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Logbook
Our logbook contains History, News and other Facts about the Oceanside Airport.
History of Oceanside Airport
Aviation In Oceanside
The Oceanside Airport has a history dating back to the 1930's as one of the first airports in San Diego. In 1960's it was once known by pilots to be the busiest GA airport in Southern California. The airport is owned by the City Of Oceanside. It is public property for public use similar to Oceanside's Harbor. The FAA has a strong interest in improving the Oceanside Airport as a key part of the National Transportation System in San Diego. After many years of forced neglect, we now are on the verge of a new airport operator and developer taking over the leadership of the airfield beginning in 2009.
Over the past 30 years the airport has experienced deterioration, lost some of the land and many of the hangars for road widening projects, had almost half of it's tie-downs retired without being replaced, and had it's businesses evicted at the demands of the city council. The airport is land-locked on both ends of the runway by two roads, Benet and Foussat so it will forever remain a small community General Aviation airport. FAA funds have been used to maintain the airport and those funds come with a requirement to keep the airport open for 20 more years (until 2016). Additionally the city accepted FAA grants (about $4 million) on several occasions for additional real estate to enhance the usability of the airport. Real estate grants require that the airport remain for aviation use only, operated to standards outlined by FAA Airport Improvement Program Grant Assurances into perpetuity. That means, forever!
OAA Board of Directors
Key Events
KEY EVENTS
Below are some of the latest key events in the history of the airport.
Sept. 1, 2004, ground breaking for 10 new hangars began. This is after 25 years of tiedown losses, hangar losses and disrepair. Thanks to our members and volunteers for their time and dilligence. However, we still have a long way to go.
April 2003, FAA $2.5 million dollar FAA grant has been approved since last year to buy the land North of the field. City stands to lose tens of millions of dollars in revenue over next decade if grant not exercised by June 2003.
March 12, 2003, the Airport Workshop on Wednesday at the City Council Chambers was a success for the airport. We are pleased to report that by a 3-2 vote the Oceanside City Council voted to direct city staff to go forward with the airport improvements. Thanks to everyone for their efforts.
February 2003, FAA states Oceanside must keep Oceanside Airport pen "indefinitely", cites Federal Airport Guide section 2-2. FAA airport guide delivered to City Attorney, with explanation of federal airport grant laws that must be abided by. Regardless of Federal rules, City is holding "workshops" to vote, again, on closure versus implementation of 1997 Airport Master Plan. Many businesses and residents of Oceanside are becoming dissatisfied with the situation, sending letters to city and media in strong support of the airport. State and National agencies, and nonprofit organizations are informing the city of their duty to maintain the airport.
February 16, 2003, Santee CA. OAA accepts the Gilliespie Pilot's Association's annual "GA Trophy" award. This award is given to the year's most effective promoter of general aviation in the County of San Diego.
December 2002, FBO Seawinds Aviation, was evicted on 12/31/02 and has moved to Palomar. See Orion Aviation. Over 30 jobs left Oceanside along with this business. There are no longer any businesses operating at the airport including flight training, rental or maintenance services. The City has no plan for replacement of maintenance or flight services. The land grant option for the City was to expire in June 2003, would put 14.7 acres into ownership of the city and add to the airport. This would not include the runway, only replacement parking areas.
October 5, 2002, Van Nuys CA: The OAA receives the Special Chapter Award from the California Pilot's Association for efforts in preserving and enhancing Oceanside Airport. We want to thank the 700+ members of the OAA for this achievement.
September 22 and 23 2002, Oceanside CA: Your OAA was well-represented at the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce's "Oceanside Harbor Days" in September, 2002. We had an aircraft on static display and talked with thousands of people about the benefits of Oceanside Airport. We found overwhelming support for the airport from the non-flying public in Oceanside. Thanks to all the volunteers that helped with this effort.
Thanks to the support of the 400 OAA members like you, on Wednesday, May 8th, 2002, at 6 P.M. the Oceanside City Council voted on whether or not to request $2.4M of federal grant money to purchase the almost 15 acres of property adjacent to the airport for airport use. The city is beginning to realize that it does make a profit from the Airport and can can greatly increase profitability by implementing the Airport Master Plan. This is the beginning of the rebirth of your airport. Over 400 airport supporters attended this meeting and the vote was 4 to 1 to approved acceptance of the funds. There will be more votes required to actually acquire the land. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.
The Barbecue fundraiser on 4/6/02 was a success. Over 300 people attended ranging from members, city council members, local marines, non-pilot neighbors and the general public that were "just driving by". We saved some pictures for you (patience necessary to load this page). Thanks to all members and volunteers in attendance for their involvement and support. We would also like to give a special thanks all the local business that donated their time and raffle prizes. And, to the United States Marine Corps for their crews volunteering their whole day, and bringing in their helicopter gun ships to participate in the event. Visiting vintage aircraft were on display, and it was fun for all to watch the planes takeoff and land, while having a barbecue at the airport. It was a big hit with the kids and families. We think most will agree, you don't have to be a pilot to enjoy your small local General Aviation airport. With the funds raised we'll be doing a membership drive of adjoining areas. Again, the OAA thanks you all for your support and future support to implement the Oceanside Airport Airport Master Plan.
On March 26th, Oceanside Channel 19. OAA President Alan Cruise presented the Oceanside Airport Association on KOCT's TV call-in program "Voice of Oceanside". This video will be replayed periodically.
On 2/13/2002, the Oceanside City Council voted again 4 to 1 to
terminate Sea Winds Aviation's FBO lease. Seawinds is currently paying rent in person to City Hall. To track the situation you can use the search function of North County Times and San Diego Union Tribune. Coast News also tracks this issue however, they don't have a website. We are calling on every pilot and aviation enthusiast in both Oceanside and adjoining areas to become a member of the OAA. The time is *now* to make a difference.
Fact: The City of Oceanside has not implemented the approved 1995 Airport Master Plan. We fully support implementation of the Master Plan.
News: The "Powers that be" have publicly stated they are considering "Alternate Uses for the Airport" which includes closing the airport, tearing it down, and replacing it with a car-sales lot/auto mall which has been shown by local businesses and government to be nonsensical. However, we support improvement of the airport as a community General Aviation airport and harmonious integration with the residents of Oceanside.
We know there are more issues... If you have critical airport related news or issues please let us know
(C) 2004 Oceanside Airport Association. All Rights Reserved.
Created on 02/01/2004 03:54 PM by oceansideairport
Updated on 01/15/2009 08:04 PM by oaapres
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Home - Oceanside Airport Association - OceansideAirport@hotmail.com
- P.O. Box 172 Oceanside CA 92049 - 501(c)(3) Non-Profit All Volunteer
- Member Oceanside Chamber of Commerce - Preservation - Education - Communication