Towards the end of the 1920 era, Ralph Dickenson, a local rancher and pilot, dreamed of an airport at Santa Paula to replace the alfalfa and beanfields he had been using to accommodate his International Airplane.
He contacted 19 other businessmen and ranchers who had visions to the future. A contribution of $1000 was made by each one, and the Santa Paula Airport was born. It was dedicated and officially opened on August 9, 1930. It prospered under the direction of Ralph Dickenson, the investors and the many pilots who called Santa Paula Airport home. At one time, Santa Paula had more pilots per capita than any other city in the United States.
During the 1960's, Charles Lindberg would come to Santa Paula Airport to meet his old friend, Bud Gurney.
Many movie stars have frequented our airport. Steve McQueen learned to fly here. Cliff Robertson still has a plane and hangar here.
Today, businessmen, ranchers and retired airline pilots are daily users of the airport. Many antique aircraft are flown and hangared here.
We are proud to tell you that our airport is a Corporation, built and maintained with private funding. We have never accepted one penny of public money.
Today there are 188 hangars, 343 aircraft and approximately 600 pilots who call the airport complex their home. We hope you enjoy your visit, and we invite you to walk around our airport with your family and friends, and view our antique planes and other aircraft. We believe that you will find it a unique experience.
