San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport
Encyclopedia
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport , also known as McChesney Field, is an airport located in San Luis Obispo, California
serving San Luis Obispo County
. The airport is mostly used for general aviation
, but is also served by two commercial airlines.
Located just south of the City of San Luis Obispo, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport serves areas as far north as Southern Monterey County
and as far south as Northern Santa Barbara County
. The airport offers convenient access to and from the Central Coast
. Residents and visitors have the choice of two commercial airlines with flights to Los Angeles
, Phoenix
, and San Francisco
. The airport is also home to full service general aviation and corporate facilities.
In 1940, hard surface runways and lights were installed by the War Department. In 1940 and 1941, 183 private pilots and 20 advanced students were trained here though a federally sponsored Civilian Pilot Training Program for armed services fliers.
The federal government took over the airport though World War II
, turning it back to the county in 1946. Southwest Airways inaugurated a passenger and airline service that year.
In 1947, county supervisors contracted for another hangar, ramp, and eventually an administration building. The supervisors named Chris Hoover full-time airport manager in 1953.
In 1987, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport was dedicated as McChesney Field, in honor of Leroy E. McChesney for his leadership and dedication to aviation. Mr. McChesney resided in the county since 1920 and had been a pilot since 1949. He was a longtime member of the California Aviation Council, a member of the California Aeronautics Board, and other aviation organizations. Mr. McChesney was the Grand Marschal of the first Airport Day in 1984.
Airport facilities now include a terminal building, restaurant, numerous hangars and airplane related businesses. In 1988, a control tower was opened by the Federal Aviation Administration
.
Although Southwest Airways started airline service here in 1946, it only lasted until 1955. Southwest replaced its DC-3's with Martin 404's, which were too large for the 4000 feet (1,219.2 m) runway, so they moved to Paso Robles
. There was a long gap in air passenger service until Swift Aire Lines was started up in 1969. By the time that the control tower opened in 1988, SkyWest Airlines
, WestAir, and Wings West (later merged into American Eagle
) were in operation. Passenger service from San Luis Obispo was here to stay. Today, two regional airlines serve the community: United Express (SkyWest Airlines) and U.S. Airways Express (Mesa Airlines
).
San Luis Obispo, California
San Luis Obispo is a city in California, located roughly midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Central Coast. Founded in 1772 by Spanish Fr. Junipero Serra, San Luis Obispo is one of California’s oldest communities...
serving San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County, California
San Luis Obispo County is a county located along the Pacific Ocean in the Central Coast of the U.S. state of California, between Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area. As of the 2010 census its population was 269,637, up from 246,681 at the 2000 census...
. The airport is mostly used for general aviation
General aviation
General aviation is one of the two categories of civil aviation. It refers to all flights other than military and scheduled airline and regular cargo flights, both private and commercial. General aviation flights range from gliders and powered parachutes to large, non-scheduled cargo jet flights...
, but is also served by two commercial airlines.
Located just south of the City of San Luis Obispo, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport serves areas as far north as Southern Monterey County
Monterey County, California
Monterey County is a county located on the Pacific coast of the U.S. state of California, its northwestern section forming the southern half of Monterey Bay. The northern half of the bay is in Santa Cruz County. As of 2010, the population was 415,057. The county seat and largest city is Salinas...
and as far south as Northern Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County, California
Santa Barbara County is a county located in the southern portion of the U.S. state of California, on the Pacific coast. As of 2010 the county had a population of 423,895. The county seat is Santa Barbara and the largest city is Santa Maria.-History:...
. The airport offers convenient access to and from the Central Coast
Central Coast of California
The Central Coast is an area of California, United States, roughly spanning the area between the Monterey Bay and Point Conception. It extends through Santa Cruz County, San Benito County, Monterey County, San Luis Obispo County, and Santa Barbara County...
. Residents and visitors have the choice of two commercial airlines with flights to Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles , with a population at the 2010 United States Census of 3,792,621, is the most populous city in California, USA and the second most populous in the United States, after New York City. It has an area of , and is located in Southern California...
