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Palmdale Regional Airport (PMD) is a public airport in the Antelope Valley, about 60 miles north of Los Angeles. It shares its runways with USAF Plant 42, a major aerospace manufacturing and test facility that has produced iconic aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird and B-2 Spirit. While it was designed as a reliever for LAX, it currently has no scheduled commercial passenger service and primarily supports general aviation, military operations, and flight testing.
💡 Local Tip
Aviation enthusiasts should visit the Joe Davies Heritage Airpark adjacent to Plant 42, which displays historic aircraft like the SR-71 Blackbird and is free to the public. It's a unique spot that most travelers miss.
🚖 Getting There
The airport is located about 6 miles northeast of downtown Palmdale, accessible by car via Sierra Highway or 10th Street East. There is no direct public transit to the terminal; the nearest bus stop is served by Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) routes, but a taxi or rideshare is more practical. Rental cars are available on-site, and the drive to Los Angeles takes about 1.5 hours without traffic.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there commercial flights to Palmdale Regional Airport?
A: No, as of 2024, PMD has no scheduled passenger airline service. The airport primarily handles general aviation, military, and aerospace testing flights.
Q: What is USAF Plant 42?
A: Plant 42 is a U.S. Air Force facility adjacent to the airport that serves as a manufacturing and testing site for major aerospace companies, including Lockheed Martin's Skunk Works and Northrop Grumman. It is not open to the public.
Q: How far is Palmdale from Los Angeles?
A: Palmdale is about 60 miles (97 km) north of downtown Los Angeles, typically a 1.5-hour drive depending on traffic.
Q: Can I fly my private plane into PMD?
A: Yes, the airport is open to general aviation and has a control tower, fuel services, and hangar space. Prior permission may be required for some operations due to the joint-use with Plant 42.
AI-generated content · Generated Sep 28, 2026 · deepseek-v4.1-flash