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Alex's Flying Trips

Sept. 26, 2008: Napa (APC) - Columbia(O22) - Napa


Columbia is a popular fly-in destination among Northern California pilots. It's located in along the scenic Sierra foothills within walking distance to the historic town of Columbia with tourist shops and restaurants. During fire season, this airport is also used for staging fire fighting aircrafts.

I kept hearing about this airport so when an opportunity came up to go to a nearby town, I decided to fly in. On approach, there were planes in the pattern but were good in their self announcements making my landing uneventful. Outside the terminal were several "old-timers" hanging around chatting and waved as I walked inside the terminal. The terminal has a small lounge inside with flight planning terminals, clean restrooms and vending machines. I reserved a car from Enterprise and they picked my up from the airport and took me to their office in Sonoma. I never got a chance to walk to Columbia but was able to stop by in Sonoma. Sonoma has more shop and restaurant selections than Columbia but you need a car to get there.

Enterprise also drove me back to the airport on my return. I used the terminals in the lounge to check the weather and file my VFR flight plan. I also used the self serve fuel station before taking off. No fees during my visit. There's suppose to be a nicely equipped camp ground in the airport but I was not able to see it; I just might come back and use it next time.

The trusty C172 in the Columbia ramp.
Columbia airport terminal from the outside.
Airport terminal directory.
The lounge inside the terminal.
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