Little River Airport (O6) — Little River, California

Little River Airport, designated with the FAA identifier O6, is a small public-use general aviation airport located in the unincorporated community of Little River, Mendocino County, along California's rugged North Coast. Situated approximately 3 miles south of the town of Mendocino and 155 miles north of San Francisco, this coastal airfield serves as a critical transportation link for residents, tourists, and emergency services in one of California's most scenic and remote coastal regions.

The airport sits at an elevation of approximately 572 feet above mean sea level and features a single runway — Runway 14/32 — measuring roughly 3,000 feet in length. The runway is equipped to handle light single-engine and twin-engine piston aircraft, making it a practical destination for private pilots flying to the Mendocino Coast. The surrounding terrain includes dramatic Pacific Ocean cliffs, dense redwood forests, and rolling grasslands — conditions that demand careful attention to coastal fog, marine layer, and wind shear from pilots planning arrivals or departures at O6.

Little River Airport is owned and operated by Mendocino County, which maintains the facility as part of its broader public infrastructure. While the airport does not offer commercial airline service, it is regularly used by charter operations, medical evacuation flights, aerial fire suppression support, California Highway Patrol (CHP) aviation, and sightseeing tours of the Mendocino coastline. The facility also supports local agriculture with crop-dusting and aerial survey operations across the county's timber and vineyard lands.

One of the defining characteristics of flying into Little River Airport is the coastal marine environment. Pilots transitioning from inland California airports via the Ukiah corridor or through the Willits Pass often encounter rapid weather changes as they descend toward the coast. The Mendocino County Airport (UKI) in Ukiah, approximately 60 miles inland, provides IFR alternate capability and instrument approach procedures, making it a common divert destination when Little River is socked in by the frequent coastal fog that blankets this stretch of Highway 1.

The surrounding Mendocino Coast draws visitors year-round to the historic village of Mendocino, Fort Bragg, Van Damme State Park, and the Mendocino Headlands State Park. Private pilots flying into O6 enjoy direct access to this tourist corridor, with the town of Mendocino just a short drive north on Highway 1. The airport's proximity to the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, the Point Cabrillo Light Station, and a thriving community of bed-and-breakfast inns makes it a popular fly-in destination for weekend travelers from the San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento Valley.

Little River Airport does not have a staffed Fixed Base Operator (FBO) on site, so pilots are advised to arrive with full fuel loads and to pre-plan any fuel requirements carefully. Self-service facilities and pilot resources are limited at this rural coastal airport. The Unicom frequency for traffic advisory at O6 is 122.8 MHz, which pilots should monitor throughout their approach and departure legs given the high volume of local traffic and transient aircraft using the uncontrolled pattern.

Emergency services coordination is an important function at Little River Airport. The facility supports Mendocino County Sheriff's Office aerial operations and serves as a staging area for Cal Fire air attack operations during the increasingly active wildfire seasons that affect interior Mendocino County. The airport's coastal location, while remote, provides strategic value during emergencies affecting both coastal and inland portions of the county.

For those planning a visit to Little River Airport (O6), the FAA's Chart Supplement Pacific section provides the most current information on runway conditions, pattern altitude, traffic advisories, and any NOTAMs affecting operations. Pilots should also consult current AIRMETs for the San Francisco ARTCC area and monitor coastal forecast discussions from the National Weather Service office in Eureka, which covers Mendocino County's coastal aviation weather.

Little River Airport Contact Information

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

Name Little River Airport
Address 43001 Little River-Airport Road, Little River CA 95456 Map
Phone (707) 937-5129
Website
Hours

Map of Little River Airport

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Frequently Asked Questions — Little River Airport (O6)

Little River Airport carries the FAA identifier O6 and is located in the unincorporated community of Little River, Mendocino County, California. The airport sits on California's North Coast, approximately 3 miles south of the historic town of Mendocino and about 155 miles north of San Francisco along the Highway 1 coastal corridor. It is owned and operated by Mendocino County as a public-use general aviation facility serving the Mendocino Coast region.

Little River Airport is heavily influenced by the Pacific Ocean marine environment. Coastal fog and low marine layer are common, particularly in the morning hours from late spring through early fall — a phenomenon locals call the "Mendocino Fog Belt." Pilots should obtain current weather from the National Weather Service Eureka office and check for AIRMETs covering the San Francisco ARTCC coastal region before flight. Rapid visibility changes are possible during approach, and the Unicom advisory frequency is 122.8 MHz. Mendocino County Airport (UKI) in Ukiah is a commonly used IFR alternate about 60 miles inland.

Little River Airport (O6) does not have a staffed Fixed Base Operator (FBO) on site. Fuel availability is limited and pilots are strongly advised to depart with full fuel loads from their origin airport. There are no on-site maintenance services, rental cars, or crew amenities at this rural coastal facility. The nearest full-service FBO with 100LL and Jet-A fuel is available at Ukiah Municipal Airport (UKI). Pilots planning a fly-in to visit the Mendocino Coast should plan their fuel logistics accordingly before departure.

Flying into Little River Airport (O6) puts visitors within easy driving distance of some of the most dramatic scenery on California's North Coast. The historic village of Mendocino is just 3 miles north, offering Victorian architecture, art galleries, and coastal headlands walks at Mendocino Headlands State Park. Van Damme State Park, known for its pygmy forest and beach kayaking, is adjacent to the airport. Fort Bragg's Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and the Point Cabrillo Light Station are within a 20-minute drive. The area also features extensive wineries and redwood groves along the Anderson Valley corridor accessible via Highway 128.

Little River Airport plays an important role in public safety and emergency response for Mendocino County. The facility supports California Highway Patrol (CHP) aviation operations, medical evacuation flights coordinating with Mendocino Coast District Hospital in Fort Bragg, and serves as a staging and support location for Cal Fire air attack resources during wildfire season. The Mendocino County Sheriff's Office also utilizes the airport for aerial search-and-rescue coordination. Given the remote and rugged terrain of the Mendocino Coast, the airport's ability to support emergency aviation operations is considered a vital community asset.

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