Ells Field Willits Municipal Airport in Willits, California

Ells Field Willits Municipal Airport (O28) — Willits, California

Ells Field Willits Municipal Airport, designated by the FAA as O28, serves the city of Willits in Mendocino County, California. Situated at an elevation of approximately 1,328 feet above mean sea level, the airport occupies a compact footprint in the inland valley terrain characteristic of northern Mendocino County. The airport is named in honor of local aviation pioneer contributions to the region and functions as a general aviation facility supporting private pilots, agricultural operators, and small charter services throughout the greater Willits area.

The airport features a single paved runway — Runway 14/32 — measuring roughly 3,000 feet in length, accommodating single-engine and light twin-engine piston aircraft. The runway orientation aligns with the prevailing valley wind patterns, which flow predominantly along the north-south axis defined by the surrounding ridgelines. Pilots operating into O28 should be aware of density altitude considerations during warm summer months, as the combination of elevation and heat can significantly reduce aircraft performance margins.

Willits itself sits along U.S. Route 101 approximately 23 miles north of Ukiah and 147 miles north of San Francisco. The city, with a population near 5,000, serves as a regional hub for communities throughout central Mendocino County including Laytonville, Covelo, and the Round Valley area. Ells Field provides a critical air access point for this largely rural corridor where ground transportation distances to commercial airports are substantial.

The nearest FAA towered facility is Ukiah Municipal Airport (UKI), located roughly 23 miles south, which also serves general aviation. For passengers seeking commercial airline service, Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa offers the closest scheduled flights, approximately 60 miles to the south via US-101. Oakland International Airport (OAK) — now designated San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport — lies roughly 130 miles to the south and provides the widest range of domestic and international connections for Mendocino County travelers.

Fuel availability at O28 is limited, and pilots are advised to verify current services before departure. The airport does not have a control tower, and all operations are conducted on a common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF). Standard pattern altitude is 1,800 feet MSL, and pilots should monitor for local agricultural and training traffic, particularly during spring and summer months when flight activity peaks.

The surrounding terrain demands careful VFR flight planning. High terrain lies within a few miles east and west of the field, and coastal marine layer frequently pushes inland through the gaps in the Coast Range, reducing visibility in the early morning hours. Pilots unfamiliar with the area are encouraged to study sectional charts and NOTAMs thoroughly before flying into or out of Ells Field.

Community access to the airport is supported by Mendocino County's aviation infrastructure program, which maintains the facility as part of a broader network of rural general aviation airports including Boonville Airport (O60), Little River Airport (O49), and Shelter Cove Airport (0Q5). These airports collectively enable emergency medical transport, fire spotting, and law enforcement aerial support across a county where roadways are narrow, winding, and vulnerable to seasonal closures.

Ells Field Willits Municipal Airport continues to play a quiet but essential role in the mobility and emergency preparedness of northern Mendocino County, offering a local landing option that saves hours of ground travel for pilots and operators serving this rugged region of California's North Coast interior.

Frequently Asked Questions — Ells Field Willits Municipal Airport (O28)