, Phoenix
Phoenix, Arizona
Phoenix is the capital, and largest city, of the U.S. state of Arizona, as well as the sixth most populated city in the United States. Phoenix is home to 1,445,632 people according to the official 2010 U.S. Census Bureau data...
, and San Francisco
San Francisco, California
San Francisco , officially the City and County of San Francisco, is the financial, cultural, and transportation center of the San Francisco Bay Area, a region of 7.15 million people which includes San Jose and Oakland...
. The airport is also home to full service general aviation and corporate facilities.
History
The San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport began as one man's dream. Earl Thomson, along with his brothers-in-law, William "Chris" and David Hoover, talked county officials into leasing them the land. By April 1939 the airport opened with an 88 by hangar and dirt runways.In 1940, hard surface runways and lights were installed by the War Department. In 1940 and 1941, 183 private pilots and 20 advanced students were trained here though a federally sponsored Civilian Pilot Training Program for armed services fliers.
The federal government took over the airport though World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, turning it back to the county in 1946. Southwest Airways inaugurated a passenger and airline service that year.
In 1947, county supervisors contracted for another hangar, ramp, and eventually an administration building. The supervisors named Chris Hoover full-time airport manager in 1953.
In 1987, the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport was dedicated as McChesney Field, in honor of Leroy E. McChesney for his leadership and dedication to aviation. Mr. McChesney resided in the county since 1920 and had been a pilot since 1949. He was a longtime member of the California Aviation Council, a member of the California Aeronautics Board, and other aviation organizations. Mr. McChesney was the Grand Marschal of the first Airport Day in 1984.
Airport facilities now include a terminal building, restaurant, numerous hangars and airplane related businesses. In 1988, a control tower was opened by the Federal Aviation Administration
Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the national aviation authority of the United States. An agency of the United States Department of Transportation, it has authority to regulate and oversee all aspects of civil aviation in the U.S...
.
Although Southwest Airways started airline service here in 1946, it only lasted until 1955. Southwest replaced its DC-3's with Martin 404's, which were too large for the 4000 feet (1,219.2 m) runway, so they moved to Paso Robles
Paso Robles, California
Paso Robles is a city in San Luis Obispo County, California, United States. Paso Robles is the fastest growing city in San Luis Obispo County: Its population at the 2000 census was 24,297; in 2010 it recorded some 29,793 residentsLocated on the Salinas River north of San Luis Obispo, California,...
. There was a long gap in air passenger service until Swift Aire Lines was started up in 1969. By the time that the control tower opened in 1988, SkyWest Airlines
Skywest Airlines
Skywest Airlines Pty Ltd is a regional airline company based in Perth, Western Australia, Australia; servicing key towns in the state of Western Australia, Darwin, Northern Territory and Melbourne, Victoria; as well as charter flights to Bali, Indonesia....
, WestAir, and Wings West (later merged into American Eagle
American Eagle Airlines
American Eagle Airlines is a brand name used by American Eagle Airlines, Inc. , based in Fort Worth, Texas, and Executive Airlines based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in the operation of passenger air service as regional affiliates of American Airlines. All three airlines are wholly owned subsidiaries...
) were in operation. Passenger service from San Luis Obispo was here to stay. Today, two regional airlines serve the community: United Express (SkyWest Airlines) and U.S. Airways Express (Mesa Airlines
Mesa Airlines
Mesa Airlines, Inc. is an American regional airline based in Phoenix, Arizona. It is a FAA Part 121 certificated air carrier operating under air carrier certificate number MASA036A issued on June 29, 1979. It is a subsidiary of Mesa Air Group. It was known briefly as Mountain West Airlines from...
).
Current operations
- From April 1 to the 4th, 2009, Boeing 737-700 and Airbus A319 charter aircraft from Alaska AirlinesAlaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines is an airline based in the Seattle suburb of SeaTac, Washington in the United States. The airline originated in 1932 as McGee Airways. After many mergers with and acquisitions of other airlines, including Star Air Service, it became known as Alaska Airlines in 1944...
and Frontier AirlinesFrontier AirlinesFrontier Airlines, Inc., is an American airline headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, United States. The carrier, which is a subsidiary and operating brand of Republic Airways Holdings, operates flights to 83 destinations throughout the United States, Mexico, and Costa Rica and maintains hubs at...
arrived at the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport with troops from the Oregon National Guard. With a longer wingspan and heavier weight than the Boeing 737, the Airbus A319 is currently the largest aircraft to land at San Luis Obispo Airport. Southwest AirlinesSouthwest AirlinesSouthwest Airlines Co. is an American low-cost airline based in Dallas, Texas. Southwest is the largest airline in the United States, based upon domestic passengers carried,...
