CorvAIRCRAFT College V
This time it's on the west coast!

Jan 17-18, 2004

Commercial Airline Information
 

Fresno Air Terminal (FAT), located on the east side of Fresno CA, is the largest "local" commercial airport, and probably the best place to consider flying in to. It's located roughly 40 driving miles north of Hanford. 

Air Wisconsin/United Express

Alaska Airlines

Allegiant Airlines

America West/Mesa Airlines

American/American Eagle

Continental Airlines

Delta Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines

Horizon Airlines

Northwest Airlines

Skywest Airlines/United

United Airlines

Flying America West? Consider flying in to Bakersfield (BFL). BFL is 80 miles south of Hanford (FAT is 40 miles north of Hanford). Since all America West flights go by way of Phoenix, and since Phoenix is closer to Bakersfield than it is to Fresno, it's entirely possible to save $100 by going to BFL rather than FAT. It might be cheap enough to offset the extra 30-40 min travel (each way) to make it worth while. When I use America West, I consider this option. In addition to saving money, I'd rather fly out of the MUCH smaller BFL than FAT. Although FAT is by no means considered a large airport, BFL is tiny. Remember the old TV show comedy "Wings"? The terminal at BFL is a little bigger than the terminal on Wings. You MIGHT have to walk 100 yards to the parking lot, where as at FAT, you'll walk 300-400 yards to baggage claim. Either way, from PHX to BFL or PHX to FAT, you'll be in a Turboprop.

Another hint, check with the airlines directly. I have almost always got a better price from the airlines than I did with Travelocity and the like, and I got to choose my seat. Sometimes however, the airlines will say they are sold out, but I could get a seat through Travelocity anyhow, so it works both ways.

Driving Directions, FAT to HJO

• Leaving FAT, turn LEFT at the first light. This should put you southbound on East Clinton Way.

• When you reach McKinley, turn LEFT (east) and expect to make a right turn at the next intersection, which is Clovis Avenue.

• Turn RIGHT (south) on Clovis Ave.

• About 8 miles later, you'll arrive at Highway 99

• Cross under the bridge and turn left (south) to the 99 south onramp.

• About 6 miles later you'll come to the town of Selma. Take the Hanford exit for Highway 43 south.

• Once established on 43 south, sit back and relax, it's another 20 miles or so.

• You'll have to watch for it, but there's actually a Hanford exit from highway 43.

• Turn RIGHT at the Hanford exit, which will curve around and continue south.

• Continue south on 10th Avenue.

• Once on 10th ave, it's about another 3 miles to Hanford/Armona Road. You'll cross a few major roads first. Grangeville Blvd (which is under construction), Lacey Blvd, and  Highway 198 are a few landmarks along the way. You'll know that you are getting close when you see the Kings County Fairgrounds on the left.

• At the intersection of Hanford/Armona Road, turn LEFT.

• Head east on Hanford/Armona Road less than 1/2 mile. The fairgrounds will be on your left, then the Hanford NOAA weather station, then the road that leads to the airport gate.