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{{Short description|General aviation airport in Santa Paula, California, United States}}
{{Infobox airport {{Infobox airport
| name = Santa Paula Airport | name = Santa Paula Airport
| image = | image =
| IATA = SZP | IATA = SZP
| ICAO = KSZP | ICAO = KSZP
| FAA = SZP | FAA = SZP
| type = Public | type = Public
| owner = Santa Paula Airport Association | owner = Santa Paula Airport Association
| operator = | operator =
| city-served = ] | city-served = ]
| location = <!--if different than above--> | location = <!--if different than above-->
| elevation-f = 243 | elevation-f = 250
| website = | website =
| coordinates = {{coord|34|20|49|N|119|03|42|W|region:US-CA_scale:10000|display=inline,title}}
| latd = 34 | latm = 20 | lats = 49 | latNS = N
| longd = 119 | longm = 03 | longs = 42 | longEW = W | pushpin_map = USA California
| pushpin_mapsize = 200
| coordinates_region = US-CA_scale:10000
| pushpin_map = USA California | pushpin_map_caption = Location of airport in California
| pushpin_mapsize = 200 | pushpin_label = '''SZP'''
| pushpin_map_caption = Location of airport in California
| pushpin_label = '''SZP'''
| pushpin_label_position = right | pushpin_label_position = right
| r1-number = 4/22 | r1-number = 4/22
| r1-length-f = 2,713 | r1-length-f = 2,665
| r1-surface = Asphalt | r1-surface = Asphalt
| h1-number = H1 | h1-number = H1
| h1-length-f = 60 | h1-length-f = 60
| h1-surface = Asphalt | h1-surface = Asphalt
| stat-year = 2011 | stat-year = 2023
| stat1-header = Aircraft operations | stat1-header = Aircraft operations (year ending 11/6/2023)
| stat1-data = 97,000 | stat1-data = 97,000
| stat2-header = Based aircraft | stat2-header = Based aircraft
| stat2-data = 309 | stat2-data = 309
| footnotes = Source: ]<ref name="FAA">{{FAA-airport|ID=SZP|use=PU|own=PR|site=02256.*A}}. Federal Aviation Administration. Effective May 31, 2012.</ref> | footnotes = Source: ]<ref name="FAA">{{FAA-airport|ID=SZP|use=PU|own=PR|site=02256.*A}}. Federal Aviation Administration. Effective December 28, 2023.</ref>
}} }}


Line 37: Line 36:


== History == == History ==
Santa Paula's first airport was originally established in 1927 when local rancher, Ralph Dickenson, purchased an OX-5 powered International biplane, cut a dirt airstrip on his ranch and built a hangar. Dickenson Airport soon advertised airplane rides and flight lessons available. Less than 5 months later the Santa Clara Valley flooded following the collapse of the ], taking many lives and destroying acres of property along the ] where the ranch was built. Ralph's hangar was found 1/2 mile downstream with his airplane still inside. He moved it back, made repairs and began flying again within a month. In the following year two more hangars were built as more locals began flying and purchasing aircraft. Recognizing the importance of having a community airport in the area, Ralph Dickenson and Dan Emmet obtained $1,000 from 19 local ranchers and purchased land south of the city of Santa Paula, adjacent to the river. In 1930, following months of personal construction and development by these founders, the newly named Santa Paula Airport opened to the public with a lavish celebration of ], celebrity appearances, and aircraft. This airport was also one of the favorite flying spots of actor ].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.santapaulaairport.org/history.html | title = History of the Airport’s Construction | publisher = Santa Paula Airport | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070927034213/http://www.santapaulaairport.org/history.html | archivedate = September 27, 2007}}</ref> Santa Paula's first airport was originally established in 1927 when local rancher Ralph Dickenson purchased an OX-5 powered International biplane, cut a dirt airstrip on his ranch, and built a hangar. Dickenson Airport soon advertised airplane rides and flight lessons available.
Less than five months later, the Santa Clara Valley flooded following the collapse of the ], killing many people and destroying acres of property along the ], where the ranch was built. Dickenson's hangar was found half a mile downstream with his airplane still inside. He moved it back, made repairs, and began flying again within a month.
In the following year, two more hangars were built as more locals began flying and purchasing aircraft. Recognizing the importance of having a community airport in the area, Dickenson and Dan Emmet obtained $1,000 from 19 local ranchers and purchased land south of the city of Santa Paula, adjacent to the river.
In 1930, following months of personal construction and development by these founders, the newly named Santa Paula Airport opened to the public with a lavish celebration of ], celebrity appearances, and aircraft.
This airport was also one of the favorite flying spots of actor ].<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.santapaulaairport.org/history.html | title = History of the Airport's Construction | publisher = Santa Paula Airport | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927034213/http://www.santapaulaairport.org/history.html | archivedate = September 27, 2007}}</ref>


