Watsonville Airport Service: What's The Deal?

Watsonville Municipal Airport (IATA: WVI, ICAO: KWVI, FAA LID: WVI) is located about three miles (5 km) northwest of Watsonville, in Santa Cruz County, California, United States. The airport is a Home Town Airport and a gateway to California's Central Coast, offering residents and visitors access to a classic general aviation airport. It is a self-sustaining enterprise operation owned by the City of Watsonville, with a staff of nine full-time employees. The airport is home to 285 aircraft and supports a range of activities, including private flying, flight training, aircraft maintenance, and air ambulance services.

Watsonville Municipal Airport's history

The Watsonville Municipal Airport (IATA: WVI, ICAO: KWVI, FAA LID: WVI) is located three miles (5 km) northwest of Watsonville, in Santa Cruz County, California, United States. The airport covers 330 acres (134 ha) and has two runways. The airport is uncontrolled, and the CTAF is 122.8 MHz. The airport is a self-sustaining "enterprise operation" with a staff of nine full-time employees. It is home to 285 aircraft and is used extensively by various businesses, especially the agri-business community. The two runways (2-20 and 9-27) accommodate over 60,000 operations per year, including an estimated 5,000 instrument approaches.

The airport has a rich history dating back to World War II. In July 1943, the U.S. Navy took control of the former civilian airport, purchasing an additional 35 acres, and constructing support buildings and a concrete ramp. On October 23, 1943, the airport was commissioned as Naval Auxiliary Air Station Watsonville (NAAS Watsonville) and served as a satellite to the Naval Air Station (NAS) Alameda. NAAS Watsonville provided training and maintenance for the 12th Naval District, Alameda, California, under the command of Lieutenant John C. Chapman. Antisubmarine blimps, Grumman F6F Hellcats, Grumman TBF Avengers, Vought F4U Corsairs, and Douglas SBD Dauntless aircraft were all stationed at the base for training in torpedo, dive bomber, and fighter operations.

As World War II drew to a close, so did operations at NAAS Watsonville. The base was officially closed and placed in caretaker status on November 1, 1945. Two years later, in 1947, the airport was returned to the City of Watsonville. Today, the airport is known for its dedicated volunteer organizations, including Civil Air Patrol Squadron 13, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 119, Monterey Bay Ninety-Nines, and the Watsonville Pilots Association. It serves as a gateway to California's Central Coast, offering a range of services and facilities for both residents and visitors.

Aircraft and runways

The Watsonville Municipal Airport is located three miles (5 km) northwest of Watsonville, in Santa Cruz County, California, United States. The airport covers 330 acres (134 ha) and has two runways: 02-20 and 09-27. The longest runway, 02-20, measures 4,501 feet by 149 feet, while the crosswind runway, 09-27, is 3,998 feet by 98 feet. The runways accommodate over 60,000 operations per year, including an estimated 5,000 instrument approaches. The airport is well-equipped with a range of facilities, including a terminal building that houses administrative offices, a communications room, and a lobby area, as well as a restaurant and café. It also offers full-service aircraft fuelling support and a self-service fuelling island.

The airport is a busy and vibrant hub, serving various activities such as private flying, flight training, ground school, aircraft rental, maintenance, air ambulance, law enforcement aviation, air charter, and skydiving. It is also a popular venue for events like the annual Watsonville Fly-In and the Historical Aircraft Display, held every second Saturday of the month. The airport is home to 285 aircraft and is particularly popular among the agri-business community.

During World War II, the airport was known as Naval Auxiliary Air Station Watsonville (NAAS Watsonville) and played a crucial role in defence and training. It hosted up to 75 combat aircraft, including Antisubmarine Blimps, Grumman F6F Hellcats, Grumman TBF Avengers, Vought F4U Corsairs, and Douglas SBD Dauntless. These aircraft were used for torpedo, dive bomber, and fighter operations, with the latter two types also being utilised for 90- to 120-day training classes.

Watsonville Municipal Airport is more than just a transportation hub; it is a community centre that fosters a passion for aviation. The airport is well-regarded for its dedicated volunteer organisations, such as Civil Air Patrol Squadron 13, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 119, and the Monterey Bay Ninety-Nines. These groups contribute to the airport's vibrant culture and promote aviation-related activities and education.

Amenities and services

Watsonville Municipal Airport (IATA: WVI, ICAO: KWVI, FAA LID: WVI) is located approximately three miles (about five kilometres) northwest of Watsonville, in Santa Cruz County, California, United States. The airport is a "gateway to California's Central Coast", offering a range of amenities and services to pilots, passengers, and aviation enthusiasts.

