Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport: Gateway to the Desert Resorts
Introduction
Located in the heart of Coachella Valley, Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (IATA: TRM) is a key transportation facility supporting Southern California's Desert Resorts region. Cochran Municipal Airport, a county-owned public use airport located in Southern California, draws its name from the female aviation pioneer Jacqueline Cochran and literally has its roots as an airfield used during World War II.
Airlines and Destinations
The large article below was posted on CelebratingAviation.com, and with a few exceptions, describes the airport I spent part of my teen years working at — Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal, CA (originally known as Desert Resorts Regional). Although it has no commercial airline service on set days at the moment, its central location and range of facilities make it a hit among private fliers and corporations.
Flights and Passengers Carried
There are no passenger figures reported by Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport as a general aviation airport. But the airport maintains a consistent stream of private and chartered traffic year-round, especially in peak travel seasons for the region.
How to Get Here
Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport is located 20 nm southeast of Palm Springs, California, in the Thermal community. The airport is located one mile west of California State Route 86 freeway and six miles south of Interstate 10.
Parking
The airport has several parking slots dedicated to businesses providing their services at the airport, as well as plenty of space for all the visitors, offering both short-term and long-term parking areas. There is no charge for parking, and it is easy to access the lots from the airport's main terminal building.
Transportation Prices
This is a general aviation airport only, and not serviced by any public transportation. Nonetheless, guests can simply arrange their own rental cars or get a taxi and rideshare service to the airport.
Terminal Layout
A nearly vacant single-story terminal building contains the now-moved airport administrative offices, a small waiting room, and restrooms. The layout of the terminal is simple and has guidance at each signpost for visitors.
Navigate the Airport
Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport is on the other end of this spectrum: It's relatively small in size and very straightforward when it comes to its layout. The well-planned layout ensures that visitors can easily navigate closer to the FBO (Fixed Base Operator), aircraft hangars, and fuel stations.
Getting Between Terminals
Being a single-terminal airport, Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport does not have more than one terminal for passengers to travel between. The main terminal building serves as the nucleus of all airport operations and services.
Services and Amenities
Although Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport is set up to primarily serve general aviation, private pilots love the range of services and amenities available. Aircraft maintenance and repair centers, fueling services, and a pilot's lounge are also some of the facilities here.
Restaurants and Shops
Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport is small and does not have any restaurants or shops at the facility. But visitors can dine and shop in the nearby communities of Thermal, Indio, and Palm Springs.
Security and Customs
While subject to the constraints on security and customs of any other general aviation airport, Jacqueline Cochran Regional lacks many impediments that face operators at larger commercial airports. However, working closely with airport authorities, they do have basic security at the isolated runway where this test was conducted, as many visitors come to explore, visit, and fly.
Accessibility
The Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport is open to the public and has amenities like handicap-accessible parking, ramps, and restrooms. The airport also partners with local agencies to ensure its services and facilities are accessible for travelers with disabilities.
Travel Tips
So, when you come to Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport, allow yourself plenty of time to be there. It is a small, easy-to-navigate airport, but it does well for passengers that arrive early, as it can get busy during peak travel times. In addition, verify services and amenities with the airport website or call the FBO for current operational information.