Aiport News & Press Releases

CROWD TURNS OUT TO WELCOME LOCAL GRAD

Martinez Back From Persian Gulf Deployment It was a welcome home fit for a hero Tuesday as the community lined the corridor at the Santa Maria Public Airport to welcome home Petty Officer 3rd Class Vincent Martinez after a nine-month naval deployment to the Persian Gulf. “I love being here. It feels great being home,” …

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SMALL PLANE, HANGAR DAMAGED IN FIRE AT SANTA MARIA AIRPORT

The Santa Maria Fire Department responded to a structure fire in a hangar at the Santa Maria Regional Airport on Tuesday afternoon. Fire officials said that firefighters responded to a find a small plane on fire in the hangar. One person, who was working in the hangar, suffered a minor injury. The fire was reported …

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SANTA MARIA AIRPORT COLLECTS FAA GRANT

County Lines The Santa Maria Airport received a $199,450 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration on Friday.  The announcement from U.S. Rep. Lois Capps reported that the money will pay for the design aspect of the airport's apron refurbishment.  This apron is basically the aircraft parking lot where planes can wait, refuel and where passengers …

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TRIUMPHEST DRAWS SPORTS CAR OWNERS, ENTHUSIASTS TO SANTA MARIA

Clubs From Across Country Visit Annual Event Triumph sports car owners across the country are congregating in Santa Maria for a weekend of fun-filled driving, competition and camaraderie dubbed Triumphest.  Drivers started gathering at the Radisson hotel on Thursday afternoon, washing and polishing every make, model and year from Triumph TR2s to TR8s. Bone stock …

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PLANE FLIPS AFTER LANDING AT SANTA MARIA AIRPORT; MINOR INJURIES REPORTED

A small plane with three people on board flipped on its back Friday afternoon while attempting to land at the Santa Maria Public Airport. The pilot and passengers aboard the fixed-wing, single-engine Lionheart plane managed to walk away from the crash with only minor injuries, according to the airport's general manager Chris Hastert. The crash …

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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY BALLOTS SHAPE UP

Santa Barbara County's general election ballot is set, with many incumbents campaigning to keep their seats on North County special districts, but the level of competition varies. While some races didn't see enough candidates to fill available seats, others, like the Vandenberg Village Community Services District and the Santa Maria Public Airport District, saw more …

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THUNDER OVER THE VALLEY

The skies above the Santa Maria Public Airport were filled with smoke, black-and-yellow parachutes and the rumble of radial engines Sunday afternoon as the 26th annual Thunder Over the Valley air show wrapped up. A highlight for many spectators was the display of aerial teamwork by the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team, whose members …

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THUNDER ROARS AGAIN OVER VALLEY

Believe it or not, the weather gurus say there is a 10-percent chance of rain today. Rain means clouds, and clouds sometimes produce lightning and thunder. But we’re not talking about that kind of thunder today. We’re talking about the kind that has stirred the emotions and imaginations of North County folks for many years …

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THUNDER OVER THE VALLEY KICKS OFF TODAY

Golden Knights to showcase aerial maneuvers during weekend show See the show Thunder Over the Valley Air Show runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Sunday at the Santa Maria Public Airport with displays by the Golden Knights at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. both days. Admission is $12 for adults, $3 for …

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FLYING HIGH WITH CAPT. JIM

Skies were clear and the wind was in our favor Thursday afternoon as I climbed into the rear seat of Capt. Jim Bergman's AT-6 Texan, a single-engine advanced aircraft used to train military pilots in the 1940s and '50s. After locking my harness, and pointing out the escape lever and the parachute release, "Capt. Jim," climbed into …

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