737 aircraft have also recently landed at San Luis Obispo Airport as part of military charter operations. - On January 23, 2009 an Alaska AirlinesAlaska AirlinesAlaska Airlines is an airline based in the Seattle suburb of SeaTac, Washington in the United States. The airline originated in 1932 as McGee Airways. After many mergers with and acquisitions of other airlines, including Star Air Service, it became known as Alaska Airlines in 1944...
737-400 arrived at San Luis Airport from Chico, CaliforniaChico, CaliforniaChico is the most populous city in Butte County, California, United States. The population was 86,187 at the 2010 census, up from 59,954 at the time of the 2000 census...
. This was the largest aircraft ever to land at the airport at that time. The flight was carrying 125 passengers who were members of the San Francisco SymphonySan Francisco SymphonyThe San Francisco Symphony is an orchestra based in San Francisco, California. Since 1980, the orchestra has performed at the Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall. The San Francisco Symphony Youth Orchestra and the San Francisco Symphony Chorus are part of the organization...
arriving to perform at Cal PolyCalifornia Polytechnic State UniversityCalifornia Polytechnic State University, or Cal Poly, is a public university located in San Luis Obispo, California, United States. The university is one of two polytechnic campuses in the 23-member California State University system....
's Performing Arts Center. - On August 27, 2008 US Airways Express (Mesa Airlines) announced an expansion of service to San Luis Obispo Airport. Beginning October 2, 2008, flights to and from Phoenix will utilize the Bombardier Canadair Regional Jet 900 series (CRJ-900) as opposed the 200 series offering 36 more seats for its twice-daily flight.
Future expansion plans
The key components of the future expansion concept include:- A 1,000-foot (+/-) pavement extension on the northwest end of Runway 11-29, providing a total runway pavement length of 7100 feet (2,164.1 m).
- Install EMASEngineered Materials Arrestor SystemAn engineered materials arrestor system or engineered materials arresting system is a bed of engineered materials built at the end of a runway. Engineered materials are defined in FAA Advisory Circular No 150/5220-22A as "high energy absorbing materials of selected strength, which will reliably...
at the south end of Runway 11-29 to meet the current RSA requirement for a C-II runway. - Extension of parallel Taxiways A and M to the northwest end of the extended runway, at the existing separation distances from the runway centerline.
- Straightening of Taxiway A at the current terminal ramp. Upon relocation of passenger terminal facilities to the new terminal, the portion of Taxiway A in front of the existing terminal may be aligned with the remainder of the taxiway.
- Other taxiway improvements include the extension of Taxiway C to the west ramp, closing of Taxiway E and replacement with a rightangled taxiway between Taxiway A and Taxiway J, and reconfiguration of Taxiway F. Taxiway J will be widened next to the west ramp to provide two-way taxiing.
- A new passenger terminal, ramp, and structured parking deck will be constructed in the location originally recommended in the 1998 Airport Master Plan. The new 66350 square feet (6,164.1 m²) terminal is designed to meet increased space needs for post 9-11 security requirements (including inline bag screening) and future passenger demands in a phased manner, with additional building and concourse added as required to meet long term needs.
- A new Aircraft Rescue and FirefightingAircraft Rescue and FirefightingAircraft rescue and firefighting is a special category of firefighting that involves the response, hazard mitigation, evacuation and possible rescue of passengers and crew of an aircraft involved in an airport ground emergency....
