Round Valley Airport – Covelo, California (FAA: 27520)

Round Valley Airport (FAA Identifier: 27520) is a public-use general aviation airport located in Covelo, a small unincorporated community in the Round Valley of Mendocino County, California. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,465 feet above mean sea level, the airport serves as a vital transportation link for this remote inland valley, which is surrounded by the steep ridgelines of the Inner North Coast Ranges and accessible by the winding State Route 162.

The airport features a single paved runway, Runway 14/32, measuring 3,200 feet in length and 60 feet wide — sufficient for single-engine and light twin-engine piston aircraft commonly used in general aviation. The runway surface is asphalt and is maintained by Mendocino County. There are no instrument approach procedures published for Round Valley Airport, making it a VFR-only facility. Pilots operating into Covelo must be proficient in mountain flying techniques, as the terrain surrounding the Round Valley basin demands careful evaluation of density altitude, especially during summer months when temperatures can push well above 90°F.

Round Valley Airport is owned and operated by Mendocino County and listed in the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS) as a general aviation airport. The airport's coordinates place it roughly 65 nautical miles northeast of Ukiah and approximately 95 nautical miles north-northeast of Santa Rosa. The nearest commercial service airports are Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa and Oakland International Airport (OAK), both requiring ground travel through challenging mountain roads.

The airport provides essential access for medical evacuation flights, agricultural operations, firefighting support during the active wildfire season in Mendocino County, and private pilot recreation. During periods when State Route 162 becomes impassable due to landslides — a not uncommon occurrence in the winter rainy season — Round Valley Airport becomes an even more critical lifeline for Covelo and the approximately 1,200 residents of the Round Valley area, including a significant population from the Covelo Indian Community (Round Valley Indian Tribes).

Fuel availability at Round Valley Airport is limited; pilots are advised to verify current fuel services prior to arrival, as the facility operates without a fixed-base operator (FBO) offering full services. Self-serve 100LL avgas has been available at times, but availability can vary. No on-site aircraft rental, charter services, or flight instruction is typically offered at this airport. Tie-down and hangar space is limited, and pilots planning extended stays should contact Mendocino County's Department of Transportation to confirm availability and access protocols.

From a traffic pattern standpoint, Round Valley Airport uses a left-hand traffic pattern for Runway 14 and a right-hand pattern for Runway 32, in deference to the terrain and residential areas near the field. The Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) is 122.9 MHz. Pilots unfamiliar with the area should study the valley's topography and review pilot reports (PIREPs) before their first visit. The surrounding mountains can generate significant mechanical turbulence and standing waves in certain wind conditions.

Round Valley Airport plays a meaningful role in the regional aviation network of Northern California's interior counties. Mendocino County's aviation infrastructure, while modest compared to Bay Area facilities, includes Ukiah Municipal Airport (UKI) as the county's primary general aviation hub. Round Valley Airport complements this network by extending access to one of the most geographically isolated communities in the state. Pilots flying into Covelo often note the dramatic scenery of the Round Valley basin — a broad, flat agricultural valley ringed by forested mountains — as one of Northern California's most visually rewarding general aviation destinations.

Round Valley Airport Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Covelo, California.

Name Round Valley Airport
Address 22830 South Airport Road, Covelo CA 95428 Map
Phone (707) 463-4363
Website
Hours

Map of Round Valley Airport


Airports near Covelo

Frequently Asked Questions – Round Valley Airport (Covelo, CA)

Round Valley Airport carries the FAA identifier 27520 and is located in Covelo, Mendocino County, California, at an elevation of approximately 1,465 feet MSL. The airport has a single asphalt runway designated Runway 14/32, measuring 3,200 feet long by 60 feet wide. It is a VFR-only facility with no published instrument approaches. The CTAF is 122.9 MHz.

Round Valley Airport does not operate a full-service fixed-base operator (FBO). Self-serve 100LL avgas has been available on-site, but availability can change. Pilots are strongly advised to call Mendocino County's Department of Transportation ahead of their flight to confirm current fuel availability. No Jet-A is available at this field. Pilots should plan their fuel stops accordingly, with Ukiah Municipal Airport (UKI) being the nearest reliably fueled general aviation airport, approximately 50 miles to the southwest.

Round Valley Airport is surrounded by the Inner North Coast Ranges, with ridge elevations exceeding 6,000 feet nearby. Density altitude is a critical concern during summer months when Covelo temperatures regularly exceed 90°F, effectively reducing the 3,200-foot runway's performance margins. Mechanical turbulence and mountain wave conditions can affect approaches from the south and north. Winter months bring the risk of low clouds and fog in the valley, and State Route 162 — the only road access — is prone to closures from landslides, underscoring the airport's importance as an emergency access point. Pilots new to the area should consult PIREPs and review terrain charts carefully before attempting the flight.

The nearest airports with commercial airline service are Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa, roughly 90 miles by road to the south, and Oakland International Airport (OAK), about 150 miles to the south. For general aviation, Ukiah Municipal Airport (UKI) is the closest well-equipped facility. Round Valley Airport itself fits into Mendocino County's broader aviation network as the county's gateway to its most remote inhabited valley, supporting agricultural operations, emergency medical flights, and wildfire suppression logistics for the Covelo area.

Round Valley Airport is publicly owned and operated by Mendocino County, California. It is listed in the FAA's NPIAS as a public-use general aviation facility. Hangar and tie-down space is limited due to the small scale of the facility. Pilots seeking to arrange parking, storage, or operational access should contact the Mendocino County Department of Transportation directly prior to their visit. There is no on-site management staff available during all hours, so advance coordination is essential for extended stays or based aircraft inquiries.

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