Nevada County Airport (GOO) — Grass Valley, California

Nevada County Airport (IATA: GOO, FAA: GOO) is a public-use general aviation airport located approximately 3 miles southwest of Grass Valley in Nevada County, California. Situated at an elevation of 2,352 feet above mean sea level in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the airport serves as a critical transportation hub for the broader Nevada City and Grass Valley communities — a region of roughly 100,000 residents spread across one of California's most scenic mountain counties.

The airport features a single paved runway (Runway 13/31) measuring 4,700 feet in length, capable of accommodating a wide range of single-engine and multi-engine piston aircraft, turboprops, and light jets. The runway is equipped with medium-intensity runway lighting (MIRL) and a precision approach path indicator (PAPI) on both ends, supporting operations during early morning and evening hours. The airport does not currently have an instrument approach procedure tied to an ILS, but it does support GPS RNAV approaches, which has expanded access during reduced-visibility conditions common in the Sierra Nevada foothills during winter months.

Nevada County Airport is owned and operated by Nevada County and managed through the county's Department of Public Works. The fixed-base operator (FBO) on the field provides essential services including 100LL and Jet-A fuel, aircraft parking and tiedowns, a pilot lounge, and basic ground handling. For pilots transiting the Sierra Nevada or flying between the Sacramento Valley and the mountain communities, GOO represents a convenient fuel stop and staging point, particularly given its position roughly 60 miles northeast of Sacramento Executive Airport (SMF) and 70 miles north-northeast of Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

The airport plays an important economic and emergency services role for Nevada County. It regularly supports medical evacuation flights, CalFire aerial operations during the wildfire season, and law enforcement aviation. During the devastating fires that have affected the region in recent years, GOO has served as a staging area for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft supporting fire suppression efforts across the Tahoe National Forest and surrounding wildlands.

For private pilots and aircraft owners based in the region, Nevada County Airport offers long-term hangar rentals and tiedown spaces at competitive rates. The aircraft based at GOO range from classic Cessna 172s and Piper Cherokees used for local recreation and training to higher-performance aircraft owned by business travelers who use the airport to avoid the congestion and costs of the Sacramento-area commercial airports. The airport's position in the Gold Country makes it a popular destination for fly-in tourism, with pilots attracted by the proximity to historic downtown Nevada City, the Empire Mine State Historic Park, and numerous hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities in the surrounding Sierra Nevada foothills.

Ground transportation from Nevada County Airport to downtown Grass Valley is approximately 5 miles, with the city center reachable in roughly 10 minutes by car. Rental car services are available by arrangement through the FBO. The airport sits near the junction of State Routes 20 and 49, giving arriving pilots straightforward access to both the I-80 corridor to the south and the Highway 20 route westward toward the Sacramento Valley. Nearby general aviation airports in the region include Auburn Municipal Airport (AUN), approximately 20 miles to the south, and Truckee Tahoe Airport (TRK), approximately 40 miles to the northeast at an elevation of 5,900 feet.

Nevada County Airport (GOO) reflects the character of the community it serves — practical, community-oriented, and deeply connected to the unique geography of California's Sierra Nevada foothills. Whether you are a based tenant, a transient pilot fueling through on a cross-country flight, or a first-time visitor flying in to explore the Gold Country, the airport offers a welcoming and capable general aviation facility.

Nevada County Airport - GOO Contact Information

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

Name Nevada County Airport - GOO
Address 12818 Loma Rica Drive, Grass Valley CA 95945 Map
Phone
Website
Hours

Map of Nevada County Airport - GOO

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Frequently Asked Questions — Nevada County Airport (GOO), Grass Valley, CA

Nevada County Airport (GOO) has a single paved runway designated 13/31 with a length of 4,700 feet and a width of 75 feet. The airport's FBO provides both 100LL avgas and Jet-A fuel. Pilots should contact the FBO in advance to confirm fuel availability and hours of operation, as the airport is an uncontrolled field without an air traffic control tower. Self-serve fuel options may be available depending on current FBO operations.

Nevada County Airport (GOO) is located approximately 3 miles southwest of Grass Valley's city center, a drive of roughly 8 to 10 minutes via Airport Road and Brunswick Road. Historic downtown Nevada City, known for its Victorian architecture and Gold Rush heritage, is approximately 6 miles northeast of the airport — about 12 to 15 minutes by car. Both communities are easily accessible via State Route 49, which passes near the airport entrance.

Yes. Nevada County Airport is served by GPS RNAV (GPS) approach procedures on both runway ends, which provide instrument-guided approaches for IFR-equipped aircraft during periods of reduced visibility or cloud cover. The airport does not have an ILS (Instrument Landing System). Pilots should review current NOTAMs and approach plates via the FAA's AeroNav or ForeFlight before planning an instrument approach into GOO, particularly during winter months when low stratus and fog can affect the Sierra Nevada foothills.

Nevada County Airport offers both enclosed hangar rentals and open tiedown spaces for based aircraft owners. Hangar availability varies and waitlists are common given demand from the local general aviation community. Tiedown spaces are more readily available and provide a cost-effective option for owners of smaller aircraft. Prospective tenants should contact Nevada County's Department of Public Works directly to inquire about current availability, rates, and lease terms. The airport serves a diverse mix of based aircraft ranging from light singles to business turboprops.

Several general aviation airports are within a short flying distance of Nevada County Airport. Auburn Municipal Airport (AUN) is approximately 20 nautical miles to the south and offers additional FBO services and a 4,000-foot runway. Truckee Tahoe Airport (TRK), roughly 38 nautical miles to the northeast at an elevation of 5,900 feet MSL, serves the Lake Tahoe resort community and has a longer 9,000-foot runway. Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK) and Oakland International Airport (OAK) are accessible for pilots needing commercial connections, while Direct Airport Shuttle services operate in the broader Sacramento–Northern California region for passengers connecting to commercial terminals.

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