Aiport News & Press Releases

An Air Force Master Sgt. got a surprise welcome at Santa Maria Public Airport on Wednesday afternoon. About 45 people, including more than a dozen uniformed airmen, shouted "Welcome home!" as Vanessa Boyd exited the secure area of the airport and walked through a corridor of supporters holding American flags. Boyd, who is stationed at …

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,” …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …