Apple Valley Airport (APV)

Apple Valley Airport (APV) is a public-use general aviation facility located in the High Desert region of San Bernardino County, California. It does not host scheduled commercial airline flights, serving instead as a vital hub for private aviation, corporate travel, and flight training. The airport is also a strategic base for aerial firefighting operations during the wildfire season. The terminal building functions primarily as a center for pilot services and community interaction rather than high-volume passenger processing. It features a welcoming atmosphere typical of general aviation airports, often acting as a meeting point for local aviators and visitors.

One of the airport's notable features is its on-site restaurant, which offers views of the runway and serves as a popular destination for both pilots flying in for a meal (the "hundred-dollar hamburger") and local residents. Aside from dining, the terminal provides essential Fixed Base Operator (FBO) services, including fuel, aircraft parking, a pilot lounge, and flight planning rooms. There are no TSA security checkpoints or boarding gates, allowing for hassle-free access for private flyers. Car rental services are typically available on-site or by arrangement, facilitating ground transport to the surrounding Victor Valley area.

Operational procedures at APV are governed by visual and instrument flight rules suitable for the high desert environment. Pilots should be aware of the potential for high density altitude and strong winds characteristic of the region. For travelers, the airport offers a convenient and uncongested alternative to the larger commercial hubs in the Los Angeles basin, provided they have access to private or chartered aircraft. The facility is well-maintained, with ample ramp space and hangars, reflecting its role in supporting both recreational flying and business logistics in the High Desert.