Merced Yosemite Regional (KMCE), California
Landing essentials
Whether you can land, whether you can refuel, and how customs works here.
Overview
Merced Yosemite Regional Airport (KMCE) is a public, non-towered airport serving Merced, California, roughly 49 nautical miles from the nearest metro area. The field offers a single paved runway, 12/30, at 5,914 by 150 feet, along with 100LL and Jet A fuel. FAA TFMSC data for 2025 places KMCE in tier 1, with business aviation accounting for the large majority of its annual operations.
Runways
Merced Yosemite Regional has one paved runway, 12/30, 5,914 ft long and 150 ft wide, with an asphalt surface.
Runway geometry from published threshold coordinates. Not for navigation.
Source: FAA Form 5010.
Fuel and airfield services
Merced Yosemite Regional has Jet A and 100LL available on the field. Fueling is available from 6am to 6pm, daily, and the airport has no control tower.
Source: FAA Form 5010 / NASR.
Customs
Merced Yosemite Regional does not clear customs. The nearest port of entry is Fresno Yosemite International (KFAT), 49 NM away.
Source: CBP list of ports of entry.
Business aviation traffic
Merced Yosemite Regional recorded 3,165 business aviation movements in 2025. Traffic peaks in December. Business aviation traffic at KMCE is concentrated toward the end of the year, with December showing the highest monthly operations count in 2025.
Business jet movements, FAA TFMSC count. Peak month December, 332 movements in 2025.
Source: FAA TFMSC, business jet movements, 2025.
Climate
Merced Yosemite Regional averages 27.4 days above 90°F in July and 11.2 freeze days in December. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 96.3°F, and January the coldest, at 55.6°F.
Weather station is on the field. Some values are estimated by the agency. 1991–2020 climate normals.
Source: NOAA NCEI.
Operating constraints
Merced Yosemite Regional has published operating constraints in four categories: access, runway notes, noise procedures and other notes.
Prior permission is required 24 hours in advance for unscheduled aircraft operations with more than 30 passenger seats. Contact the airport manager.
For clearance delivery, contact NorCal Approach.
MALSR is activated for Runway 30; REIL for Runway 12; PAPI for Runway 30; and HIRL for Runway 12/30, all controlled via CTAF. Key the mic 7 times for high intensity, 5 times for medium, or 3 times for low. VASI for Runway 12 operates continuously.
Runway 30 is the preferred wind runway.
Increased seagull activity has been observed on the runway in puddles.
Noise abatement procedures are in effect. Aircraft are recommended to remain east or west of the city of Merced when at altitudes above 1,500 feet MSL. Aircraft departing on Runway 12 should not make left turns over the city until reaching 3,000 feet MSL.
Fuel is available after hours. Self-service 100LL is available 24/7.
Be alert for extensive student training activity within 10 nautical miles of the airport. Two-way radio communication is recommended.
Source: FAA Chart Supplement.
Nearby airfields
Merced Yosemite Regional has five airfields within 35 NM. The closest is Castle (KMER), 6.30 NM northwest.
Part of the California Central Valley area.
Source: Skystar calculation from official coordinates.
Skystar at KMCE
We arrange catering, fuel and trip support here. Supplier prices reach you unchanged; our coordination fee sits on its own line.
The same order, priced two ways.
$2,400.00 catering order at KMCE.
Unchanged.
What the kitchen invoices us is what your quote reads.
One line, fixed.
It does not move with the size of the order.
At cost.
Passed on at the exact amount the processor took.
Market practice figures are industry averages, not a specific competitor.
Frequently asked questions
What is KMCE and where is it located?
KMCE is Merced Yosemite Regional Airport, a public-use, non-towered field in Merced, California. The airport sits at an elevation of 155 feet and offers a single paved runway, 12/30, measuring 5,914 feet by 150 feet. It is classified as a tier 1 facility based on FAA TFMSC traffic data for 2025, reflecting a meaningful volume of business aviation activity. Merced Yosemite Regional serves as a regional gateway roughly 49 nautical miles from the nearest metro area. Its runway length and asphalt surface support a range of business aircraft.
What fuel is available at Merced Yosemite Regional Airport?
Merced Yosemite Regional Airport, KMCE, offers both 100LL and Jet A fuel. Self-service 100LL is available 24/7, giving operators access outside the standard attendance schedule. Jet A and after-hours fuel service require contacting the airport, as the automated self-service option applies specifically to 100LL. The airport's standard attendance schedule runs daily from 0600 to 1800 local time. Operators planning arrivals outside these hours should account for the after-hours fuel arrangement noted for full-service fuel.
Does KMCE have customs clearance onsite?
KMCE, Merced Yosemite Regional Airport, does not have customs service onsite. The nearest customs facility is at KFAT, located approximately 48.82 nautical miles away. Operators requiring international clearance need to route through KFAT or another designated customs airport rather than clearing directly at Merced. This distance should factor into routing and fuel planning for any flight requiring customs processing near the Merced area. No onsite customs type is listed for this airport.
Are there noise abatement or traffic pattern procedures at Merced Yosemite Regional Airport?
Yes, Merced Yosemite Regional Airport has active noise abatement procedures. Aircraft are recommended to remain east or west of the city of Merced when operating at altitudes above 1,500 feet MSL. Aircraft departing Runway 12 should avoid left turns over the city until reaching 3,000 feet MSL. Pilots should also expect extensive student training activity within 10 nautical miles of the airport, and two-way radio communication is recommended in that area. Runway 30 is noted as the preferred wind runway at KMCE.
When is business aviation traffic busiest at KMCE?
Business aviation traffic at Merced Yosemite Regional Airport, KMCE, is concentrated toward the end of the calendar year. December recorded 332 business aviation operations in 2025, the highest monthly figure of the year according to FAA TFMSC data. This compares to lower counts in February and March, which saw 226 and 237 operations respectively. The airport's overall annual business aviation total for 2025 reached 3,165 operations out of 3,591 total operations. Dispatchers scheduling December operations at KMCE should expect relatively higher traffic volume that month.