=== 2005 flood disaster === === 2005 flood disaster ===
On February 21 and 22, 2005, Santa Paula Airport was heavily damaged when the rain swollen Santa Clara River ate into the airport property destroying airplane tiedowns, ramp and approximately {{convert|600|ft|m}} of part of the western one-third of the runway. The airport’s only flight school, CP Aviation, temporarily moved to nearby ] as a result of the damage. Repairs began in March 2005 following the receding of the floodwaters, and as of February 2007, the airport was fully open to the public.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.santapaulaairport.org/update.html | title = Santa Clara River Feb 2005 Flood Disaster Story | publisher = Santa Paula Airport | archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070927034227/http://www.santapaulaairport.org/update.html | archivedate = September 27, 2007}}</ref> On February 21 and 22, 2005, the Santa Paula Airport was heavily damaged when the rain-swollen Santa Clara River ate into the airport property, destroying airplane tiedowns, ramps, and approximately {{convert|600|ft|m}} part of the western one-third of the runway. The airport's only flight school, CP Aviation, temporarily moved to nearby ] as a result of the damage. Repairs began in March 2005 following the receding of the floodwaters, and as of February 2007, the airport was fully open to the public.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.santapaulaairport.org/update.html | title = Santa Clara River Feb 2005 Flood Disaster Story | publisher = Santa Paula Airport | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20070927034227/http://www.santapaulaairport.org/update.html | archivedate = September 27, 2007}}</ref>


== Airport today == === Thomas Fire ===
In December 2017, the ] erupted and burned across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The Santa Paula Airport became a ] for CAL FIRE by the morning after the fire started. The airport was outfitted as a base of operations for the ], and closed to all of the regular ] operations. About 23 helicopters began operating out of the airport, along with the necessary support crews, ], and other equipment. In addition to water, brightly colored ] was dropped on the fire from the air.<ref name="VCS 2017-12-8" /> During the first couple of weeks, there had been limited ability to use fixed-wing air tankers and VLAT (very large air tankers) to drop fire retardant, due to the smoky skies.<ref name="earlier fires">{{cite web|url=http://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/state/california/fires/article189539044.html|title=Earlier wildfires may hold key to stopping giant Thomas Fire|first=Giana|last=Magnoli|work=]|date=December 13, 2017|access-date=December 14, 2017}}</ref> After having been in the air all day, the helicopters underwent maintenance at night. Other activities included a daily briefing each morning, lunches, and distributing maps.<ref name="VCS 2017-12-8">{{cite news|url=http://www.vcstar.com/story/news/local/communities/santa-paula/2017/12/08/santa-paula-airport-transformed-into-cal-fires-helibase-battle-thomas-fire/935085001/|title=Santa Paula Airport transformed into Cal Fire's 'helibase' to battle Thomas Fire|newspaper=]|first=Mike |last=Harris|date=December 8, 2017|access-date= December 11, 2017}}</ref>
Today Santa Paula Airport is a non-] facility handling approximately 97,000 arrivals and/or departures a year, and is home to over 309 individual aircraft.<ref name="FAA" /> CP Aviation currently offers flight school, aircraft rental, and aircraft maintenance activities. Fuel is also sold at the airport. The airport today is smaller than local airports, primarily serving the local community and providing hangar space for pilots of nearby communities. Much of the original 1930s-era facilities still exist and are used today, giving the airport a very authentic representation of the ]. As a result of the airport’s history and theme, many ] aircraft owners have long sought hangar space at the airport’s limited facilities for use and display. Every first Sunday of the month, the airport comes alive with visitors. People put their airplanes on display with info cards on the propeller. CP Aviation sells Santa Paula souvenirs. Also, car clubs come in and there are always nice cars to look at. The ] has displayed its ] collection there.

Many aircraft and their operations moved to other airports, such as ], which remained open to normal activities, while being involved in firefighting efforts. Amid all this, the Santa Paula airport was able to make one of its ]s available for cats after one of the local ]s was filled to capacity, and for one local family with its dogs for three nights, on its premises as well.<ref name="VCS 2017-12-8" />


== Facilities and aircraft == == Facilities and aircraft ==
Santa Paula Airport covers an area of 51 ]s (21 ]) at an ] of 243 feet (74&nbsp;m) above ]. It has one ] designated 4/22 with an ] surface measuring 2,713×60 feet (827×18 m); it also one ] designated H1 which is 60×60 feet (18×18 m).<ref name="FAA" /> Santa Paula Airport covers an area of 51 ]s (21 ]) at an ] of 250 feet (76&nbsp;m) above ]. It has one ] designated 4/22 with an ] surface measuring 2,665×60 feet (812×18 m); it also one ] designated H1 which is 60×60 feet (18×18 m).<ref name="FAA" />


For the 12-month period ending December 8, 2011, the airport had 97,000 ] aircraft operations, an average of 265 per day. At that time there were 309 aircraft based at this airport: 96% single-], 2% multi-engine, 1% ], 1% ], and 1% ].<ref name="FAA" /> The airport is a non-] facility handling approximately 97,000 arrivals and/or departures a year, and is home to over 309 individual aircraft.  
For the 12-month period ending November 6, 2023, the airport had 97,000 ] aircraft operations, an average of 266 per day. At that time there were 309 aircraft based at this airport: 295 single-], 6 multi-engine, 4 ], 2 ], and 2 ].<ref name="FAA" />

The airport is used for training flights by pilots around Southern and Central California, due to the unique operating environment, short field and challenging terrain. Much of the original 1930s-era facilities still exist and are used today, giving the airport a very authentic representation of the ]. As a result of the airport's history and theme, many ] aircraft owners have long sought hangar space at the airport's limited facilities for use and display.

===Tenants===
CP Aviation offers flight school, aircraft rental, and aircraft maintenance activities. Fuel is also sold at the airport.


The Aviation Museum of Santa Paula is headquartered at the airport. The Aviation Museum of Santa Paula is headquartered at the airport.


The former Logsdon's Restaurant closed in early 2013. In its place, Flight 126 Cafe opened in July 2014 serving breakfast and lunch from 6am to 2 pm 7 days a week. The former Logsdon's Restaurant closed in early 2013. In its place, Flight 126 Cafe opened in July 2014 serving breakfast and lunch from 6am to 2 pm, seven days a week.

===Events===
Every first Sunday of the month, the airport comes alive with visitors. People put their airplanes on display with info cards on the propeller. CP Aviation sells Santa Paula souvenirs. Also, car clubs come in and there are always nice cars to look at. The ] has displayed its ] collection there.


<gallery> <gallery>
File:Santa Paula 001.jpg | The airport as seen from Runway 4. File:Santa Paula 001.jpg | The airport as seen from Runway 4
File:Santa Paula 002.jpg | Wind sock and notices to airmen as seen by the end of Runway 22. File:Santa Paula 002.jpg | Wind sock and notices to airmen as seen by the end of Runway 22
File:Santa Paula 003.jpg | A view from the hangars on the Northwest side of the airport. File:Santa Paula 003.jpg | A view from the hangars on the Northwest side of the airport
File:Santa Paula 004.jpg | CP Aviation, seen from the South end of the airport. File:Santa Paula 004.jpg | CP Aviation, seen from the South end of the airport
</gallery> </gallery>

== Accidents and incidents ==
Between 1984 and 1995 there were 24 crashes, and 11 related fatalities at Santa Paula.<ref name=la-times-stunt>{{cite news |last1=Bustillo|first1=Miguel |last2=Wahlgren|first2=Eric |title=Pilot Killed in Crash at Santa Paula Air Show : Aviation: Stunt flier and former Navy pilot dies when jet smashes into riverbed during aerobatic routine |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-08-13-mn-34697-story.html |access-date=August 16, 2015 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=August 13, 1995}}</ref>

On February 13, 1991, there was a collision between a ] helicopter and a ] above the airport. The two people on the plane died. Three on the helicopter were injured, including actor ] and voice actor ].<ref name=la-times-helicrash>{{cite news |last1=Gorman |first1=Gary |last2=O'Donnell |first2=Santiago |title=2 Die as Plane, Copter Crash; Kirk Douglas, 2 Others Hurt |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1991-02-14-mn-1684-story.html |access-date=August 16, 2015 |work=] |date=February 14, 1991}}</ref><ref name=la-times-blame/>

On April 3, 1991, two men died when the engine failed in their home-built plane. The plane fell and caught fire after hitting a golf cart.<ref name=la-times-blame>{{cite news |last1=Weiss|first1=Kenneth R. |last2=Wahlgren|first2=Eric |title=Airfield Not to Blame in Crash, Officials Say |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1995-08-13-me-34698-story.html |work=] |access-date=August 16, 2015 |date=August 13, 1995}}</ref>

On August 27, 1992, a man died when his ] collided in midair with another Cessna, then went through two houses near the runway.<ref name=la-times-blame/>