The airport features two runways, 02-20 and 09-27, which accommodate over 60,000 operations per year, including an estimated 5,000 instrument approaches. The longest runway is 4,501 feet long and 149 feet wide, while the crosswind runway is 3,998 feet long and 98 feet wide. The airport is uncontrolled, and the CTAF is 122.8 MHz. It is a non-towered airport that serves general aviation but does not have scheduled commercial airline service.

Watsonville Municipal Airport is home to 285 aircraft and supports various activities, including private flying, flight training, ground school, aircraft rental, maintenance, air ambulance, law enforcement aviation, air charter, and skydiving. The airport has a National Weather Service Automated Surface Observation Station (ASOS) on the field, which can be received on 132.275 MHz or by phone. Additionally, the airport offers full-service aircraft fuelling support and a self-service fuelling island, providing both Avgas and Jet A fuel.

The terminal building at Watsonville Municipal Airport includes administrative offices, a communications room (UNICOM), a lobby area, a pilot's lounge, restrooms, and vending machines. The airport also hosts an on-site restaurant and café, providing dining options for pilots and passengers without having to leave the airport. A car rental agency is also available on the premises.

Watsonville Municipal Airport is known for its dedicated volunteer organizations, such as Civil Air Patrol Squadron 13, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 119, Monterey Bay Ninety-Nines, and the Watsonville Pilots Association. The airport also hosts community events and activities throughout the year, including the annual Watsonville Fly-In.

Aviation businesses

The Watsonville Municipal Airport is located three miles (5 km) northwest of Watsonville, in Santa Cruz County, California, United States. It is a self-sustaining "enterprise operation" with a staff of nine full-time employees. The airport is home to 285 aircraft and is used by various businesses, especially those in the agri-business community. The airport's two runways accommodate over 60,000 operations per year, including an estimated 5,000 instrument approaches.

The airport supports many activities, including private flying, flight training, ground school, aircraft rental, maintenance, air ambulance, law enforcement aviation, air charter, skydiving, and other aviation-related business concerns. It is well-known for its dedicated volunteer organizations, including Civil Air Patrol Squadron 13, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 119, Monterey Bay Ninety-Nines, and the Watsonville Pilots Association.

Some of the on-field aviation businesses at the Watsonville Municipal Airport include:

• Calibro Aviation: A FAA Part 43 Maintenance Facility.
• GaryAir: A general aviation air taxi service offering convenient, low-hassle, and comfortable transportation.
• NorCal Avionics: Specializes in aviation electronic systems sales and service, providing full support for autopilots, communication radios, flight displays, GPS units, and radar systems.
• Pacific AirCare: A FAA Certified Repair Station with individuals with diverse and extensive aviation backgrounds.
• Santa Cruz Pilot: Offers service and support for airports in the Santa Cruz and Bay Area.
• SKYDIVE SURFCITY: A tandem skydiving operation emphasizing safety, transparency, and customer care. It offers spectacular views of Monterey Bay, Capitola Beach, and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
• Specialized Aviation: Serves all helicopter needs, including tours, training, sales, service, and overhaul. They offer aerial photography, helicopter tours, charter, flight training, and adventure flights.
• Strawberry Aviation: Provides single-engine flight instruction, aircraft rental, pilot supplies, and flight simulator training.
• United Flight Services: Has served the Watsonville Airport aviation community since 1966, offering primary and advanced flight training.

Airport events

The Watsonville Municipal Airport in Santa Cruz County, California, is a busy hub of activity, hosting various events throughout the year that engage and entertain the local community. One of its notable events is the annual Watsonville Fly-In, welcoming aviation enthusiasts from near and far.

The airport also opens its doors to the public during its annual Open House event, typically held over the Labor Day weekend. This free community celebration offers residents a unique opportunity to explore the world of general aviation, including first responder aviation assets, antique aircraft, and thrilling flyovers. The event has something for everyone, from a parachute flag jump and live music to a dedicated Kidz Zone and a variety of food vendors. In recent years, the event has also featured the Central Coast's first-ever Drone Light Show, adding a modern twist to the traditional aviation showcase.

In addition to these larger events, the airport hosts a range of activities and classes for older adults, promoting health, socialisation, and creativity. These include energetic Latin dance lessons, gentle chair yoga classes, and a crochet club. The airport also provides a space for social gatherings like the Golden Game Time, where adults and teens can socialise while playing games, and Bilingual Baby Laptime, fostering early literacy skills for children in a fun environment.

With its rich history, dating back to its role as a Naval Auxiliary Air Station during World War II, the Watsonville Municipal Airport continues to be an integral part of the community, offering educational, recreational, and cultural experiences through its diverse range of events.

Frequently asked questions