Mendocino County Airport (Little River)

Mendocino County Airport (Little River)
Name	Mendocino County Airport (Little River)
Nativename	Little River Airport
Iata	ERR
Icao	KLLR
Faa	LLR
Type	Public
Owner	Mendocino County
City-served	Mendocino County coast, Little River
Location	Mendocino Coast, California
Elevation-ft	97
Elevation-m	30
Coordinates	39°21′N 123°49′W
Runway1-number	11/29
Runway1-length-ft	3,000
Runway1-surface	Asphalt

Contents

Overview
History
Facilities and operations
Airlines and destinations
Accidents and incidents
Ground transportation and access
See also

Mendocino County Airport (Little River) is a public general aviation airport on the coastal terrace of the Mendocino Coast near Little River, serving the northern California coast. The facility supports flight operations for recreational aviation, emergency services, and coastal access, and lies within the jurisdiction of Mendocino County authorities. Its proximity to the Pacific shoreline places it near multiple State Route 1 points and regional communities.

Overview

Mendocino County Airport (Little River) is a county-owned public-use airport with a single asphalt runway, lighted and suitable for single-engine and light twin aircraft. The airport's terrain and maritime climate link it closely to Pacific Ocean weather patterns and regional aviation infrastructure such as Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, Ukiah Municipal Airport, and Arcata-Eureka Airport. It functions as a node for aerial firefighting coordination involving agencies like the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and regional emergency medical services tied to Mendocino Coast District Hospital operations. The site lies within the broader transportation network that includes State Route 128 (California) and coastal communities such as Fort Bragg, California and Westport, California.

History

The airport's origins trace to mid-20th century aviation expansion along the United States West Coast, paralleling developments at San Francisco International Airport, Oakland International Airport, and Sacramento International Airport. County acquisition and improvements occurred alongside statewide investments influenced by programs from the Federal Aviation Administration and historical initiatives linked to postwar infrastructure growth. Over time, flight activity at the field reflected trends affecting general aviation across California: fluctuations tied to fuel prices, regulatory changes from the Federal Aviation Administration, and shifts in tourism to destinations like Mendocino, California and Point Arena, California. The airport has hosted community events reflecting local cultural institutions such as the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens and has been part of coordinated responses to natural hazards affecting the California North Coast.

Facilities and operations

The airport comprises a 3,000-foot runway aligned 11/29, a lighted taxiway, a small apron, transient tiedowns, and basic pilot services. Facilities support visual flight rules operations and day/night operations with pilot-controlled lighting; nearby navigation and communication resources interoperate with Flight Service Station procedures and Air Traffic Control sectors for the region. Aircraft types commonly operating include models manufactured by Cessna, Piper Aircraft, Beechcraft, and occasional turbine helicopters from manufacturers such as Bell Helicopter and Sikorsky. Operational roles include recreational flights tied to attractions like the Glass Beach area, air ambulance flights coordinated with Mendocino Coast District Hospital, and aerial surveys supporting agencies like the United States Geological Survey.

Airlines and destinations

The airport does not host scheduled commercial airline service; instead, it accommodates on-demand charter operations, air taxi flights organized under FAA Part 135 provisions, and private general aviation movements. Nearby commercial service options in the region include scheduled flights operating from Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport and Arcata–Eureka for travelers seeking connections to larger hubs like San Francisco International Airport and Los Angeles International Airport.

Accidents and incidents

Like many small airfields, Mendocino County Airport (Little River) has experienced occasional accidents involving light aircraft and helicopters. Investigations of such events are conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration, local first responders including Mendocino County Fire Department, and regional medical facilities like Mendocino Coast District Hospital. Incidents typically cited in official records reflect factors common to coastal airports: rapidly changing Pacific Ocean weather, coastal fog influenced by California Current patterns, short-field operations, and terrain considerations near the coastal terrace.

Ground transportation and access

Ground access to the airport is primarily via State Route 1 and county roads connecting to communities such as Fort Bragg, California, Mendocino, California, and Point Arena, California. Parking is limited; rental car services and shuttle arrangements in the area are coordinated through businesses in Fort Bragg and lodging near attractions like the Skunk Train heritage railroad. Emergency ground coordination involves agencies including the Mendocino County Sheriff's Office and local ambulance providers associated with Mendocino Coast District Hospital.