On December 31, 1993, a man drowned when his two-seat Grumman lost power and went into the Santa Clara River.<ref name=la-times-blame/>

On June 21, 1994, a man died when his homemade ] stalled and crashed into the Santa Clara.<ref name=la-times-blame/>

On July 3, 1994, a man and his daughter died when their ] had engine trouble and crashed.<ref name=la-times-blame/>

On August 12, 1995, a stunt pilot, former U. S. Navy fighter and test pilot, was killed during the 65th annual ]. His Berkut stunt plane crashed while performing a maneuver.<ref name=la-times-stunt /><ref name=la-times-blame/>


== References == == References ==
{{reflist}} {{Reflist}}
{{refbegin}} {{Refbegin}}
* *
* *
* at Blanchard Community Library * at Blanchard Community Library
{{refend}} {{Refend}}


== External links == == External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Commonscat}}
* *
* *
* from ] '']'' * from ] '']''

* {{US-airport-minor|SZP|SZP|KSZP}} {{US-airport-minor|SZP|SZP|KSZP}}
{{Authority control}}


] ]

Latest revision as of 10:59, 15 August 2024

General aviation airport in Santa Paula, California, United States
Santa Paula Airport
Summary
Airport typePublic
OwnerSanta Paula Airport Association
ServesSanta Paula, California
Elevation AMSL250 ft / 76 m
Coordinates34°20′49″N 119°03′42″W / 34.34694°N 119.06167°W / 34.34694; -119.06167
WebsiteSantaPaulaAirport.com
Map
SZP is located in CaliforniaSZPSZPLocation of airport in California
Runways
Direction Length Surface
ft m
4/22 2,665 812 Asphalt
Helipads
Number Length Surface
ft m
H1 60 18 Asphalt
Statistics (2023)
Aircraft operations (year ending 11/6/2023)97,000
Based aircraft309
Source: Federal Aviation Administration

Santa Paula Airport (IATA: SZP, ICAO: KSZP, FAA LID: SZP) is a privately owned, public use airport located one nautical mile (2 km) southeast of the central business district of Santa Paula, a city in Ventura County, California, United States. It exclusively serves privately operated general aviation aircraft with no scheduled commercial service.

History

Santa Paula's first airport was originally established in 1927 when local rancher Ralph Dickenson purchased an OX-5 powered International biplane, cut a dirt airstrip on his ranch, and built a hangar. Dickenson Airport soon advertised airplane rides and flight lessons available.

Less than five months later, the Santa Clara Valley flooded following the collapse of the St. Francis Dam, killing many people and destroying acres of property along the Santa Clara River, where the ranch was built. Dickenson's hangar was found half a mile downstream with his airplane still inside. He moved it back, made repairs, and began flying again within a month.

In the following year, two more hangars were built as more locals began flying and purchasing aircraft. Recognizing the importance of having a community airport in the area, Dickenson and Dan Emmet obtained $1,000 from 19 local ranchers and purchased land south of the city of Santa Paula, adjacent to the river.

In 1930, following months of personal construction and development by these founders, the newly named Santa Paula Airport opened to the public with a lavish celebration of aerobatics, celebrity appearances, and aircraft.

This airport was also one of the favorite flying spots of actor Steve McQueen.

2005 flood disaster

On February 21 and 22, 2005, the Santa Paula Airport was heavily damaged when the rain-swollen Santa Clara River ate into the airport property, destroying airplane tiedowns, ramps, and approximately 600 feet (180 m) part of the western one-third of the runway. The airport's only flight school, CP Aviation, temporarily moved to nearby Oxnard Airport as a result of the damage. Repairs began in March 2005 following the receding of the floodwaters, and as of February 2007, the airport was fully open to the public.

Thomas Fire

In December 2017, the Thomas Fire erupted and burned across Ventura and Santa Barbara counties. The Santa Paula Airport became a helibase for CAL FIRE by the morning after the fire started. The airport was outfitted as a base of operations for the water-dropping helicopters, and closed to all of the regular general aviation operations. About 23 helicopters began operating out of the airport, along with the necessary support crews, tanker trucks, and other equipment. In addition to water, brightly colored fire retardant was dropped on the fire from the air. During the first couple of weeks, there had been limited ability to use fixed-wing air tankers and VLAT (very large air tankers) to drop fire retardant, due to the smoky skies. After having been in the air all day, the helicopters underwent maintenance at night. Other activities included a daily briefing each morning, lunches, and distributing maps.

Many aircraft and their operations moved to other airports, such as Camarillo, which remained open to normal activities, while being involved in firefighting efforts. Amid all this, the Santa Paula airport was able to make one of its hangars available for cats after one of the local animal shelters was filled to capacity, and for one local family with its dogs for three nights, on its premises as well.

Facilities and aircraft

Santa Paula Airport covers an area of 51 acres (21 ha) at an elevation of 250 feet (76 m) above mean sea level. It has one runway designated 4/22 with an asphalt surface measuring 2,665×60 feet (812×18 m); it also one helipad designated H1 which is 60×60 feet (18×18 m).

The airport is a non-towered facility handling approximately 97,000 arrivals and/or departures a year, and is home to over 309 individual aircraft.  

For the 12-month period ending November 6, 2023, the airport had 97,000 general aviation aircraft operations, an average of 266 per day. At that time there were 309 aircraft based at this airport: 295 single-engine, 6 multi-engine, 4 helicopter, 2 glider, and 2 ultralight.

The airport is used for training flights by pilots around Southern and Central California, due to the unique operating environment, short field and challenging terrain. Much of the original 1930s-era facilities still exist and are used today, giving the airport a very authentic representation of the interwar years. As a result of the airport's history and theme, many vintage aircraft owners have long sought hangar space at the airport's limited facilities for use and display.

Tenants

CP Aviation offers flight school, aircraft rental, and aircraft maintenance activities. Fuel is also sold at the airport.

The Aviation Museum of Santa Paula is headquartered at the airport.

The former Logsdon's Restaurant closed in early 2013. In its place, Flight 126 Cafe opened in July 2014 serving breakfast and lunch from 6am to 2 pm, seven days a week.

Events

Every first Sunday of the month, the airport comes alive with visitors. People put their airplanes on display with info cards on the propeller. CP Aviation sells Santa Paula souvenirs. Also, car clubs come in and there are always nice cars to look at. The Petersen Auto Museum has displayed its Ferrari collection there.

  • The airport as seen from Runway 4 The airport as seen from Runway 4
  • Wind sock and notices to airmen as seen by the end of Runway 22 Wind sock and notices to airmen as seen by the end of Runway 22
  • A view from the hangars on the Northwest side of the airport A view from the hangars on the Northwest side of the airport
  • CP Aviation, seen from the South end of the airport CP Aviation, seen from the South end of the airport

Accidents and incidents

Between 1984 and 1995 there were 24 crashes, and 11 related fatalities at Santa Paula.

On February 13, 1991, there was a collision between a Bell Jet Ranger helicopter and a Pitts Aerobatic aircraft above the airport. The two people on the plane died. Three on the helicopter were injured, including actor Kirk Douglas and voice actor Noel Blanc.

On April 3, 1991, two men died when the engine failed in their home-built plane. The plane fell and caught fire after hitting a golf cart.

On August 27, 1992, a man died when his Cessna collided in midair with another Cessna, then went through two houses near the runway.

On December 31, 1993, a man drowned when his two-seat Grumman lost power and went into the Santa Clara River.

On June 21, 1994, a man died when his homemade ultra-light plane stalled and crashed into the Santa Clara.

On July 3, 1994, a man and his daughter died when their Cessna 195 had engine trouble and crashed.

On August 12, 1995, a stunt pilot, former U. S. Navy fighter and test pilot, was killed during the 65th annual Santa Paula Air Show. His Berkut stunt plane crashed while performing a maneuver.

References

  1. ^ FAA Airport Form 5010 for SZP PDF. Federal Aviation Administration. Effective December 28, 2023.
  2. "History of the Airport's Construction". Santa Paula Airport. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007.
  3. "Santa Clara River Feb 2005 Flood Disaster Story". Santa Paula Airport. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007.
  4. ^ Harris, Mike (December 8, 2017). "Santa Paula Airport transformed into Cal Fire's 'helibase' to battle Thomas Fire". Ventura County Star. Retrieved December 11, 2017.
  5. Magnoli, Giana (December 13, 2017). "Earlier wildfires may hold key to stopping giant Thomas Fire". The Tribune. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
  6. ^ Bustillo, Miguel; Wahlgren, Eric (August 13, 1995). "Pilot Killed in Crash at Santa Paula Air Show : Aviation: Stunt flier and former Navy pilot dies when jet smashes into riverbed during aerobatic routine". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 16, 2015.
  7. Gorman, Gary; O'Donnell, Santiago (February 14, 1991). "2 Die as Plane, Copter Crash; Kirk Douglas, 2 Others Hurt". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 16, 2015.
  8. ^ Weiss, Kenneth R.; Wahlgren, Eric (August 13, 1995). "Airfield Not to Blame in Crash, Officials Say". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 16, 2015.

External links

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