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Santa Monica Airport (IATA: SMO, ICAO: KSMO, FAA LID: SMO) is a general aviation airport in Santa Monica, California, United States, in the Greater Los Angeles area. It opened on April 15, 1923, and is one of the oldest airports in the country. The airport covers 215 acres of land and is located about 2 miles from the Pacific Ocean and 6 miles north of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Santa Monica Airport has a rich history, including its former name, Clover Field, which housed the Army's 40th Division Aviation and served as a manufacturing site for various aircraft during World War II. The airport has faced noise concerns from the surrounding residential areas, leading to the enforcement of stringent noise ordinances and operational limitations. The City of Santa Monica has been working to restrict operations at the airport and plans to close it by the end of 2028.
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What You'll Learn
Santa Monica Airport is one of the oldest airports in the US
Santa Monica Airport, also known as Santa Monica Municipal Airport, is located in Santa Monica, California, United States, in the Greater Los Angeles area. With a history dating back over a century, it is indeed one of the oldest airports in the country.
The airport has its origins as early as 1917 when it was used as a simple landing strip. In 1919, the site was known as Clover Field, named after Greayer Clover, a fighter pilot who lost his life in World War I. It officially opened as an airport on April 15, 1923, cementing its status as one of the oldest in the nation.
Santa Monica Airport has played a significant role in aviation history. In the 1920s, Clover Field hosted the Women's Air Derby, a transcontinental flight race from Santa Monica to Cleveland, Ohio, with Amelia Earhart among the participants. During World War II, the airport was used to manufacture military aircraft, including bombers and military transports. The Douglas Aircraft Company, headquartered adjacent to the airport, produced iconic planes such as the DC-3 and the XB-19, which first flew from Santa Monica Airport in 1941 to a cheering crowd of 45,000 people.
The airport covers 215 acres (87 hectares) of land and was once the busiest single-runway airport in the world. It has faced community opposition due to its proximity to residential areas, leading to stringent noise ordinances and legal battles over its continued operation. Despite these challenges, the airport has remained open throughout the 20th and into the 21st centuries.
Santa Monica Airport is scheduled to close at the end of 2028, with plans to redevelop the land and return it to the city. Its long history and impact on aviation make it a significant part of Santa Monica's and the nation's history.
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The airport is set to close at the end of 2028
Santa Monica Airport (IATA: SMO, ICAO: KSMO, FAA LID: SMO), also known as Santa Monica Municipal Airport, is set to close at the end of 2028. The airport, which covers 215 acres of land, has a long history dating back to its opening on April 15, 1923, making it one of the oldest airports in the United States. Over the years, it has been a significant aviation hub, once holding the title of the busiest single-runway airport in the world.
The decision to close the airport was made by the City Council, who approved an agreement with Sasaki Inc. (now Sasaki Associates, Inc.) to assess the site and gather public input for the airport's future. The process, known as the Airport Conversion Planning Project, aims to transform the airport into a "'Great Park', focusing on environmental sustainability, community connection, and historical preservation. The firm has extensive experience in airport conversions and will play a crucial role in shaping the airport's next chapter.
The closure of the airport is a complex undertaking due to its proximity to residential areas and the stringent noise ordinances in place. The City of Santa Monica has aggressively enforced noise restrictions to mitigate the impact of aircraft operations on the surrounding community. The airport's operations are also regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which has established curfew hours and operational limitations. These factors will need to be carefully considered during the transition process.
The future of the airport site is a subject of ongoing discussion. While the exact plans are yet to be finalized, the city has obtained authorization to close the airport for aviation purposes, and any development will need to adhere to voter-approved Measure LC. This measure restricts development to parks, public open spaces, and recreational facilities, preserving the site's historical significance. The transformation of the airport into a park will provide much-needed green space for the community, enhancing the quality of life for residents and offering a new chapter in the history of this dynamic city.
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The City of Santa Monica enforces strict noise ordinances
Santa Monica Airport (IATA: SMO, ICAO: KSMO, FAA LID: SMO) is a general aviation airport in Santa Monica, California, in the Greater Los Angeles area. It is one of the oldest airports in the United States, having opened on April 15, 1923.
Due to its proximity to residential areas, the City of Santa Monica enforces strict noise ordinances to mitigate the impact of aircraft operations on the surrounding communities. The airport's Aircraft Noise Ordinance includes several provisions and limitations to manage noise levels.
One of the key components of the ordinance is the maximum allowable noise level of 95.0 dBA Single Event Noise Exposure Level (SENEL). This level is measured at designated noise monitor sites located 1,500 feet or 2,200 feet from each end of the runway. Aircraft that exceed this noise limit are subject to penalties, including fines and exclusion from the airport.
The noise ordinance also includes curfew hours to reduce noise disturbances during nighttime and early morning periods. No takeoffs or engine starts are permitted between 11 pm and 7 am from Monday to Friday, with an extended curfew until 8 am on weekends. Exceptions are made for medical or public safety emergencies.
In addition to the maximum noise level and curfew hours, the ordinance enforces operational limitations to minimize noise impacts. For example, touch-and-go, stop-and-go, and low approaches are prohibited during specific periods, including weekends, holidays, and weekdays from half an hour after sunset until 7 am. The ordinance also incorporates recommended noise abatement procedures into the airport's Fly Neighborly Program, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to noise reduction.
The City of Santa Monica's aggressive enforcement of its noise ordinance reflects its commitment to addressing community concerns and ensuring the compatibility of the airport's operations with the surrounding residential areas. By implementing these stringent measures, the city strives to balance the needs of the airport and the quality of life for its residents.
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The airport is located 6 miles north of Los Angeles International Airport
Santa Monica Airport (IATA: SMO, ICAO: KSMO, FAA LID: SMO) is located 6 miles north of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). It is a general aviation airport located in Santa Monica, California, in the Greater Los Angeles area. The airport is relatively close to the Pacific Ocean, sitting just 2 miles from Santa Monica Bay.
Santa Monica Airport is one of the oldest airports in the United States, having opened on April 15, 1923. It has played a significant role in aviation history, with the Douglas Aircraft Company headquartered adjacent to the airport's original site, Clover Field. During World War II, various military aircraft were built at Santa Monica, including bombers and military transports.
The airport has a unique location, surrounded by residential development on some sides. As a result, the City of Santa Monica enforces strict noise ordinances to mitigate the impact of aircraft operations on the surrounding neighbourhoods. These include curfew hours, operational limitations, and a maximum allowable noise level.
Santa Monica Airport covers 215 acres of land and features notable facilities such as the Museum of Flying, which showcases a collection of historic aircraft. The airport also includes the Barker Hangar, a former hangar now used as a public events venue for awards ceremonies and concerts.
Despite its aviation history and ongoing operations, there have been efforts by the City of Santa Monica to restrict operations at the airport and even close it down. The city has worked to limit business aviation access and reduce the utilisation of the airport. However, organisations like the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) are actively working to preserve general aviation access to the airport.
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The Museum of Flying at the airport showcases historic aircraft
Santa Monica Airport (IATA: SMO, ICAO: KSMO, FAA LID: SMO) is a general aviation airport in Santa Monica, California, in the Greater Los Angeles area. It is one of the oldest airports in the United States, having opened on 15 April 1923. The airport is surrounded by residential areas, which has led to the enforcement of strict noise ordinances.
The Museum of Flying is a private, non-profit organisation that offers educational programs for both children and adults. One of its most popular programs was the children's A's Award Flight Program, which rewarded students who achieved good grades with a free airplane ride. The museum also features a Max Flight FS 3000 simulator, providing an immersive flight experience with 360-degree motion, surround sound, and HD capabilities.
The museum's collection includes static models, such as the North American F-86 Sabre and the Douglas A-4 Skyhawk, as well as a partial nose section from a Boeing 727-200 donated by Federal Express. Visitors can also explore aviation art, rare artefacts, ephemera from famous aviators, and an extensive collection of photographs of historic aircraft. The Mezzanine features a recreation of the Douglas Aircraft Company Executive Boardroom and the office of Donald W. Douglas, the founder and president of the Douglas Aircraft Company.
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Frequently asked questions
Santa Monica Airport's codes are IATA: SMO, ICAO: KSMO, and FAA LID: SMO.
The Santa Monica Airport is located in Santa Monica, California, in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Santa Monica Airport is one of the oldest airports in the United States, opening on April 15, 1923. It is also one of the world's foremost general aviation airports, with a rich history in aviation. The airport is known for its aggressive noise ordinances and is surrounded by residential areas. It is also home to the Museum of Flying, which showcases a collection of historic aircraft.
