Flying N Ranch Airport (27762) — Cottonwood, California
Tucked into the rugged foothills of Tehama County, Flying N Ranch Airport (FAA Identifier: CA92) serves the rural agricultural community of Cottonwood, California, approximately 100 miles north of Sacramento along Interstate 5. This private-use general aviation facility sits at an elevation of roughly 280 feet above mean sea level, making it well-suited for light aircraft operations amid the wide-open terrain of the Sacramento Valley's northern reaches. Cottonwood itself is a small unincorporated community with a population near 3,500, and Flying N Ranch Airport reflects the working character of this agricultural corridor — a no-frills strip built to support ranch operations, private pilots, and the occasional agricultural flight.
The airport features a single turf runway oriented to accommodate the prevailing winds of the valley, with a length sufficient for single-engine and light twin-engine aircraft. Pilots operating into Flying N Ranch should be aware that the facility lacks instrument approaches, an on-site control tower, and commercial services. Operations here are conducted under visual flight rules (VFR), and pilots are encouraged to file flight plans and announce on the Cottonwood area advisory frequency when approaching. The surrounding landscape — characterized by flat pastureland, oak woodlands, and seasonal creeks draining into the Sacramento River — requires attention to wildlife and terrain awareness, particularly during low-light conditions.
For pilots accustomed to busier facilities, Flying N Ranch Airport offers a distinctly different experience. The absence of commercial traffic means the pattern is typically quiet, and the rural setting provides a peaceful environment for flight training, touch-and-go practice, and cross-country fuel planning stopovers. Nearby general aviation airports within the broader region include Red Bluff Municipal Airport (RBL), located approximately 20 miles to the north, which offers paved runways, an AWOS weather station, and self-serve 100LL fuel. Pilots flying south toward the Sacramento metro area often transition through Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) or Chico Municipal Airport (CIC), each offering full-service FBOs and instrument approaches.
The broader Northern California aviation network is anchored by major commercial facilities including Sacramento International Airport (SMF), roughly 110 miles to the south, and Redding Municipal Airport (RDD), approximately 50 miles to the north. These Class C and D airspace airports handle scheduled airline service and provide IFR alternates for general aviation pilots operating in the region. Pilots departing Flying N Ranch and transiting south should be mindful of Sacramento Approach Control's airspace boundaries and obtain clearances when necessary for flight through the Sacramento Valley corridor.
Agricultural aviation plays a significant role in the Cottonwood area's economy. Tehama County's vast expanses of almond, walnut, and grain crops generate demand for aerial application services, and airports like Flying N Ranch are critical infrastructure nodes supporting that industry. Private landowners and ranch operators often maintain strips like this one to facilitate efficient movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies across large landholdings that are impractical to traverse by ground.
From a regulatory standpoint, Flying N Ranch Airport is registered with the FAA under identifier 27762 in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) data. Pilots planning visits should consult the current Chart Supplement (formerly Airport/Facility Directory) for the Pacific region, verify NOTAMs on the FAA's NOTAM search tool, and contact the airport owner for permission if required, as this is a private-use facility. Transient pilots are reminded that landing at a private-use airport without prior permission from the owner may constitute a trespass and is strongly discouraged.
Whether you are a local rancher with a personal aircraft, a student pilot building cross-country hours, or an aviation enthusiast exploring California's rich network of backcountry strips, Flying N Ranch Airport represents an authentic piece of Northern California's general aviation heritage — functional, unpretentious, and deeply tied to the land it serves.
Flying N Ranch Airport Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Cottonwood, California.
| Name | Flying N Ranch Airport |
| Address | 18775 Laurel Way, Cottonwood CA 96022 Map |
| Phone | (916) 347-7112 |
| Website | |
| Hours |