Perris Valley Airport is a privately owned and operated airport open to public use and located one mile (1.6 km) southeast of Perris, serving Riverside County, California, United States. It has one runway and is used for general aviation and extensive skydiving. The airport operates from dawn to dusk daily year-round.

Facilities

Perris Valley Airport has one runway: The airport does not have a control tower, runway lights, or approach lights. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) classifies the northern 1900 ft section of runway in poor condition. FAA inspectors determined the remaining 3200 ft section of runway is in good condition. The northern 1000 ft is closed indefinitely. Aircraft maintenance and repair services are available. The airport provides aviation fuel to the general public only on an emergency basis. The airport is home to 125 ultralight aircraft and 16 conventional aircraft. Conventional aircraft include ten single engine planes, five twin engine planes, and one jet aircraft. The primary occupant is Skydive Perris. A skydiving drop zone operates at the airport, and skydivers land about 50 feet from the runway. Skydiving operations run from early morning to dusk daily unless limited by weather or safety factors. Skydive Perris operates a fleet of six aircraft, consisting of a Skyvan, a Super 300 Twin Otter, two Super Twin Otters, a Pilatus Porter and a twin engine DC-9 jet. The DC-9 is the only civilian jet FAA-certified for skydiving. Skydivers fly to jump altitude (13,000 feet) in about 12 minutes. Skydive Perris provides skydiving opportunities to beginners and experts alike. Beginners can choose Tandem or Accelerated Freefall skydiving. As a drop zone, Skydive Perris was small compared to the neighboring world-famous Lake Elsinore drop zone until heavy rains flooded the airport in 1980 and the skydivers moved to Perris for a drop zone. Perris Valley Airport gained worldwide recognition that year when the world record night dive of 27 jumpers was organized.

Accidents and incidents