Van Vleck Airport — Sloughhouse, California

Van Vleck Airport (FAA Identifier: O61) is a privately owned, public-use general aviation facility located in Sloughhouse, Sacramento County, California. Situated in the rolling foothills east of Sacramento along the American River corridor, this rural airstrip serves as a critical resource for agricultural aviation, recreational pilots, and light aircraft operations throughout the region. The airport sits at an elevation of approximately 100 feet above mean sea level, offering relatively forgiving approach conditions under the typically clear skies of California's Central Valley floor.

The airport features a single paved runway oriented to accommodate the prevailing westerly winds that sweep through the Sacramento Valley. With a usable runway length suitable for single-engine and light twin-engine aircraft, Van Vleck Airport supports a range of operations including private pleasure flying, flight training, agricultural spray operations supporting the vineyards and orchards that blanket Sacramento County's eastern edge, and aerial survey work. The surrounding terrain is characterized by open grassland and oak woodland, which provides unobstructed final approaches from both runway ends.

Sloughhouse itself is an unincorporated community within Sacramento County, historically rooted in ranching and agriculture, with the Cosumnes River running nearby. The airfield reflects that heritage — a working, utilitarian aviation facility rather than a commercial hub, yet indispensable to the pilots and operators who depend on it. Fixed-base operator services are limited compared to larger metropolitan airports, which is typical for general aviation fields of this character, but the airport remains a valued node in Northern California's general aviation network.

Van Vleck Airport is situated within reasonable proximity to several other general aviation and commercial facilities in the greater Sacramento region. Oakland International Airport (OAK) lies roughly 70 miles to the southwest, handling the region's commercial traffic. Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK), approximately 60 miles south, serves the Tri-Valley area with robust general aviation infrastructure. Meadowlark Airport, another privately owned field, operates in the broader Bay Area periphery. For pilots transiting between the Central Valley and Bay Area, Van Vleck Airport provides a convenient fuel and rest stop well clear of the complex Class B airspace surrounding Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC) and Sacramento International Airport (SMF).

Sacramento County's agricultural landscape directly influences flight activity at Van Vleck. Crop dusting and aerial application contractors operating out of or into the field service rice paddies, walnut orchards, and wine grape vineyards that define the region's economy. Seasonal agricultural spray operations typically peak in late spring and early summer, elevating traffic counts considerably during those months. Recreational pilots based on the field appreciate the uncongested airspace and direct access to scenic Sierra Nevada foothills routes, with Folsom Lake reachable on a short VFR cross-country leg.

From an infrastructure standpoint, Van Vleck Airport maintains the basic facilities expected of a public-use general aviation field: aircraft tie-down areas, a wind sock for real-time surface wind assessment, and runway lighting for limited night operations. Pilots planning operations into and out of Van Vleck Airport should consult current NOTAMs, verify fuel availability in advance, and file flight plans when conducting cross-country operations connecting to the broader Northern California aviation system. The airport's FAA identifier 27612 appears in standard aeronautical databases, and current operational details including runway condition and CTAF frequency should be confirmed via the FAA's official Airport Master Record or current sectional charts covering the Sacramento Valley VFR sectional.

Van Vleck Airport Contact Information

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

Name Van Vleck Airport
Address Van Vleck Road, Sloughhouse CA 95683 Map
Phone
Website
Hours

Map of Van Vleck Airport


Airports near Sloughhouse

Frequently Asked Questions — Van Vleck Airport, Sloughhouse, CA

Van Vleck Airport is suited for single-engine and light twin-engine general aviation aircraft. Its paved runway and rural setting support recreational pilots, agricultural aviation contractors, and flight training operations. Larger turboprop or jet aircraft would need to evaluate runway length and weight-bearing capacity before attempting operations. Pilots should verify current runway conditions and weight limits via NOTAM or direct contact with field operators prior to arrival.

Van Vleck Airport is classified as a privately owned, public-use general aviation facility. This means that while the land and infrastructure are privately held, the field is open to use by the public flying community subject to any posted operational restrictions or hours of operation. Pilots should review the current FAA Airport Master Record for Van Vleck (FAA ID: 27612) to confirm public-use status and any applicable usage conditions before planning a flight into Sloughhouse.

The nearest major commercial service airports to Van Vleck Airport in Sloughhouse are Sacramento International Airport (SMF), approximately 25–30 miles to the northwest, and Sacramento Executive Airport (SAC), closer to central Sacramento. For Bay Area-bound travelers, Oakland International Airport (OAK) lies approximately 70 miles southwest. Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK) is a well-equipped general aviation alternative roughly 60 miles south for pilots seeking more comprehensive FBO services.

Van Vleck Airport is a rural general aviation field, and full-service FBO amenities are not guaranteed on-site. Fuel availability should be confirmed in advance of any flight planning that depends on a fuel stop at this location. Pilots conducting longer cross-country operations in the region may find more reliable fueling options at nearby airports including Livermore Municipal (LVK) or Sacramento Executive (SAC). Always contact the airport operator directly or consult current airport directory information before relying on Van Vleck for fuel.

Given Sloughhouse's location in Sacramento County's agricultural heartland, Van Vleck Airport supports aerial application operations serving the surrounding vineyards, orchards, and row crops. Agricultural spray contractors use the field as a base for crop protection flights over wine grape vineyards in the Cosumnes River appellation and walnut and almond operations east of Sacramento. Spray operations typically intensify during late spring and summer. Transient pilots should be alert to low-altitude agricultural aircraft activity in the Sloughhouse area during these seasons.

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