Clayton Municipal Airpark (CAO)

Current Conditions at KCAO

Clayton Municipal Airpark, 16399 US-64, Clayton, NM 88415

Airport Overview

The Clayton, NM region is served by Clayton Municipal Airpark (KCAO), a public-use airport at 4,965 feet elevation. Runway infrastructure includes 1 strip(s); the primary surface extends 0 feet (N/A). Operators and private travelers use Clayton Municipal Airpark for its direct ramp access and minimal ground delays. For official FAA airport data, visit the FAA Airport Data portal or AirNav KCAO.

Private Aviation Briefing

Clayton Municipal Airpark provides general aviation access to the Clayton area. The field sits at 4,965 ft MSL MSL. Here is the charter and operational briefing for KCAO.

U.S. General Aviation Context

Clayton Municipal Airpark is part of the U.S. National Airspace System, regulated by the FAA. As a NM facility, the airport contributes to the regional transportation network connecting Clayton to the broader aviation system. FAA Part 135 charter operators serve this airport, and The Jet Finder can source aircraft positioned near KCAO for on-demand charter.

Runway Capability

6851 feet of runway at Clayton Municipal Airpark supports light jets through most super-midsize jets. Aircraft like the Phenom 300, Citation XLS, Challenger 350, and Gulfstream G280 operate comfortably from KCAO. Heavy jets (Gulfstream G550/G650, Global Express) require performance calculations accounting for temperature, weight, and field elevation before committing to this runway length.

Charter Considerations

When chartering from Clayton Municipal Airpark, consider the round-trip economics. One-way charters incur a repositioning fee (the empty leg back to base). Round-trips from KCAO eliminate this cost. For one-way flights, The Jet Finder checks for aircraft that need to reposition through Clayton anyway, reducing or eliminating the empty-leg premium.

What to Know Before You Fly

Arrive at the FBO 15 to 20 minutes before departure. That is the entire pre-flight process for private charter from Clayton Municipal Airpark. No security lines, no boarding groups, no gate announcements. Your vehicle pulls up to the aircraft, luggage is loaded directly, and you board at your convenience.

Safety & Planning

The Jet Finder sources charter aircraft exclusively from FAA Part 135 certified operators. Every crew flying from Clayton Municipal Airpark meets federal duty time, rest, and recurrency requirements. We verify operator certifications, audit history, and insurance coverage before presenting any aircraft option from KCAO to our clients.

Airport Selection Strategy

Clayton Municipal Airpark serves the Clayton market for private aviation. Airport selection affects charter cost through positioning fees, landing charges, and fuel prices. An airport 20 miles farther from your destination but with lower fees and better aircraft availability can save thousands on a charter. The Jet Finder runs this analysis for every booking from the Clayton area.

Seasonal Factors

Summer density altitude affects aircraft performance at Clayton Municipal Airpark, particularly on hot afternoons when field elevation of 4,965 ft MSL increases effective altitude. Early morning departures maximize payload and performance from KCAO. The Jet Finder schedules departures to optimize aircraft performance when density altitude is a factor.

Location & Address

Geographically, Clayton Municipal Airpark (KCAO) is located at 36.4464° N, -103.1547° W near Clayton, NM. Ground transportation from KCAO to Clayton proper is typically a short drive. Private aviation eliminates the hours that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Runways & Facilities

At 0 feet, Clayton Municipal Airpark's runway accommodates piston singles and light turboprops. Jet operations are not practical at this field length. Pilots flying larger aircraft should plan for a nearby airport with more runway.

FBOs & Ground Services

Aircraft services at KCAO are handled by the airport's fixed base operation. Standard general aviation services — fuel, parking, aircraft positioning — are typically available during operating hours. Contact Clayton Municipal Airpark directly for current service hours, fuel pricing, and hangar availability.

Charter a Jet from Clayton Municipal Airpark

Private charter from KCAO starts with a single call. The Jet Finder sources aircraft from a nationwide network of FAA Part 135 operators, matching runway capabilities at KCAO with the right aircraft for your route.

Fly Private from KCAO

The Jet Finder coordinates charter flights from Clayton Municipal Airpark. Tell us your destination, dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KCAO's runway and facilities.

Airport Specifications

Airport Identity
Airport Name	Clayton Municipal Airpark
ICAO Code	KCAO
IATA Code	CAO
FAA Identifier	CAO
Address	16399 US-64, Clayton, NM 88415
Elevation	4,965 ft MSL
Coordinates	36.4464° N, 103.1547° W
Owner / Operator	City of Clayton
Phone	+1-575-374-2451
FAA Data	AirNav CAO

Operations & Facilities
Runways	7/25: 6,851 ft (Asphalt)
FBOs	Clayton Aviation
Customs	No — use nearest airport of entry
Fuel	Jet-A, 100LL
Hours	24/7
Approaches	ILS, RNAV, VOR, Visual
Tower / Freq	Contact Clayton Municipal Airpark tower for frequencies
Annual Operations	1,000+

Regional Aviation Context

New Mexico's high desert airports sit at significant elevations. Many fields exceed 5,000 feet MSL. Clear skies and low humidity are typical, but density altitude during summer demands conservative planning.

