List of Airport Administration
Airports Director, Jim Thomas
jthomas@co.tuolumne.ca.us
Maintenance Technician
Tony Stephenson
tstephenson@co.tuolumne.ca.us
All Airport Staff can be reached at (209) 533-5685.
Mission Statement
MISSION STATEMENT The Mission of the Airports Department is to provide safe and efficient aviation facilities for Tuolumne County and its visitors through our commitment to quality services for all airport customers and by supporting our aviation and local communities through fiscal responsibility and professional competence in all airport activities
Columbia Airport Overview
Columbia Airport Overview
Columbia Airport is located within walking distance of the historic town of Columbia in the Sierra Nevada foothills at an elevation of 2118’. The airport features a lighted 4,650’ paved runway and a 2,600’ irrigated turf runway both of which are well maintained by the airport staff. Tail wheel aircraft come from neighboring airports to experience the fun and challenge of landing on a real grass runway.
Traffic Pattern
Columbia Airport’s traffic patterns are to the west of the airport to keep the aircraft from flying over Columbia State Park and Columbia Elementary School. The normal traffic patterns are right traffic for Runway 17, left traffic for Runway 29 and left traffic for Runway 35. Take-offs and landings are discouraged for Runway 11 due to visibility restrictions with Runway 17. There are residences all around Columbia Airport so we encourage all pilots to reduce their power settings once to a safe altitude after take-off.
Airport Businesses
Several aviation related businesses are located on the Columbia Airport which provide aviation fuels, aircraft maintenance, aircraft charter & flight instruction. Bald Eagle Aviation which provides fuel service via truck or a 24 hour fuel island. They sell both 100LL and Jet A and also operate the airport terminal and lobby. Aircraft maintenance is provided by both Aero Resources (209-5334543) and Mountain Aire (209-533-4011).
Two aircraft charter services provide fixed wing and helicopter services. Courtney Aviation (209-532-2345) has several fixed wing aircraft for charter ranging from a 4 seat Cessna to a twin turbo prop. Inter Mountain Helicopters (209-533-4374) provides helicopter charters to those that require remote access or special aircraft services.
Springfield Flying Service (209-532-4103) provides flight instruction for private pilots through commercial ratings. They have several instructors and aircraft and also an IFR certified simulator.
Airport Based Operations
Columbia Airport is the home of a California Division of Forestry Air Attack Base. They have two S2-T air tankers, a helicopter dispatched hot shot crew and an OV-10 observation aircraft. The CDF Air Attack crews respond to fires through out the area and they provide much welcomed support for fighting wildfires.
AirMed provides air ambulance services out of Columbia Airport. Their main mission is to provide emergency medical response to those in need outside the Sonora area.
Fly-In Only Campground
One of the unique features of Columbia Airport is its fly in only campground that features hot showers and flush toilets. Pilots can stay in one of 25 camp sites or pitch their tent under the wing of their airplane. Several flying organizations use Columbia Airport and the campground for their annual events.
