Category Archives: General

History on the wing

A crew member climbs out of the cockpit of the WWII B-17G bomber, “Sentimental Journey,” near its distinctive nose art of Betty Grable. The vintage airplane arrived Monday at the Santa Maria Public Airport is scheduled to be on display and available for rides and tours through Abit of history landed at the Santa Maria …

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B-17 Bomber to Visit the Santa Maria Airport on Monday

The B-17 Flying Fortress called “Sentimental Journey” will make a return visit to the Santa Maria Public Airport early this week.   The flying museum is set to land around noon Monday and remain in Santa Maria until Wednesday. It will be parked on the ramp behind the Santa Maria Radisson Hotel at the airport. …

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Allegiant Air says Aloha to Santa Maria

Allegiant Air service to Hawaii is saying aloha to the Santa Maria Public Airport. The air carrier made it official Tuesday morning - nonstop jet service between Santa Maria and Honolulu International Airport will begin Nov. 17. Airport General Manager Chris Hastert, Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino, members of the Santa Maria City Council, Chamber …

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Allegiant Air to offer service from Santa Maria to Hawaii

Visitors to the Santa Maria Public Airport will be noticing a little more “island style” starting today after Allegiant Air announces it will begin flights to Hawaii on Nov. 17. Santa Maria is one of four western cities Allegiant serves that will be getting flights to Honolulu. The others are Stockton, Eugene, Ore. and Bellingham, …

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State OKs $6.1M request for Highway 101 interchange

A request for $6.1 million in state funds to build an interchange at Highway 101 to connect with the future Union Valley Parkway now has an OK from the California Transportation Commission.  The decision was announced Monday by Santa Barbara County 4th District Supervisor Joni Gray.  “Caltrans can now advertise for construction bids,” Gray said …

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Santa Maria Airport runway nearly open for business

When incoming aircraft approach the main runway at Santa Maria Public Airport beginning next week, pilots will see fresh black asphalt and an orange carpet of California golden poppies.  The state flower planting is part of the effort to restore the land surrounding the 1,700-foot runway extension, which will be open for use May 3. …

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In good company

Sunni Gibbons, a member of the Santa Maria Valley chapter of the Ninety-Nines, stands by her Piper Cherokee 235 plane at the Santa Maria Public Airport. Gibbons will be inducted into the Ninety-Nines Forest of Friendship, a living memorial in Atchison, Kan., in June. Sunni Gibbons has been many things throughout her 71 years — …

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Airport runway extension project extended

The Santa Maria Public Airport’s runway extension project is being extended. The project had been scheduled for completion by April 5, but because of delays the full 8,000-foot runway won’t be open to air traffic until May 3, and it won’t be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration until May 31, according to General Manager …

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Register now for low speed autocross at the SM airport

The Vapor Trail Vettes of the Santa Maria area are hosting a low speed autocross on Saturday, April 7 at the Santa Maria Airport on Terminal Drive.  All makes and models of cars are welcome. Drivers must be at least 18 years old.  A registration form can be downloaded from the Vapor Trail Vettes website …

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Airport director named to panels

Santa Maria Public Airport District Director Hugh Rafferty has been appointed to two California Special Districts Association committees. Rafferty will serve on the Education Committee and the Elections and Bylaws Committee for 2012. The California Special Districts Association provides legislative advocacy, education and member services for the approximately 900 special districts in California. Rafferty also currently serves as …

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