Hollister Municipal Airport, a public-use airport located just three nautical miles north of Hollister’s central business district, plays a vital role in the aviation landscape of the San Francisco Bay Area. Serving the city of Hollister and San Benito County, this airport offers a range of facilities and services that cater to both general aviation and military operations.
In This Article
Key Points
- Hollister Municipal Airport is a public-use airport serving the San Francisco Bay Area, particularly the city of Hollister and San Benito County.
- The airport offers facilities for general aviation and military operations, with two asphalt paved runways and a variety of based aircraft.
- Hollister Municipal Airport is a regional center for glider activity and hosts the CAL FIRE’s Hollister Air Attack Base for rapid response to wildfires.
Facilities and Operations
Spanning an area of 343 acres, Hollister Municipal Airport boasts two asphalt paved runways: 6/24, measuring 3,150 x 100 ft, and 13/31, measuring 6,350 x 100 ft. The airport accommodates a diverse fleet of 205 based aircraft, including single-engine planes (56%), multi-engine aircraft (8%), helicopters (4%), ultralights (10%), and gliders (22%).
In 2007, the airport recorded an impressive 73,000 aircraft operations, averaging 200 per day, with 98% attributed to general aviation and 2% to military operations. This level of activity underscores the airport’s significance in serving the aviation needs of the region.
Glider Activity and Emergency Response
Hollister Municipal Airport has emerged as a regional hub for glider activity, particularly after the closure of gliderports in Livermore and Fremont in 1989. The airport offers glider rides, lessons, and is home to a non-profit glider club. In 2008, Eric Rupp set a record for glider flight distance from Hollister, flying 444 miles to Calexico on the Mexican border.
In addition to recreational aviation, the airport plays a crucial role in emergency response. CAL FIRE’s Hollister Air Attack Base, situated at the airport, provides rapid response to wildfires in San Benito County and the surrounding areas of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Counties.
Compatibility Planning and Future Development
The Council of San Benito County Governments, serving as the Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) for San Benito County, is responsible for preparing and implementing the Hollister Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan. This plan, which replaces the earlier Hollister Municipal Airport Comprehensive Land Use Plan adopted in 2001, aims to ensure compatible land use development in the airport’s vicinity.
The Hollister Municipal Airport Master Plan, accepted by the Hollister City Council in 2004, outlines the city’s long-range development proposals for the airport. These include upgrading the Airport Reference Code to C-II, extending the primary runway to 7,000 feet, and making minor adjustments to the secondary runway. The 2025 activity forecast in the Airport Master Plan anticipates aircraft operations increasing from an estimated 53,000 in 2009 to approximately 73,000 by 2025.
FAQ
What types of aircraft are based at Hollister Municipal Airport?
Hollister Municipal Airport is home to a diverse fleet of 205 based aircraft, including single-engine planes (56%), multi-engine aircraft (8%), helicopters (4%), ultralights (10%), and gliders (22%).
What is the role of CAL FIRE’s Hollister Air Attack Base at the airport?
CAL FIRE’s Hollister Air Attack Base, located at Hollister Municipal Airport, provides rapid response to wildfires in San Benito County and the surrounding areas of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, and Monterey Counties.
What is the Hollister Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan?
The Hollister Municipal Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan, prepared by the Council of San Benito County Governments (serving as the Airport Land Use Commission), aims to ensure compatible land use development in the airport’s vicinity.
What are the future development plans for Hollister Municipal Airport?
The Hollister Municipal Airport Master Plan outlines the city’s long-range development proposals, which include upgrading the Airport Reference Code to C-II, extending the primary runway to 7,000 feet, and making minor adjustments to the secondary runway.
How many aircraft operations does Hollister Municipal Airport handle annually?
In 2007, Hollister Municipal Airport recorded 73,000 aircraft operations, averaging 200 per day, with 98% attributed to general aviation and 2% to military operations. The 2025 activity forecast anticipates aircraft operations increasing to approximately 73,000 by 2025.
