If you’ve ever driven down the 210 freeway near Pomona and seen a low-flying Cessna skimming the treetops, you were likely looking at the final approach for Brackett Field La Verne California. It’s one of those places that locals often ignore until they need a shortcut to the L.A. County Fairplex or want a decent, no-frills breakfast with a view of some tarmac. Honestly, it’s more than just a strip of asphalt. It is a vital, bustling hub for general aviation that keeps the Inland Empire connected to the rest of the Southern California skies.
Brackett Field, or POC if you’re looking at a pilot’s sectional chart, isn't exactly LAX. You won't find TSA lines or $20 sandwiches here. Instead, you get a 276-acre facility that feels like a throwback to a different era of flight. It sits about 25 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, tucked neatly between the Fairplex and Puddingstone Lake.
The History Most People Get Wrong
A lot of folks think the airport was just some post-war construction project. Actually, it’s much older. Back in 1911, Calbraith Perry Rodgers landed his "Vin Fiz" biplane near where the runways are today. That was part of the first-ever transcontinental flight across the United States.
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The airport officially started as a dirt strip mowed out of a wheat field in the late 1930s. It was named after Dr. Frank Brackett, a professor at Pomona College who was basically obsessed with flying. During World War II, the Civil Air Patrol used it for training and coastal defense prep. The County of Los Angeles didn't even take over operations until 1957, and they’ve owned it since 1969.
What’s Actually Happening at Brackett Field?
You might wonder why we need a small airport in La Verne when Ontario International is just 15 minutes away. Brackett is a "reliever" airport. It handles the small stuff so the big jets at LAX and Ontario don't have to deal with student pilots or private Cessnas clogging up their patterns.
- Flight Schools: This is a major training ground. Schools like ATP Flight School and the Mt. San Antonio College Aviation Department run their programs here. If you see a plane doing "touch-and-goes"—landing and immediately taking off again—that’s a student sweating through their first solo hours.
- Emergency Response: The L.A. County Fire Department and the L.A. County Sheriff Air Units use this as a base. When those massive summer brush fires hit the foothills, Brackett often serves as a staging area for aerial firefighting.
- The Food: Norm’s Hangar Coffee Shop is the local legend. It’s open 7 AM to 3 PM. You can sit by the window, drink mediocre coffee that somehow tastes amazing because of the view, and watch private jets land. It’s a "$100 hamburger" spot—an aviation term for when pilots fly to a nearby airport just to grab a meal.
Technical Specs for the Geeks
The airport has dual parallel runways. The main one, 26L/8R, is 4,840 feet long. That’s plenty of room for most light jets and almost any propeller plane. The smaller runway, 26R/8L, is 3,661 feet and is mostly for smaller single-engine trainers.
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The elevation is 1,014 feet. This actually matters because of "density altitude." On a hot July day in La Verne, the air gets thin. A plane might feel like it's taking off from an airport at 3,000 feet, which means it needs more runway to get airborne. Pilots have to be careful here, especially with the hills to the north.
Why Brackett Field La Verne California Matters in 2026
Airports like this are under constant pressure from developers who want to turn them into warehouses or condos. But Brackett is currently undergoing some much-needed TLC. As of early 2026, the county is wrapping up the Sewer Pump and Force Main Replacement Project—not glamorous, but necessary to keep the lights on.
There is also a massive pavement reconstruction project for the north runway and cross taxiways scheduled to hit full stride this year. They’re even talking about a new Air Traffic Control Tower starting construction late in 2026. This isn't an airport that's dying; it’s an airport that’s being braced for the next 50 years.
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Misconceptions and Limitations
One thing to keep in mind: you can't just show up and catch a Southwest flight here. There is no scheduled commercial service. It’s strictly for general aviation, charters, and emergency services. Also, there is no U.S. Customs on-site. If you’re flying in from Mexico, you have to stop somewhere else first to clear your paperwork before landing here.
The noise is a common complaint for people moving into the newer developments in La Verne and San Dimas. But honestly, the airport was there first. Most of the pilots follow noise abatement procedures to keep the neighbors happy, but at the end of the day, it's a working airfield.
Actionable Insights for Visitors
- For Aspiring Pilots: Don't just walk into a flight school expecting a tour. Call ahead. ATP and Mt. SAC are busy, and they usually require appointments for admissions flights.
- For Foodies: Go to Norm’s on a weekday if you can. Weekends get packed with local families and "wing-watchers."
- For Travelers: If you're chartering a private jet for an event at the Fairplex or the NHRA drags at Pomona, POC is the only way to go. You can be out of the plane and at the track in five minutes.
- For Photographers: The public viewing area near the terminal is great for catching the golden hour light hitting the San Gabriel Mountains in the background while a plane is on short final.
If you are planning to visit or use the facilities, check the latest NOTAMs (Notices to Air Missions) if you're a pilot, as the ongoing pavement construction can lead to temporary runway closures throughout 2026.