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Susan and I stopped over here in Harris Ranch to refuel and for late lunch on our return flight from Mexico with the Flying Samaritans. As in my previous visit, we experienced light chops in the pattern; must be a combination of the afternoon heat and wind from nearby hills. The airport was very active during our visit with several planes parked, and someone is landing or taking off every few minutes --- definitely a popular stopover. The runways and ramp are well maintained; the nearby restaurant is comfortably cooler than the outside afternoon heat with clean restrooms. There's also a store to buy steaks, cookies, baked goods and souveniers. No pilot lounge or automated weather though. As long as the wind allows, landing typically uses Rwy.32, and Rwy. 14 for taking off. The self service fuel pump needs some updating --- it's very slow, with some confusing instructions, and during this visit, it did not print receipt. I have to go to the nearby Shell gas station to get a copy of the receipt. The restaurant is within a short walk. Once we're there, the service was quick and the food was great, although a bit pricey despite the 10% discount given to pilots. There's also a hotel nearby but that would be for the next visit to check out. A less expensive dining option is a Subway store in the Shell gas station across the airfield (-- but why go there after flying all the way here). |
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The Archer II just landed at Harris Ranch airport ramp; I used an old camera with an outdated date imprint. |
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Susan help secure the Archer before heading to the restaurant for a late lunch. |
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And this is what Harris Ranch is famous for --- steaks! |
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Fresh baked cookies and muffins at the store. |
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Despite pricey food and fuel, it's still a popular stopover among pilots. During this visit, the airport was busy with several planes in the parking the area, and someone is always landing or taking off every few minutes. |
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The restaurant is within walking distance from the ramp; there's also a hotel behind the restaurant. |
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For my first flight in 2014, finally landed at Harris Ranch. This is one airport I've been wanting to land for awhile. I've always spotted this airport everytime I drive by, or fly over to/from Southern California. This time, I landed with Josh and Tim as passengers on our way to Brackett Airport (POC) in Pomona. Visibility was slightly greater than 5 miles due to haze, and some slight turbulence in the pattern from nearby hills along left downwind of Runway 32. There were some concern from other pilots of the narrow runway(30 feet). But with calm surface wind, I didn't see any problem landing. The nearby Harris Ranch Restaurant is somewhat overpriced despite the 10% discount offered to pilots. The food is good but not exceptional for the price. And yes, the smell from the nearby cattle ranch can be smelled at pattern altitude. Flight following frequency in the area is Oakland Center: 128.70. |
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The Cessna 172 at Harris Ranch airport ramp. |
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The Harris Ranch fuel station at the background. During my visit, there were alot of airport activity with variety of GA airplanes landing and taking off. |
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