Private jet Zamperini Field guide
Zamperini Field (TOA) is a coastal Los Angeles airport with a 5,001-foot runway. The field sits at 103 feet elevation and 240 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. This guide covers runways, FBOs, weather, and access for private jet travelers.
- airport codes
- KTOA · TOA
- field elevation
- 103 ft
- longest runway
- 5,001 ft
- to Downtown LA
- 18 mi
When you book a private jet Zamperini Field arrival, you get a single-runway field with a 5,001-foot asphalt strip. The airport sits at 103 feet elevation, so density altitude stays manageable even on hot days. It is a general aviation facility, not a large hub, so traffic is lighter than at LAX.
Private jets at Zamperini Field range from light jets to midsize cabins. The 5,001-foot runway limits heavy long-range aircraft, but most light and midsize jets handle it comfortably. On a 90°F August day, density altitude reaches about 2,200 feet, which reduces takeoff performance but remains within limits for typical charter aircraft.
For travelers heading to the Las Vegas Strip, the field is 240 miles away, a short hop for a light jet. Charter flights from Zamperini Field to Las Vegas take under an hour in cruise. The airport's coastal location means marine air often moderates temperatures, especially in the morning.
Runway and performance data
Zamperini Field has one runway, 5,001 feet long, oriented 11/29. The elevation is 103 feet, so on a standard day density altitude is near sea level. In July, the density altitude averages 2,100 feet; in August it peaks around 2,200 feet. At 115°F, density altitude can reach 2,700 feet, which is still workable for most light and midsize jets. When planning a summer departure, then consider that a light jet with four passengers may need a longer takeoff roll. If you are flying a turboprop or light jet, then the runway length is generally sufficient for coast-to-coast legs with a fuel stop.
| Runway | Length | Width | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11L/29R | 5,001 ft | 150 ft | PEM |
| 11R/29L | 3,000 ft | 75 ft | Asphalt |
FBO and ground services
South Bay Aviation is the sole FBO at Zamperini Field. It provides fueling, hangar space, and basic passenger services. The single FBO at Zamperini Field means you should confirm services in advance, especially for larger groups. There is no on-site customs, so international arrivals must clear CBP at another airport. If your itinerary includes a cross-border leg, then plan a stop at a port of entry like LAX. When you book through a broker, they can coordinate with South Bay Aviation for your ground needs.
Best for
- Coastal Los Angeles arrivals: the airport is minutes from beaches and the South Bay.
- Light and midsize jet charters: the 5,001-foot runway suits these aircraft.
- Las Vegas trips: 240 miles to the Strip, a short flight.
- Travelers avoiding LAX congestion: Zamperini Field offers a quieter experience.
| Class | Typical runway need | Here |
|---|---|---|
| Turboprop | 3,300 ft+ | Fits |
| Light jet | 4,000 ft+ | Fits |
| Midsize jet | 5,000 ft+ | Fits |
| Super-midsize jet | 5,200 ft+ | Weight-limited |
| Heavy jet | 5,600 ft+ | Weight-limited |
Weather and density altitude by season
Summer at Zamperini Field brings high temperatures and low wet-day counts: July averages 88°F with one wet day. Density altitude in July is about 2,100 feet, rising to 2,200 feet in August. August is the hottest month at Zamperini Field with a 2,200-foot density altitude; light jets may see reduced climb rates. Winter is mild: January highs average 66°F with six wet days and density altitude around 600 feet. Spring and fall offer moderate temperatures and density altitudes between 900 and 1,700 feet. If you travel in midsummer, then schedule morning departures to take advantage of cooler, denser air. When density altitude is high, then your pilot may adjust fuel or passenger loads accordingly.
| Month | Avg high | Wet days | Density altitude |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 66°F | 6 | 600 ft |
| Feb | 69°F | 5 | 800 ft |
| Mar | 70°F | 8 | 900 ft |
| Apr | 76°F | 3 | 1,300 ft |
| May | 76°F | 3 | 1,300 ft |
| Jun | 83°F | 1 | 1,700 ft |
| Jul | 88°F | 1 | 2,100 ft |
| Aug | 90°F | 1 | 2,200 ft |
| Sep | 88°F | 1 | 2,100 ft |
| Oct | 83°F | 2 | 1,700 ft |
| Nov | 75°F | 2 | 1,200 ft |
| Dec | 67°F | 5 | 700 ft |
Access and location
Zamperini Field is located in Torrance, about 20 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles. The airport sits 240 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, making it a convenient departure point for Nevada-bound flights. Surface access is via Interstate 405 and Pacific Coast Highway, though travel times vary with traffic. If you arrive during peak hours, then allow extra time for the drive. When you book a private jet Zamperini Field, your broker can arrange ground transportation to nearby hotels and business districts.
Private jet routes via Zamperini
These 6 private jet city pairs span 199 to 2,129 nautical miles, with single-way light jet quotes from $4,000 to $36,000.
Questions about this airport
What is the runway length at Zamperini Field?
Zamperini Field has a single runway 5,001 feet long. This length accommodates most light and midsize jets, but not large long-range aircraft. The runway is oriented 11/29, and the airport elevation is 103 feet. When planning a flight, then verify your aircraft's performance requirements, especially on hot days when density altitude rises.
How far is private jet Zamperini Field from Los Angeles?
Zamperini Field is about 20 miles southwest of downtown Los Angeles, in Torrance. The drive via Interstate 405 typically takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic. The airport is also 240 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, a short hop for light jets. When you arrive, then consider pre-arranged ground transportation to avoid delays.
What FBOs operate at Zamperini Field?
South Bay Aviation is the only FBO at Zamperini Field. It offers fueling, hangar space, and basic passenger services. Because there is only one FBO, you should confirm availability and services in advance. If you require customs, then plan to clear at another airport like LAX. When booking, then ask your broker to coordinate with South Bay Aviation for your ground needs.
What is the density altitude at Zamperini Field in summer?
In July, the average density altitude at Zamperini Field is 2,100 feet; in August, it rises to 2,200 feet. At 115°F, it can reach 2,700 feet. This affects takeoff performance for light jets. If you fly in midsummer, then schedule morning departures when temperatures are lower. When density altitude is high, then your pilot may reduce fuel or passenger load to ensure safe performance.
Can I fly internationally from Zamperini Field?
No, Zamperini Field does not have on-site customs. For international flights, you must clear CBP at a port of entry such as LAX. If your itinerary includes a cross-border leg, then plan a stop at a customs facility. When booking, then inform your broker so they can arrange the routing and coordinate with CBP.
How does Zamperini Field compare to Van Nuys for private jets?
Zamperini Field has a 5,001-foot runway and elevation of 103 feet, while Van Nuys has an 8,001-foot runway and elevation of 802 feet. Van Nuys is busier and supports larger aircraft, but Zamperini Field offers a quieter coastal alternative. July density altitude at Zamperini is 2,100 feet versus 2,900 feet at Van Nuys. If you need a longer runway, then Van Nuys may be preferable. When flying a light jet, then Zamperini Field is often sufficient.