Sutter County Airport: Gateway to Sacramento Valley Gold Country and Rice Farming Country
Sutter County Airport serves the Yuba City–Marysville metropolitan area from its position in the heart of the Sacramento Valley, where Sutter County's rice paddies, peach orchards, and walnut groves spread across the valley floor between the Sierra Nevada foothills and the Coast Ranges. Located near Yuba City at an elevation of approximately 60 feet MSL, the airport provides general aviation services for a county whose agricultural economy is among the most productive in California—Sutter County ranks among the top California counties for peach, prune, and rice production. Caltrans Division of Aeronautics oversees the facility within the state aviation system, and the FAA Western-Pacific Region provides the regulatory framework for airspace and instrument approach operations.
The Sutter Buttes—a compact ring of ancient volcanic peaks rising abruptly from the flat valley floor—are the dominant navigational landmark for pilots approaching Sutter County Airport, visible from over 50 miles on clear days and often described as the "world's smallest mountain range." These buttes, sacred to the Maidu people who have inhabited the Sacramento Valley for millennia, create localized weather patterns including fog channeling along the valley and occasional terrain-related turbulence during winter Tule fog season. Agricultural aviation in the area includes extensive aerial rice seeding and fertilization operations, with ag pilots making low-level runs over the flooded rice paddies that double as critical waterfowl habitat on the Pacific Flyway between September and January.
What agricultural aviation operations are conducted at Sutter County Airport?
Sutter County is one of California's premier rice-growing regions, with over 100,000 acres of paddies flooded and planted each spring. Aerial seeding of rice using fixed-wing ag aircraft is a common sight from Sutter County Airport each May and June. Additionally, aerial application for pest and weed management in peach orchards, prune orchards, and walnut groves generates substantial agricultural aviation activity throughout the growing season.
What is the Tule fog and how does it affect flying at Sutter County Airport?
Tule fog is a type of radiation fog that forms in the Sacramento and San Joaquin valleys from November through February, sometimes reducing visibility to near zero for days at a time. It is one of the most hazardous weather phenomena for aviation in California. Sutter County Airport can be LIFR for extended periods during major fog events. Pilots should monitor ASOS data carefully and have solid instrument currency before operating IFR in the Central Valley during winter fog season.
How close is Sutter County Airport to the Sutter Buttes?
The Sutter Buttes—rising to 2,117 feet MSL at South Butte—are approximately 10 miles northeast of Yuba City, making them a prominent obstacle and navigation landmark for aircraft operating in the area. The buttes create a Class G airspace environment with terrain concerns on the northeast side of the airport's traffic area, and pilots should reference current sectional charts for elevation data when flying in that direction.
Sutter County Airport Contact Information
Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Yuba, California.
| Name | Sutter County Airport |
| Address | 100 Airport Rd, Yuba CA 95991 Map |
| Phone | (530) 674-9645 |
| Website | |
| Hours |
Map of Sutter County Airport
About Sutter County Airport
The Sutter County Airport, located in Yuba, CA, is an Airport serving the Sutter County area. The Airport facilities include terminals, hangars, maintenance facilities, and control towers. The Airport offers parking facilities, retail and dining services, access to local hotels, and transport options like rental cars, buses, and taxis. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) oversees the Airport in Yuba.
- Terminal maps, gate assignments, and airline contacts at Sutter County Airport
- Parking rates, shuttle schedules, and ground transportation options
- Lost and found inquiries for items left in the terminal or on aircraft
- Noise complaints, facility accessibility accommodations, and airport administration
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. How early should I arrive at the airport?
Most of the time, you should get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight and at least three hours before your international flight. This will allow you enough time to check in, pass through security, and make your way to your gate.
2. What should I do if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
If your flight is delayed or canceled, you should contact your airline as soon as possible. They will usually tell you what your options are, which could include getting a refund or rebooking on a later flight.
3. What is clear at the airport?
Clear is a TSA pre-check program that speeds up the security screening process for low-risk travelers who have already been approved.
Members of the Clear program are able to use dedicated security lanes where they do not have to remove items such as shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, and light jackets. This process allows for a faster and more convenient screening experience for Clear members.
To become a member of Clear, an individual must provide their biographic information and fingerprints for a background check, and then pay an annual fee.
4. Are masks required in airports?
The TSA will no longer require airport employees or patrons to wear a face covering or face mask inside the airport terminal or on airport-operated ground transportation.
5. Can you bring food through airport security?
Yes, you can bring food through airport security.
Solid foods like sandwiches, fruits, and granola bars, are allowed in your carry-on and checked baggage.
Some liquid and gel-like foods, such as yogurt, jelly, and hummus, are also permitted in your carry-on bag as long as they are in containers that hold 3.4 ounces or less.
6. How much is airport parking?
The cost of airport parking can vary greatly depending on the airport, the length of time you will be parked, and the type of parking spot you choose.
On average, hourly parking rates can range from $1-$4 per hour, while daily rates can range from $8-$30 per day. Long-term parking rates can range from $8-$20 per day.
7. Can I leave the airport during a layover?
Yes, If your layover is long enough, you may be able to leave the airport and explore the destination city. It's also a good idea to check with your airline to see if they offer any tours or other options for passengers with long layovers.
8. Can I sleep in an airport?
Yes, you can sleep in an airport, however, the amenities and comfort levels of sleeping in an airport can vary greatly depending on the airport you are in.
Some airports also offer amenities like sleeping pods, capsule hotels and lounges for passengers who want to rest or sleep before their flight. Some airlines also offer resting rooms or lounges for their premium customers.