Ely Airport (Yelland Field) (ELY)

Ely Airport (KELY), also known as Yelland Field, serves as a vital aviation hub for the remote high desert community of Ely in east-central Nevada. Situated at an elevation of 6,259 feet within White Pine County, the airport provides essential connectivity for the region's prominent copper mining and ranching industries. Its strategic location in the Great Basin makes it a primary choice for government officials, mining executives, and outdoor enthusiasts heading to the nearby Great Basin National Park and the historic Nevada Northern Railway.

The passenger terminal is a functional county-owned facility designed to cater primarily to general aviation and charter operations. Inside, visitors will find a dedicated pilot's lounge and a flight planning area, offering a professional environment for crews transitioning through the remote Nevada interior. While the terminal lacks commercial dining or retail shops, it provides a necessary base for the Ely Jet Center, the on-site FBO that manages aircraft services. The facility is well-equipped for transient aircraft, offering both 100LL and Jet-A fueling, as well as ample tie-down space and hangar storage for overnight or long-term stays.

Operational activity at Yelland Field is diverse, supporting critical community services such as air ambulance flights and regional cargo handling. During the summer months from May to September, the airport is also a popular site for glider towing, taking advantage of the region's significant thermal activity. Pilots should be mindful of 'density altitude' considerations due to the airport's high elevation and often high desert temperatures. The airport maintains two paved runways, including a primary 6,017-foot surface (18/36), with approach lighting systems and precision markings to ensure that this isolated frontier town remains connected to the broader aviation network despite the challenging Great Basin terrain.