Sequoia Ranch Airport in Springville, California

Sequoia Ranch Airport (CA44) — Springville, California

Sequoia Ranch Airport, identified by the FAA location identifier CA44, is a privately owned, private-use general aviation airfield situated approximately two miles northeast of Springville, California, in the heart of Tulare County. Nestled in the foothills of the southern Sierra Nevada range, the airport sits at an elevation of 1,153 feet above mean sea level (MSL), offering a scenic backdrop of oak-studded grasslands and the rugged peaks of the Sequoia National Forest to the east.

Sequoia Ranch Airport was first activated in July 1970 and continues to serve as a private-use facility, primarily catering to ranch operations, agricultural aviation, and recreational fliers who have authorized access to the property. The airport is not open to the general public without prior permission from the owner, making it a true example of California's many privately managed rural airstrips.

The airfield features a single runway designated Runway 18/36, aligned along a north-south orientation. This configuration allows pilots to take advantage of prevailing winds that flow through the Tule River Valley corridor, which runs through Springville and the broader foothill terrain of Tulare County. Pilots familiar with the San Francisco Sectional Chart will find CA44 plotted within the Western-Pacific region, under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco (SFO) FAA District Office.

For instrument pilots and those requiring flight services, Sequoia Ranch Airport falls within the airspace managed by Oakland Air Route Traffic Control Center (ARTCC), reachable at 510-745-3380 for clearance delivery inquiries. Flight service and weather briefings are handled through the Rancho Murieta Flight Service Station (RIU), accessible via the national toll-free number 1-800-WX-BRIEF. Pilots are advised that no NOTAM service is maintained for CA44, so situational awareness and direct contact with the owner prior to operations are strongly recommended.

One of the most important operational advisories for Sequoia Ranch Airport is the standing notice to watch for livestock on the runway. As a working ranch facility, the airstrip shares space with the agricultural activities of the property. Cattle, horses, or other livestock may be present on or near the runway surface at any given time, and pilots must perform a thorough visual inspection of the entire runway length before initiating any takeoff or landing roll. This is a critical safety requirement that distinguishes CA44 from standard public-use airports.

There are currently no fixed-base operators (FBOs) reporting fuel availability at Sequoia Ranch Airport. Pilots should plan their fuel requirements carefully before arriving, ensuring sufficient reserves for the return leg or a fuel stop at a nearby public-use airport. The closest general aviation facilities with known fuel services in the broader San Joaquin Valley and foothill region include Visalia Municipal Airport (VIS), located roughly 30 miles to the southwest, and Porterville Municipal Airport (PTV), approximately 20 miles to the south-southwest. Both airports offer avgas and, in some cases, Jet-A services for transient pilots.

The surrounding community of Springville is a small mountain town of approximately 1,000 residents, known as a gateway to the Tule River Indian Reservation and the popular Camp Nelson recreational area further up the mountain. The area draws hikers, anglers, and campers throughout the warmer months, and the proximity of Sequoia Ranch Airport to these natural amenities makes it an appealing destination for private pilots exploring the lesser-known corners of California's Central Valley foothills.

For authorized users of Sequoia Ranch Airport, the facility represents the convenience and flexibility that private airstrips provide — eliminating the need to navigate commercial or high-traffic general aviation airports when accessing remote ranch properties in Tulare County. Its location under the broader Oakland ARTCC umbrella ensures integration with the regional air traffic management structure, while its private designation keeps operations streamlined for those with legitimate access.

Pilots flying into CA44 from the north may reference nearby waypoints along the San Francisco Sectional, while those approaching from the south out of the Los Angeles Basin should transition through the Bakersfield-area airspace before ascending into the Tule River foothills. Always verify current airspace conditions, TFRs, and any temporary livestock or hazard notices before operating at this facility.

Frequently Asked Questions — Sequoia Ranch Airport (CA44), Springville, CA