Operational Considerations

At 4,965 feet MSL, Clayton Municipal Airpark operates at moderate elevation. Standard-day density altitude matches field elevation, but summer temperatures can push it above 6,765 feet. The 0-foot runway delivers approximately 0 feet of sea-level equivalent performance after altitude correction. Pilots transitioning from sea-level airports should plan for longer ground rolls and reduced initial climb performance at Clayton Municipal Airpark.

Clayton Municipal Airpark's temperate latitude produces generally favorable flying conditions with seasonal variation. Winter brings frontal passages that can drop ceilings to IFR minimums for 24-48 hour periods. Freezing precipitation is possible but less persistent than at higher latitudes. Summer convective activity peaks in late afternoon — morning departures typically encounter smoother, clearer conditions. Year-round instrument currency is recommended for reliable scheduling.

Nearby Airports

Airports within 150 nautical miles of Clayton Municipal Airpark. Useful for alternate planning, repositioning, or comparing FBO options.

Boise City Airport

K17K · 37 NM from KCAO

Perkins Prothro Cimarron Ranch Airport

5TE4 · 37 NM from KCAO

Dalhart Municipal Airport

KDHT · 39 NM from KCAO

Miller Airfield

25TS · 41 NM from KCAO

Frequently Asked Questions

Clayton Municipal Airpark is designated KCAO in the FAA system. Pilots and dispatchers use this code for flight planning, weather briefings, and NOTAMs associated with the airport.

Clayton Municipal Airpark (KCAO) sits at 36.4464° N, 103.1547° W, near Clayton, NM. At 4,965 feet MSL, the airport provides general aviation access to the surrounding region.

1 runway(s) at Clayton Municipal Airpark. The longest, 7/25, measures 0 feet with a Asphalt surface, supporting most general aviation and light jet traffic.

KCAO supports private jet operations. The 0-foot runway accommodates light jets and turboprops in most conditions. Pilots of larger aircraft should calculate required distances based on weight, temperature, and elevation before committing.

The FBO at Clayton Municipal Airpark handles fuel, parking, and ground coordination for arriving aircraft. Visit AirNav for current operator contact information at KCAO. Pre-arrival calls are advisable.

Clayton Municipal Airpark has a field elevation of 4,965 feet above mean sea level. This affects aircraft performance calculations, particularly during hot weather when density altitude increases.

Instrument approach availability at Clayton Municipal Airpark depends on the facility's current FAA designation. Check the Terminal Procedures Publication or ForeFlight/Garmin Pilot for published approaches at KCAO.

Contact The Jet Finder for charter availability from Clayton Municipal Airpark (KCAO). Provide your destination, travel dates, and passenger count. We source aircraft from FAA Part 135 operators matched to KCAO's runway and facilities.

Clayton Municipal Airpark's 0-foot primary runway accommodates most general aviation traffic. Turboprops and light jets are the largest categories that operate routinely. Jet operations beyond light category should be verified against performance requirements.

Radio frequencies for Clayton Municipal Airpark (KCAO) appear in the A/FD and electronic chart supplements. If untowered, use standard CTAF procedures for traffic separation and position reporting.

Fuel availability at Clayton Municipal Airpark (KCAO) should be confirmed before arrival. Most GA airports offer 100LL (avgas). Jet-A availability varies by facility. Check AirNav for current fuel types and pricing.

International operations from Clayton Municipal Airpark require U.S. Customs and Border Protection clearance. Some airports arrange CBP on-call or by appointment. Contact KCAO and The Jet Finder for international flight planning.

Aviation weather for Clayton Municipal Airpark is reported under identifier KCAO. Monitor METAR, TAF, and PIREP data through official sources. NM's climate affects ceiling, visibility, and wind conditions at the field.

Transit from Clayton Municipal Airpark to Clayton proper is typically a short ground drive. The exact distance depends on your destination within the Clayton area. Private aviation eliminates the hour+ that commercial airport processing adds to your trip.

Clayton Municipal Airpark offers aircraft parking for visiting and based aircraft. Tiedown and hangar rates at KCAO should be confirmed directly with the airport. Overnight parking may require advance arrangement.

Request a charter quote from KCAO through The Jet Finder. Provide departure date, destination, passenger count, and luggage requirements. We source availability from multiple Part 135 operators for competitive pricing.