(ARFF) station is under construction to the southeast of the future terminal building. The new structure will be approximately 8700 square feet (808.3 m²). - Shifting of the Runway 25 threshold, creating an interim length of 2500 feet (762 m) on Runway 7-25. In addition, consistent with the runway’s B-I design category, the runway may be narrowed to 60 feet (18.3 m). Upon completion of the relocation of Santa Fe Road, the runway pavement may be extended 500 feet (152.4 m) on the west end to provide an ultimate runway length of 3000 feet (914.4 m). Additional exit taxiways have been placed on either side of the runway.
- Upon completion of the westerly shift of the threshold of Runway 25, new general aviation fixed base operations facilities may be constructed southeast of the new passenger terminal ramp and ARFF facility. The facilities may include large span hangars (a minimum of 24,000 square feet), office area, ramp for itinerant aircraft, and automobile parking. An entrance/exit point onto Highway 227 may be provided near these facilities.
- Hangar facilities totaling 82,000 square feet (+/-) for general aviation aircraft southeast of the fixed base facilities. These facilities will provide 65 (+/-) individual storage units on the east side of the airfield. Parking ramp will also be provided southeast of the hangars. The hangars will be located outside of the primary surface area for Runway 11-29 (500 feet from runway centerline).
- Lease parcels along the south side of Runway 7-25 will provide for potential construction of 120000 square feet (11,148.4 m²) of individual hangars, with access from Buckley Road.
- In November of 2010 Aviation Consultants Inc. and the San Luis Jet Center began construction on their new 52000 square feet (4,831 m²), state of the art jet center and maintenance facility.
Facilities
San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport covers 340 acres (138 ha) and has two runways:- Runway 11/29: 6,100 x 150 ft (1,859 x 46 m), Surface: Asphalt
- Runway 7/25: 2,500 x 100 ft (762 x 30 m), Surface: Asphalt
Fixed base operators
- Aviation Consultants Incorporated
- San Luis Jet Center
- Pigs Can Fly Aviation
- Pacific Aerocademy
- Air San Luis
Airlines and destinations
Cargo airlines
- AmeriflightAmeriflightAmeriflight LLC is an American cargo airline with its headquarters in Hangar 1 on the grounds of Bob Hope Airport in Burbank, California. It is the largest United States FAA Part 135 cargo carrier, operating scheduled and contract cargo services to destinations in 30 US states, Canada, Mexico, and...
for UPSUnited Parcel ServiceUnited Parcel Service, Inc. , typically referred to by the acronym UPS, is a package delivery company. Headquartered in Sandy Springs, Georgia, United States, UPS delivers more than 15 million packages a day to 6.1 million customers in more than 220 countries and territories around the... - West Air Inc.West AirWest Air, Inc. is an American airline based in Fresno, California, USA. West Air, Inc. provides feeder service on behalf of FedEx Express throughout California and parts of Nevada and Utah.- History :...
for FedEx Express
Incidents and accidents
- January 8, 2009 - A Beechcraft BonanzaBeechcraft BonanzaThe Beechcraft Bonanza is an American general aviation aircraft introduced in 1947 by The Beech Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, Kansas. , it is still being produced by Hawker Beechcraft, and has been in continuous production longer than any other airplane in history...
(BE36-A36) landed with its gear up causing runway 29/11 to be closed for approximately one hour. The pilot was the only person aboard and was not injured. The runway closure caused a SkyWest flight from San Francisco to divert to Southern CaliforniaSouthern CaliforniaSouthern California is a megaregion, or megapolitan area, in the southern area of the U.S. state of California. Large urban areas include Greater Los Angeles and Greater San Diego. The urban area stretches along the coast from Ventura through the Southland and Inland Empire to San Diego...
. - March 17, 2009 - At 3:00pm, a Piper Comanche (PA-24) missed the runway upon landing, apparently catching a wind gust. The wind caused the plane to veer off the runway, down a grass side embankment and through a fence. The incident caused the runway to be closed for 10 to 15 minutes but no planes were delayed. The single occupant of the plane, the pilot, was not injured.
- August 24, 1984 - Wings West Airlines / Flight 628 Midair collision. Shortly after departing the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport on a commuter flight to San Francisco International Airport, a Wings West Airlines twin-engine Beechcraft C99 (N6399U) collided head-on with a private Rockwell Commander 112TC aircraft (N112SM) that was descending for a landing at the same airport.