Zamperini Field: Your Key to Torrance, California
Introduction
Adjacent to downtown Torrance, California, in the hamlet of Harbor Gateway lies Zamperini Field (IATA: TOA; ICAO: KTOA) — a popular public airport that helps keep Greater Los Angeles moving forward. Louis Zamperini's airport was a midsized airfield that has been key to the community since it opened in the 1940s.
Airlines and Destinations
Zamperini Field is shared with general aviation private and corporate aircraft, as well as with local companies catering to business aviation flights. Although it has no commercial passenger service, the airport is an important reliever for LAX and as such occupies a role with state-owned roads.
Passenger and Flight Count
Zamperini Field serves as a reliever airport for the region with a good deal of private and charter aircraft activity, housing an estimated 210 single-engine and multi-engine aircraft. There are two runways at the airport, 11L/29R and 11R/29L, which allows for a number of general aviation activities such as flight training operations including overflights to practice instrument procedures, corporate travel with executive jets, and recreational flying.
How to Get Here
HOW TO GET THERE
Zamperini Field is located just three miles southwest of downtown Torrance, meaning it's easily accessible by car or any other mode you must choose. The airport is at an elevation of 65 feet, it covers a distance of 506 acres located at N33°48.20' / W118°20.38'.
Parking
Parking
The airport provides several convenient parking options for visitors, including both short- and long-term lots. Rates and availability can be requested from the airport.
Transportation Price
Public Transit Options at Zamperini Field
No public transit options directly serve the airport. Visitors can arrive at their end destination by using ride-share services, taxis, or car rentals.
Terminal Layout
Zamperini Field is a general aviation airport, so it lacks the kind of formal terminal building that you might associate with larger commercial airports. Airport facilities are scattered across the 506-acre piece, with several fixed-base operators (FBOs) and aviation tenants offering services for pilots and passengers.
Navigate the Airport
The airport layout is especially interesting as it was developed to serve the requirements of general aviation users, hence we can avoid saying that navigating Zamperini Field takes a compass. There is signage and airport maps to give visitors an idea of how best to find their way around the facility, including for FBOs, fuel stations, or other services.
Getting Between Terminals
There are no separate terminals to navigate because Zamperini Field is comprised of static facilities, rather than a traditional terminal structure. The airport is totally self-sufficient, and all the services and facilities are reachable within its walls.
Services and Amenities
Zamperini Field provides a variety of services and facilities to support general aviation operations. Such facilities include fuel stations, aircraft mechanics and repair services, flight planning tools/resources, as well as crew lounges. Torrance Airport also generates almost 2,000 local jobs and is the home of the Torrance Aircraft Owners Pilots Association.
Restaurants and Shops
Zamperini Field has no on-site restaurants or shops, but the nearby city of Torrance is home to a myriad of dining and shopping options close by.
Security and Customs
Since it is a general aviation airport, there are no airside security checkpoints or customs facilities. For how to get into the airport, normal airport security checks are in place, so please follow our travel guide on what and where you can take your items with airports.
Accessibility
Zamperini Field is a fully ADA accessible facility. The airport owns the necessary equipment, and its infrastructure responds to the needs of the handicapped.
Travel Tips
As with all airports, you should visit the airport website or talk to staff before heading out for specifics on available services, amenities, and any operational changes. Additionally, travelers should know where the airport is located and take care of their transport beforehand to make it a hassle-free journey both ways.