โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
60
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Hollister Municipal Airport (HLI), identified by its ICAO code KCVH, is a significant public-use general aviation facility located approximately 5 kilometers north of downtown Hollister in San Benito County, California. Originally established as a private grass airstrip in 1912, the field was later transformed into a U.S. Navy Air Auxiliary Station during World War II. Today, it serves as a premier destination for recreational and sport aviation, recognized as a regional hub for glider activity and high-altitude skydiving. Its strategic location at the southern end of the Santa Clara Valley makes it a vital asset for both the local community and the Silicon Valley aerospace sector.
The airport features a dedicated passenger terminal building that serves as the professional gateway for all ground operations and aviator services. While it does not host scheduled commercial airline traffic, the facility provides a welcoming environment for visiting pilots, including a comfortable waiting area, administrative offices, and a dedicated pilot's lounge managed by the Hollister Jet Center. The layout is designed for maximum efficiency, allowing aircraft to move quickly between the two asphalt runwaysโthe longest extending over 6,300 feetโand the aircraft parking ramps. The facility also serves as a critical base for CAL FIRE's Hollister Air Attack Base, supporting rapid wildfire response across the Central Coast.
Facilities at Hollister Municipal are tailored to the needs of the sport aviation and emergency services communities. The airport offers comprehensive services including 100LL and Jet-A fueling, aircraft maintenance, and ample hangar space. It is a world-renowned site for soaring, offering glider rides and lessons, and hosts multiple skydiving centers such as Skydive Hollister and Silicon Valley Skydiving. While the terminal does not host commercial retail or dining, its proximity to the city of Hollister ensures that visitors have easy access to a variety of California restaurants and the famous Hollister hills. Ground transportation is well-supported with rental cars available on-site and local ride-sharing services providing a smooth link to the nearby tech corridor.
๐ Connection Tips
Hollister Municipal Airport is a general aviation and sport facility and does not handle scheduled commercial flights. Standard commercial Minimum Connection Times (MCT) are not applicable here. If your itinerary involves a transfer from a private charter or skydiving flight at HLI to a commercial airline, you must travel to San Jose Mineta International Airport (SJC), located 50 miles north, or Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), 45 miles southwest. The drive to San Jose typically takes 60 minutes via US-101; allow at least 3.5 hours for the transfer to account for Silicon Valley traffic and commercial security protocols at SJC. For private and sport travelers, connections at HLI usually involve transitioning from aircraft to pre-arranged ground transport.
Fixed-base operators (FBOs) like Hollister Jet Center manage these transfers efficiently. The airportโs layout allows for quick air-to-ground transitions, often completed in under 15 minutes. Since the facility lacks a permanent on-site taxi rank, all ground logistics, including rental car deliveries or private shuttles, should be coordinated in advance. This ensures that your baggage and ground transportation are handled seamlessly upon your arrival in San Benito County. When using HLI, verify the operating hours of the FBO services and fueling availability.
If you have a wait between flights, the terminal provides a quiet environment for work. However, the airportโs proximity to downtown Hollisterโjust a 10-minute driveโmakes it easy to access local restaurants and business centers. For layovers of 4 hours or more, a visit to the historic Mission San Juan Bautista is highly recommended. Always carry your own essential supplies, as the terminal does not host commercial dining. The facility provides a professional and active environment for all regional aviation and aerial firefighting needs.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
60
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Apalachicola Regional Airport (AAF), also known as Cleve Randolph Field, is a public-use facility that primarily serves the general aviation needs of Franklin County, Florida. The terminal experience here is centered around a well-maintained general aviation building that houses the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation. Unlike commercial hubs, the atmosphere is quiet and professional, catering to private pilots, corporate travelers, and flight training operations. The terminal provides essential services such as a pilot lounge, a flight planning room, and basic administrative offices, all within a compact and easily navigable single-story structure.
The facility is designed for quick transitions from landside to airside, with a parking area located just steps away from the terminal entrance. Inside, visitors will find a clean and welcoming environment with comfortable seating and access to restrooms. While there are no sprawling retail concourses or food courts, the FBO staff are known for their hospitality, often providing complimentary coffee and assistance with ground logistics. The terminal also serves as a hub for local aviation events and military training exercises, reflecting the airport's diverse role in the regional aviation landscape of the Florida Panhandle.
For those arriving by private or charter aircraft, the terminal offers seamless access to the airfield's three concrete runways. There are no jet bridges; instead, passengers deplane directly onto the apron and walk a short distance to the FBO building. Security is managed through standard general aviation protocols rather than TSA checkpoints, allowing for a much faster arrival and departure process. Despite its simplicity, the terminal at AAF provides a high level of service for the general aviation community, offering a gateway to the historic city of Apalachicola and the pristine beaches of St. George Island.
๐ Connection Tips
Connecting at Apalachicola Regional Airport is different from commercial transfers as the airport does not host scheduled airline services. All connections are between private, corporate, or charter flights. If you are planning a multi-leg journey through AAF, coordination with the Fixed-Base Operator (FBO), Centric Aviation, is essential. They assist with aircraft staging, refueling with 100LL or Jet-A, and ensuring ground support equipment is ready. The airport operates without a control tower, so pilots must use the Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (CTAF) for local communication.
To transition from a private flight at AAF to a commercial airline, the nearest options are Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) or Tallahassee International Airport (TLH). Both are about an 80 to 90-minute drive from Apalachicola. Since there are no on-site rental car agencies with permanent counters, you must pre-arrange vehicle delivery or shuttle services. Many travelers find it convenient to use local taxi services or pre-arranged private transfers to reach these commercial hubs or destinations along the Forgotten Coast.
Ground logistics should be planned with the airport's operating hours in mind, as services are typically available from 08:00 to 19:00. If you require an after-hours arrival or departure, coordinate in advance with the FBO for terminal access and fuel. The rural area means ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft are not reliably available, so a confirmed transport plan is crucial. Whether you are connecting to a fishing charter, a meeting, or a commercial flight elsewhere, AAF offers a low-stress environment provided that your ground and air logistics are meticulously pre-arranged.
โ Back to Hollister Municipal Airport