News, Santa Monica, Santa Monica Airport, Smo

Santa Monica Airport 3rd Annual Open House Set For September 21

Posted Aug. 27, 2013, 9:14 am

Brenton Garen / Editor-in-Chief

Santa Monica Airport’s (SMO) third annual Open House will be held Saturday, Sept. 21 from 12-5 pm.

Attendees will get a first-class view of vintage and modern aircraft, realize  piloting dreams in a flight simulator, meet experts in the fields of aviation innovation and more.

The event is free and open to the public. Free parking will be available.

Planned activities include:

-- Self-guided walking tours and guided mini-bus tours of the active airfield perimeter.

-- The Civil Air Patrol will share unique stories of aircraft on display and will be doing emergency services demonstrations at 1 pm and 3 pm.

-- At the Museum of Flying guests can test their piloting skills in the new, exciting MaxFlight 360 Flight Simulator (Museum admission free for guests under 12).

-- Flying enthusiasts from the Emergency Volunteer Air Corps (EVAC) and the Experimental Aircraft Association (EEA) will share how they are championing aviation innovation.

-- Aspiring young firefighters will have a chance to check out a Santa Monica Fire Department Engine, meet firefighters and even try on boots and hats.

-- A highlight of the event will be meeting the pilots of The Ninety-Nines. The International Organization of Women Pilots was founded in 1929 by 99 women pilots, including their first president – famed pilot Amelia Earhart.

-- Kids can let their creativity flow with “Cans to Canvas,” a free hands-on paint reuse art workshop located on the front lawn of 3200 Airport Avenue.

-- Santa Monica Art Studios’  Arena1 Gallery will feature an exhibition of contemporary art, and several resident artists’ studios will be open.    

-- The Pilot’s Passport activity encourages kids and their parents to explore the airport campus and collect stamps at key destinations. Collect five for a prize!

-- Enjoy savory treats and organic ice cream from three popular food trucks: Gastropub, Dogtown Dogs, and S’cream Ice Cream Truck. Typhoon and the Spitfire Grill will also be open.

Santa Monica Airport is located on Airport Avenue between Centinela and Walgrove Avenue.

For more information contact the airport at 310.458.8591 or airport.mailbox@smgov.net. For directions, visit santamonicaairport.org.