Aircraft Operations:

All guests must have specific permission and a thorough briefing from an Owner/Member of the Alta Sierra Airport prior to landing at Alta Sierra Airport. The briefing must include Alta Sierra Airport operating rules and procedures.

The Alta Sierra Airport is approved for ‘day use’ operations only.  'Day use' in this case, is specifically defined as sunrise to sunset. (Official Sunrise & Sunset tables are available at many weather sites online)

We must do all that we can to keep noise in the neighborhood to a minimum.

Our airport is considered a mountain airport and may be hazardous due to trees and rising terrain in the takeoff direction. Various, and sometimes frequently changing conditions (especially; density altitude, winds, and occasional deer on the runway) may make a go around difficult. Make your decision to go around early.  If you do go around consider a right turn once past the north end of the runway.

The landing runway is 01 and the departing runway is 19. Runway 19 is painted with an X and is closed to landings. Observe the displaced threshold on runway 01. There is a possibility of a tail wind on final that may cause over-shoots. In addition there may be updrafts and downdrafts at the approach end of the runway.

When landing at Alta Sierra Airport, fly a left traffic pattern at 3100ft MSL (800 AGL). The pattern shall be flown in such a way that you can see the whole runway and you can  be seen by anybody on the runway while you are in the air. Make an upwind to the North East or a circling left hand turn overhead to the downwind. Forty five (45) degree or direct downwind entries are not allowed. Enter crosswind and downwind within sight of the runway. This pattern will allow you to see any obstacles on the runway and people on the ground will be able to see you.

At the Departure end of the runway make your turnaround to the right and keep your propeller blast from pointing into the hangers.

Please do not start and taxi out from the tie downs. This causes unnecessary dust and dirt to be blown around.

Prohibited operations:
Takeoffs or landings between sunset and sunrise
High Speed flybys
Low Passes
Any operation that creates unnecessary noise
Early crosswind turns

These operational guidelines are recommendations only. It is the responsibility of the pilot in command to be the final authority in conducting a safe flight.

Runway Information:

Official Designator: 09CL
Radio Frequency: 122.9 MHz
Runway Length: 2800 feet
Runway Width: 50 feet
Altitude:  South end 2180 MSL
Altitude North end: 2280 MSL
Runway Slope: 2 percent Grade
Long/Lat N 39 deg 06.654’ W 121 deg 03.454’

Vertical Rate to Clear Terrain (go around on runway 01) approximately 300ft per Nautical Mile. Consider density altitude when doing these calculations.

Ground Operations:

Driving on the runway should be minimized. Motor vehicles tend to damage the runway more than aircraft do (especially during hot days). If you must drive on the runway please do so with caution.

If you are walking on, or near the runway do not wear headsets, ear buds, or any other device that may diminish your ability to hear aircraft in the ASAOA traffic pattern. If you can hear a plane overhead in the traffic pattern, you will have more time to move to a safe place (well off the runway) prior to its landing.

Drivers of vehicular traffic on or near the runway must make it obvious to a  landing pilot that they have seen his/her aircraft and are moving out of the way. Vehicles must move at least one full 'car length' (preferably more) off the edge of the paved runway.

Heavy vehicles are not permitted on the paved runway.

Keep speeds to five (5) miles per hour or below to keep dust down on the gravel road that runs alongside the runway.