FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I get to the Airport?
The airport is located 4 miles northeast of Paso Robles. From highway 101, go 3 miles
east on Highway 46. Turn left on Airport Road. Go north 2 miles. The Airport is on
the right.
Can I leave my car there?
Long-term parking is available in the south terminal parking lot. Vehicles left over
10 days in any calendar month are charged $20 for the month.
Do you have airline service?
There is no scheduled commercial airline service at Paso Robles; there are charter
services available.
What is the availability of hangars?
There are over 130 individual aircraft storage hangars on the airport. Each one is
individually owned. There is no established waiting list or central office to control
the rentals. Hangars that are for rent or for sale are usually advertised by means of
a sign on the front door of the hangar and a card on the bulletin boards in the
Terminal and the FBO Fueling Office. There are typically 3 or 4 hangars available for
rent at any given time. The rental rates run from $200–$250 for small hangars;
$300–350 for the mid-size; and $500–$700 for the larger 50' x 50' units.
How do I lease property on the airport?
There is land available for lease—both aviation and industrial developments, Airport
property is not sold. The process begins with a written Letter of Intent to the City.
Once the proposal is “first-in-line” for a parcel, the proposal process continues
with a Development Application, a Development Plan, and the negotiation process for a
long-term lease. A standard lease may be 20 years, possibly with options to renew.
Rental rates are based on the fee simple appraised value of the land with annual
escalations coupled to CPI. See Lease page for more
information.
What is an Avigation Easement?
An Avigation Easement is a legal document granted by the property owner, signifying
that notification was given regarding the airport in the vicinity, that the airport
produces noise and annoyances and that it is accepted. The easement is recorded with
the County Clerk-Recorder and is attached to a property deed. The easement provides
protected airspace and aircraft operating areas above the subject property.
If I buy property next to the airport, what can I build on it?
The City general plan and
zoning map provide for building allowances within city limits. The
Airport Land Use Plan identifies compatible land uses for all areas within the immediate vicinity
of the airport including those outside City limits. It outlines the requirements for
construction, the allowable densities for building and people in specific areas, and
the types of uses that are compatible with airport operations, noise and safety
concerns.
Can I learn to fly?
Flight schools are operated as individual businesses on the airport. Typically, the
student rents the training aircraft and hires the certified Flight Instructor as a
package. The Private Pilot license first requires training 40 hours total time—20
hours with an instructor (dual), 20 hours without (solo), with ground training also
required. Ultimately, in order to obtain a license, the prospective pilot must pass a
test administered by the
FAA.
What is that airplane doing over my house?
Typically, any aircraft that is maneuvering, or perceived to be maneuvering, in an
unnatural or unordinary manner is believed to be unsafe. This raises concerns from
persons on the ground. In reality, most aircraft operation is quite safe and legal.
Airplanes are required to maintain 500 feet of distance—either above or horizontally
from any persons or structures in sparsely population areas. In densely populated
areas, the required distance is 1000 feet. Helicopters are allowed to operate with
less clearance.
It is rare that the noise generated from one aircraft overflight would exceed the legal noise limits for an area; however, accumulated overflight noise may become an annoyance. In these cases, the Airport may be notified and an attempt will be made to identify the aircraft.