Aiport News & Press Releases

The “thunder” in the Thunder Over the Valley air show at the Santa Maria Public Airport is back this weekend. Last year, in a change from the past, the Santa Maria Museum of Flight’s annual show had to do without the aerial demonstrations of modern and classic warbirds for which the event has become known. …

By Julian J. Ramos/Staff Writer jramos@santamariatimes.com Real-time flight information, weather updates, and the latest news and sports scores for airline passengers are coming to the Santa Maria Public Airport. Known as the ProDIGIQ system, the airport TV network is meant to keep passengers in the airport terminal informed on the status of their flights while …

The Adventures of Vance Breese Nipomo resident Vance Breese almost died 15 years ago while attempting to set a land speed record on a streamliner motorcycle. Years later, he has recovered and can be seen in area skies piloting a unique experimental gyroplane aircraft with his girlfriend, Edna. The two have plans to fly cross …

Airport welcomes nearly 70 Marines with SM-style feast   By Julian J. Ramos   Nearly 70 Marines from Camp Pendleton are among the newest fans of Santa Maria-style barbeque.   Members of the Marine Medium Helicopter Training Squadron 164 and Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 169 were the guests of honor Tuesday at the Santa …

By Julian J. Ramos/Staff Writer jramos@santamariatimes.com | Posted: Tuesday, July 13, 2010 With less money coming in from the city, the Santa Maria Museum of Flight is looking to add events to boost its attendance and revenues.  In the current fiscal year, which began July 1, the museum will receive $15,000 from Santa Maria’s General …

By Julian J. Ramos/Staff Writer jramos@santamariatimes.com Beginning today, various rates and charges at Santa Maria Public Airport will go up as the Airport District tries to recover costs of operating and maintaining hangars at the facility. To generate more money to cover expenses for a money-losing part of the airport, the Santa Maria Public Airport …

With a continued decline in revenues from a slowdown in passengers and fewer landings at Santa Maria Public Airport, the agency that runs the facility has again dipped into reserves to cover its deficit for the coming fiscal year. Taking into account operating revenues and expenses plus non-operating revenues and expenses, and all capital projects …

A F-4 Phantom is one of the planes displayed on the tarmac at the Santa Maria Museum of Flight.//Bryan Walton/Staff A century of aviation history is on display at the Santa Maria Museum of Flight overlooking the city’s public airport. The museum, which boasts everything from a full-scale replica of the Wright Brothers 1902 glider …