Chester Airport – Westwood, California

Chester Airport (FAA Identifier: O68) is a small general aviation facility located near Westwood in Plumas County, California, serving the communities of Chester, Westwood, and the surrounding Feather River Country. Situated at an elevation of approximately 4,530 feet above sea level, this high-altitude airport is a critical resource for pilots navigating the remote northeastern Sierra Nevada region, where road access can be limited—especially during winter months when Highway 36 and nearby mountain passes face closures due to snow.

The airport features a single paved runway and is equipped to handle light single-engine and twin-engine aircraft. It serves a range of purposes including recreational flying, emergency medical transport, wildfire suppression support, and utility flights for the region's timber and agricultural industries. Chester Airport plays an especially vital role during fire season, when aerial resources are staged at or near the facility to respond to wildfires across Lassen and Plumas counties.

Westwood, California, is a small community with deep roots in the timber industry, historically known as the company town of the Red River Lumber Company. Today, the town serves as a gateway to outdoor recreation in the Lassen National Forest, Lake Almanor, and the Caribou Wilderness. Chester, the closest service hub, sits along the northern shore of Lake Almanor and draws visitors for boating, fishing, and hiking throughout the year. Chester Airport makes these destinations accessible by air for pilots and charter passengers who would otherwise face a lengthy drive from the Sacramento Valley or the San Francisco Bay Area.

For pilots flying into Chester Airport, it is important to be aware of the mountainous terrain surrounding the facility. Standard traffic pattern procedures and careful attention to density altitude are essential, particularly during warm summer months when high-elevation airports can present performance challenges for piston aircraft. Pilots are advised to consult current NOTAMs and check AWOS weather data before departure, as conditions in the Sierra Nevada can change rapidly.

The airport does not offer full-service FBO amenities, but self-serve fuel availability has been reported at various times—pilots should verify fuel availability in advance through the airport's facility directory listing or by contacting local aviation contacts in the Chester area. Tie-downs and basic ramp access are available for transient aircraft. There is no control tower at Chester Airport; pilots must use proper CTAF procedures on the published common traffic advisory frequency when operating in the area.

Emergency medical services represent one of the most critical functions of Chester Airport. Given the distance from major trauma centers—the nearest Level II trauma facility is Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada, approximately 90 miles to the east, or Enloe Medical Center in Chico roughly 70 miles to the southwest—the ability to land medical aircraft at Chester Airport is literally life-saving for residents of this rural region. Air ambulance operators routinely use the facility for both fixed-wing and helicopter operations.

Wildlife and environmental considerations are also relevant for pilots. The airport is located near the Lassen National Forest and within proximity to protected wilderness areas, meaning low-altitude flying in the surrounding terrain may be subject to specific advisories, particularly during sensitive seasons for wildlife including nesting raptors and migrating waterfowl along the Pacific Flyway.

Chester Airport (ID: 27574) represents the kind of essential general aviation infrastructure that keeps rural California communities connected. Whether you are a local pilot, a backcountry flyer transiting through the northern Sierra, or a visitor arriving by air to enjoy Lake Almanor, Chester Airport provides a welcoming and strategically located landing point in one of California's most scenic and remote regions.

Chester Airport Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Westwood, Illinois.

Name Chester Airport
Address Chester Airport Road, Westwood CA 96137 Map
Phone (530) 258-3616
Website
Hours

Map of Chester Airport


Frequently Asked Questions – Chester Airport, Westwood, CA

Chester Airport's FAA identifier is O68. The airport is located at an elevation of approximately 4,530 feet mean sea level (MSL) in Plumas County, near the communities of Chester and Westwood in northeastern California. Pilots should account for high density altitude when planning departures, especially during summer afternoons.

Fuel availability at Chester Airport (O68) can vary. Self-serve avgas has been available at certain times, but pilots are strongly advised to confirm current fuel status before departure by checking the Airport Facility Directory (AFD), calling local contacts in Chester, or reviewing pilot reports on community aviation forums. The remote location of the airport means fuel planning is critical for any flight into the area.

Chester Airport is located approximately 2 to 3 miles from the town of Chester, California, and within roughly 5 miles of the northern shore of Lake Almanor, one of the largest reservoirs in California and a major recreation destination. Ground transportation from the airport to Chester or the lake would require a private vehicle or pre-arranged ride, as there is no public transit serving the airport.

Chester Airport serves as an important staging and support location for aerial firefighting operations in Plumas and Lassen counties. During active fire events, the airport may host air tanker lead planes, helicopter operations, and logistics flights. Pilots should check NOTAMs carefully during fire season, as Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) may be in effect over or near the airport when aerial firefighting is underway in the surrounding Lassen National Forest.

The nearest alternative general aviation airports to Chester Airport include Nervino Airport (O02) near Beckwourth, roughly 35 nautical miles to the southeast, and Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) approximately 85 nautical miles to the east for commercial service. Redding Municipal Airport (RDD) lies about 80 nautical miles to the west and offers commercial flights as well as general aviation services. Pilots should identify alternates carefully given the terrain and limited airport options in this mountainous region of California.

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