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.

Ells Field Willits Municipal Airport Contact Information

Address, Phone Number, and Hours for an Airports in Willits, Kansas.

Name Ells Field Willits Municipal Airport
Address 111 East Commercial Street, Willits CA 95490 Map
Phone (707) 459-4601
Website
Hours

Map of Ells Field Willits Municipal Airport


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

Ells Field Willits Municipal Airport carries the FAA identifier O28. It is located in Willits, California, in Mendocino County, at an elevation of approximately 1,328 feet above mean sea level. The airport sits along the US-101 corridor roughly 23 miles north of Ukiah and about 147 miles north of San Francisco, making it one of the primary general aviation access points for central Mendocino County.

Runway 14/32 at Ells Field is a paved runway approximately 3,000 feet long, suitable for single-engine and light twin-engine piston aircraft. Larger turboprop or jet aircraft are generally not compatible with this runway length, especially given the airport's elevation of ~1,328 feet MSL and the density altitude increases common during Willits summers. Pilots should consult aircraft performance charts and confirm fuel availability prior to arrival.

The closest airport with scheduled commercial service is Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa, approximately 60 miles south of Willits via US-101. For a broader range of domestic and international flights, travelers use San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport (OAK), about 130 miles south, or San Francisco International Airport (SFO), approximately 140 miles away. Ground shuttle and rideshare services connecting Willits to these airports are available through providers serving the US-101 corridor.

Yes. Pilots approaching O28 should be aware of several key hazards. High terrain rises sharply within a few miles both east and west of the airport due to the surrounding Coast Range ridgelines. Coastal marine layer can push inland through topographic gaps and reduce visibility, particularly in early morning hours. Density altitude during hot summer afternoons can significantly degrade aircraft climb performance given the airport's elevation. The airport is uncontrolled — all operations are self-announce on the CTAF — and agricultural and training traffic can be active during warmer months. A thorough review of sectional charts and current NOTAMs is strongly recommended.

Ells Field Willits Municipal Airport is part of Mendocino County's network of rural general aviation airports that support emergency medical transport, wildfire aerial observation, and law enforcement operations. Given that roadways in the region are narrow, winding, and can be closed by landslides or fire, air access through airports like O28 provides a critical lifeline for communities in Willits, Laytonville, Covelo, and the Round Valley area. The airport coordinates with county emergency management and CalFire during active incident periods.

External Links: