Aiport News & Press Releases

Simulated plane crash planned for Wednesday

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A simulated plane crash is scheduled for Wednesday at Santa Maria Public Airport, city of Santa Maria officials announced. The airport will remain open for normal operations during this exercise, and people in the terminal, Pepper Garcia's restaurant and general aviation areas will be notified of the drill, the city said. The mass-casualty scenario is …

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Tanker makes first US water drop on Santa Maria

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By Julian J. Ramos/Staff Writer jramos@santamariatimes.com | Wednesday, April 14, 2010  A Russian-made firefighting tanker drops water Tuesday during a test over the Santa Maria Public Airport.  A Russian air tanker made its first water drop on American soil Tuesday in a demonstration flight at the Santa Maria Public Airport. Carrying 3,000 gallons of water, …

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Russian Air Tanker Lands in Santa Maria

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Santa Maria City firefighter Shane Gidlund takes a photo of the Be-200. The Russian air tanker, known as the Altair, landed Wednesday at the Santa Maria Public Airport for a week-long visit. Below, Russian crew members unload their luggage. An amphibious aircraft being touted as possibly the future of aerial firefighting in America landed Wednesday …

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Biz Buzz: Airline that flies through Santa Maria expands to Hawaii

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Allegiant Travel, the Las Vegas parent company of discount commercial carrier Allegiant Air, is expanding its service into Hawaii. The low-cost carrier currently offers regional service from Santa Maria to Las Vegas twice a day, according to schedules published online by the Santa Maria Public Airport District. The company is buying six Boeings over the …

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Aerial spectacular to soar this year at Santa Maria Public Airport

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Thunder returns to air show By Julian J. Ramos / Staff Writer / jramos@santamariatimes.com | Posted: Tuesday, March 9, 2010 12:00 am The roar of American air power will be back for the 2010 Thunder Over the Valley air show at the Santa Maria Public Airport, airport sources said. Last year, in a change from …

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High flyers bring in the crowd

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Thousands of people craned their necks and squinted against the sunlight Saturday in an effort to glimpse the warbirds in flight over the Santa Maria Public Airport. Thunder Over the Valley, put on by the Santa Maria Museum of Flight, is expected to attract about 10,000 people for the two-day air show that ends today. …

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GM getting familiar with SMX

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Chris Hastert’s first couple of months on the job as the Santa Maria Public Airport’s general manager have been “a little bit of a whirlwind.” He joins the airport at a time when longtime plans call for creating a business park and golf course south of the airfield, extending the runway and expanding airline service …

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Decorated WWII pilot still flying

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On Veterans Day, Jim Kunkle Sr. had the thrill of participating in a prestigious ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery honoring those who have defended our country in the military services. His fellow Santa Ynez Valley resident, actress Bo Derek, also took part as mistress of ceremonies, introducing Vice President Dick Cheney, the guest speaker. However, …

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4 compete for 3 seats on airport board

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Four candidates are in the running for three seats on the Santa Maria Public Airport District board of directors. Incumbent Carl Engel Jr. and challengers Charles Adams, Hugh Rafferty and Girard Geoffrey Brenneman are on the Nov. 4 ballot. Two incumbents, Don Lahr and John Will, are not seeking another term. Santa Maria's airport is …

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