air/sea time	About 20 minutes in our Orange County example	About 60 minutes on Catalina Express or 75 minutes on Catalina Flyer
Arrival point	Mountaintop airport, about 10 miles from Avalon	Walkable Avalon waterfront
Best for	Aviation experience, flexible small group, qualified pilot access	Most families, predictable ticketing, no aircraft checkout
Main constraint	Aircraft/pilot suitability, runway procedures, weather, shuttle coordination	Fixed sailing times, check-in, sea conditions, parking
Typical price structure	Aircraft rental or whole-aircraft charter plus fees	Per-passenger fare; discounts may be available

A Simple Day-Trip Plan

Confirm the airport’s current operating status, weather, aircraft suitability, and landing arrangements through the pilot or charter operator.

Reserve the Airport-to-Avalon Wildlands Express before departure; verify luggage capacity.

Fly early enough to protect the return schedule and the airport’s published 5:00 p.m. closing time.

Start with Avalon’s waterfront and Crescent Avenue, then choose one main activity: snorkeling, a beach stop, a boat tour, or a short interior tour.

Return to Airport in the Sky with a comfortable buffer. Weather, transportation, and aircraft timing should never be treated as guaranteed.

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Final Thoughts

Flying to Catalina Island in a Cirrus SR20 was fast, scenic, and memorable. The 20-minute flight from Orange County made the island feel surprisingly close, while the arrival at Airport in the Sky gave the day a sense of adventure that the ferry cannot reproduce.

It is not automatically the easiest option. The airport’s short, sloped mountaintop runway, operating hours, and distance from Avalon mean that the pilot, aircraft, and ground transfer all matter. For most travelers, a ferry remains the simplest choice. For a family with access to an experienced pilot and a suitable aircraft, however, a private-plane day trip can be one of the most distinctive ways to experience Catalina.

Aviation safety note: Passengers should rely on the pilot in command and current official airport information. This article is not a substitute for FAA publications, aircraft performance calculations, weather briefings, operator policies, or pilot training.