Nevada County Airport – Grass Valley, California

Nevada County Airport (ICAO: O07, FAA: O07) is a public-use general aviation airport located in Grass Valley, California, operated by Nevada County. Situated at an elevation of 2,352 feet above mean sea level in the Sierra Nevada foothills, the airport serves the communities of Grass Valley, Nevada City, Penn Valley, and the broader Nevada County region. The facility covers approximately 198 acres and is maintained by the Nevada County Public Works department.

The airport features a single paved runway — Runway 13/31 — measuring 4,700 feet in length and 75 feet wide, capable of handling single-engine and light twin-engine aircraft. The runway is equipped with medium-intensity runway lights (MIRL) and a precision approach path indicator (PAPI) for Runway 31, supporting instrument approaches under marginal visual conditions. A full-length parallel taxiway provides efficient ground movement for resident and transient aircraft alike.

Nevada County Airport does not offer commercial airline service but is a vital hub for private pilots, charter operations, agricultural aviation, emergency medical services, and fire suppression support during California's wildfire season. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) has historically utilized the airport as a staging area for air tanker operations due to its proximity to high fire-risk terrain in the Sierra Nevada foothills.

On-site services at Nevada County Airport include self-serve 100LL avgas fueling available around the clock. The airport maintains a terminal building with pilot lounge facilities, a courtesy car available for transient pilots, and public restrooms. Aircraft maintenance services, tie-downs, and hangar rentals are available through local fixed-base operators and private hangar owners based on the field. The airport hosts approximately 200 based aircraft and records an estimated 35,000 to 45,000 annual operations.

Grass Valley itself sits roughly 60 miles northeast of Sacramento and 90 miles east of the San Francisco Bay Area, making Nevada County Airport a practical gateway for Bay Area residents seeking access to Lake Tahoe, the Gold Country, and the Sierra Nevada without the congestion of commercial airports. Pilots flying in from the Bay Area often use nearby Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK) as a fuel stop before continuing northeast toward Nevada County. Meadowlark Airport in Livermore is another regional general aviation facility used by pilots transiting the Central Valley corridor toward the Sierra foothills.

The airport's position in the foothills means pilots must account for terrain, density altitude, and rapidly changing mountain weather. At 2,352 feet MSL, aircraft performance on hot summer days requires careful weight and balance planning. The airport publishes NOTAMs regularly and pilots are encouraged to file flight plans and check current weather through official FAA and NWS briefing services before arrival or departure.

Nevada County Airport is home to the Nevada County Aviation Association, which promotes general aviation education and hosts community events including fly-ins and Young Eagles discovery flights through the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). The airport plays an important social and economic role in the Grass Valley-Nevada City community, supporting local businesses, tourism, and emergency logistics throughout the year.

For visiting pilots, the airport is located at 13083 John Bauer Avenue, Grass Valley, CA 95945. Pattern altitude is 3,352 feet MSL (1,000 feet AGL). Unicom frequency is 122.8 MHz. There is no control tower; all operations are conducted on a self-announce, traffic advisory basis. Pilots should also monitor CTAF on 122.8 and be alert for glider and parachute activity in the surrounding area. The nearest Class B airspace is Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC), located approximately 50 miles to the southwest.

Nevada County Airport Contact Information

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

Name Nevada County Airport
Address 13083 John Bauer Avenue, Grass Valley CA 95945 Map
Phone (530) 273-3374
Website
Hours

Map of Nevada County Airport

Airports in near by County


Airports near Grass Valley

Frequently Asked Questions – Nevada County Airport, Grass Valley, CA

Nevada County Airport's Runway 13/31 is 4,700 feet long and 75 feet wide, suitable for single-engine piston aircraft, light twins, and turboprops. Heavier turbine aircraft or jets may be limited depending on weight and density altitude conditions — at 2,352 feet MSL, performance margins decrease significantly on warm days. Pilots operating heavier aircraft should consult the Airport/Facility Directory and perform density altitude calculations before planning arrivals or departures at this field.

Yes. Nevada County Airport offers self-serve 100LL avgas (aviation gasoline) available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via credit card at the fuel island. Jet-A availability should be confirmed with airport operations prior to arrival, as it is not always guaranteed on a self-serve basis. Pilots should contact the airport at the listed operations number for current fuel status and pricing before planning fuel stops.

No. Nevada County Airport (O07) is an uncontrolled airport with no air traffic control tower. All pilots operate on a self-announce basis using CTAF/Unicom on 122.8 MHz. Standard traffic pattern procedures apply, with right-hand traffic for Runway 13 and left-hand traffic for Runway 31. Pilots should make position calls at 10 miles out, entering downwind, base, and final, and be aware of local traffic including gliders and training flights operating in the area.

Nevada County Airport is located approximately 3 miles south of downtown Grass Valley, accessible via John Bauer Avenue off Highway 174. A courtesy car is typically available for transient pilots needing to reach town, subject to availability. Uber and Lyft service is available in the Grass Valley area, and several car rental agencies operate in the region. The airport's proximity to downtown makes it convenient for business travelers and tourists visiting the Gold Country region.

Outdoor tie-downs for transient aircraft are available at Nevada County Airport on a first-come, first-served basis. Overnight tie-down fees apply and can be arranged through the airport office during business hours. Hangar space is primarily occupied by based aircraft, but transient hangar availability can occasionally be arranged by contacting airport operations in advance. The airport hosts approximately 200 based aircraft across T-hangars and individual units, so advance inquiry is recommended for extended stays.

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