Pahute Mesa Airstrip (L23), Nevada
Landing essentials
Whether you can land, whether you can refuel, and how customs works here.
Overview
Pahute Mesa Airstrip is a private, unattended airfield in Mercury, Nevada, operating under restricted access tied to Department of Energy business. The nearest customs facility is Las Vegas, over 80 nautical miles away.
Runways
Pahute Mesa Airstrip has one paved runway, 18/36, 5,800 ft long and 100 ft wide, with an asphalt surface.
Source: FAA Form 5010.
Fuel and airfield services
The airport has no control tower.
Source: FAA Form 5010 / NASR.
Customs
Pahute Mesa Airstrip does not clear customs. The nearest port of entry is Harry Reid International (KLAS), 83 NM away.
Source: CBP list of ports of entry.
Climate
Pahute Mesa Airstrip averages 29.1 days above 90°F in July, 23.9 freeze days in December and 0.5 snow days in January. July is the warmest month, with average highs of 99.4°F, and December the coldest, at 56.1°F.
Weather station is 20.5 NM from the field. Some values are estimated by the agency. 1991–2020 climate normals.
Source: NOAA NCEI.
Operating constraints
Pahute Mesa Airstrip has published operating constraints in two categories: access and other notes.
Use is limited to official business. Prior permission is required from the Department of Energy for all flights.
Operations are limited to VFR conditions during daytime only.
The airstrip lies within restricted area R-4808.
The owner has requested that this airport not be charted.
The airfield is restricted to rotary-wing and powerlift aircraft only.
Clearance delivery for this field is handled by Los Angeles ARTCC.
Source: FAA Chart Supplement.
Nearby airfields
Pahute Mesa Airstrip has four airfields within 48 NM. The closest is Beatty (KBTY), 26.93 NM southwest.
Source: Skystar calculation from official coordinates.
Skystar at L23
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.
$600.00 catering order at L23.
Unchanged.
What the kitchen invoices us is what your quote reads.
One line, fixed.
The $75 minimum applies below $862.50.
At cost.
Passed on at the exact amount the processor took.
Market practice figures are industry averages, not a specific competitor.
Frequently asked questions
Is Pahute Mesa Airstrip (L23) open for general aviation use?
No. Pahute Mesa Airstrip is a private-use airfield restricted to official business only, with prior permission required from the Department of Energy for every flight. It is not charted at the owner's request, and general aviation traffic is not accommodated.
What aircraft types can use L23?
Pahute Mesa Airstrip's airfield is limited to rotary-wing and powerlift aircraft only, despite having a paved 5,800-foot runway. Fixed-wing traffic outside that category is not accommodated at this facility.
What airspace restrictions apply around Pahute Mesa Airstrip?
Pahute Mesa Airstrip sits within restricted area R-4808, and operations are VFR day only. Clearance delivery for the field is handled through Los Angeles ARTCC rather than a local tower.