McClellan-Palomar Airport

Location: Three miles southeast of Carlsbad at Palomar Airport Road and El Camino Real, 30 miles north of downtown San Diego.

History:

1957 -- County of San Diego picks Carlsbad site to replace Del Mar Airport.

1958 -- Construction begins.

1959 -- Airport opens March 20, for daytime operations.

1960 -- Terminal building constructed

1961 -- Airport expanded to a 4700’ runway.

1962 -- Terminal expanded to its current size.

1973 -- FAA control tower placed into operation March 26.

1977 -- Instrument landing system (ILS) and approach lights installed.

1978 -- Airport annexed into the City of Carlsbad.

1991 -- American Eagle Airlines begins scheduled service from Carlsbad to Los Angeles on April 15.

1994 -- United Express Airlines begins service to Los Angeles.

1996 -- FAA issues certification and permit to operate aircraft which carry in excess of 30 passengers.

1999 -- America West Express begins service to Phoenix April 4.

1999 -- New 3,600 sq. ft. temporary terminal installed in 24 hrs., April 7-8.

2007 -- Ground broken for new terminal building to combine airline terminal/security screening with restaurant, Customs facility and other amenities.

The airport is named for aviator Gerald McClellan, a North County community leader.

Community: McClellan-Palomar Airport in Carlsbad is a gateway to and from San Diego’s North County. It serves the general aviation community, corporate aircraft and commercial services. 

What makes this airport so popular is its proximity to business and recreation. Major corporations and world-class resorts are just minutes from McClellan-Palomar. Some of the finest beaches in San Diego County are close to the airport and offer surfers, swimmers and sun worshipers balmy weather and beautiful ocean waters most of the year. Oceanside Harbor, with its shops, yachts and fishing boats, is a pleasant place to spend time. Legoland is two miles west of the airport.

The Olympic Resort is just across the street from the airport, La Costa Resort & Spa is just a short drive from McClellan-Palomar, and the Four Seasons Aviara Resort is also nearby.

McClellan-Palomar is an ideal spot for North County airline passengers who want to avoid a long commute and the congestion of downtown San Diego. Two regularly-scheduled airlines, America West Express and United Express, provide non-stop service to Phoenix and Los Angeles with connections to the world.

The airport is an important part of the community with its $108 million/year contribution to the local economy.

Voluntary (Safety First) Procedures:

Runway 24 departures—

Jets fly 2500 ground track at best rate of climb until approximately 1/2 mile offshore. NBAA standard noise abatement departure procedures recommended.

Piston aircraft hold turns until 800 ft. MSL, North pattern preferred. On downwind leg climb to at least 1000’ AGL prior to initiating turn to desired course.

View graphic of Alpha departure

Arriving Aircraft:

Minimum Altitude 2000' AGL until 3 miles from the field.

Maintain a cruise aircraft configuration (gear and flaps retracted; RPM no higher than cruise) until as close to the airport as possible.

Delay descending to minimum altitudes on VOR approach outside 3 miles from the airport (VMC weather and safety permitting).

Helos: Remain above 1000' MSL and over major roads until entering the airport traffic pattern.

Jets: Request ILS approach. Fly a slightly high approach if in VMC. Delay gear and flaps transition consistent with safety.

General: Voluntary procedures 2200-0700 (local)

 Jet take-off and landing “Quiet Hours”.

 Flight training operations such as touch-and-goes and multiple practice approaches are discouraged during Quiet Hours.

Parking & Passenger Drop Off/Pick Up
 
* * EFFECTIVE (MONDAY) 29 OCTOBER 2007 * * 

DUE TO TERMINAL REDEVELOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION
THE SHORT TERM (72 HOUR) PARKING LOT WILL BE 

PERMANENTLY CLOSED 

ALL AIRPORT PARKING WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE LONG TERM 
(14 DAY) PARKING LOT LOCATED AT THE END OF OWENS AVENUE.

SHUTTLE SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED FROM THE LONG TERM 
PARKING LOT TO THE EXISTING AIRPORT TERMINAL AREA

PLEASE ALLOW ADDITIONAL TIME FOR PARKING 
& RETURN TO THE TERMINAL AREA

Palomar Airport is just north of Palomar Airport Road and west of the intersection with El Camino Real.  

Long Term Parking

Directions from Palomar Airport Road

Take Camino Vida Roble (one junction west of current airport main entrance) to Owens Avenue. Turn right onto Owens and the entrance to the new parking area is at the top of the road on the left hand side. Parking continues to be free.

Free Shuttle Bus

A free shuttle bus will run between the lots and the terminal from 5:00 am to 11:45 pm to cover the airline schedule. The shuttle takes 5 minutes. Please allow 15 minutes for the shuttle to complete a round trip.

2-Hour Parking

When entering the airport, follow the road to the right, to the small 2-hour lot immediately in front of the terminal.  Parking is free.

Passenger Drop Off and Pick Up

Terminal loading zone is for picking up and dropping off ticketed passengers.  The driveway is located between the 2-hour parking lot and terminal building.

Terminal Buildings

There are two terminal buildings at Palomar Airport.  The west terminal is for commercial airlines and their passengers.  The east terminal houses a rental car agency.

Report Airport Noise Problems On Line

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