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Agua Dulce Airpark, also known as Agua Dulce Airport, is a privately owned, public-use airport located in Agua Dulce, California. The airport was established in 1959 and has been the subject of several ownership disputes over the years, including a proposed expansion by Los Angeles County in the 1990s and a legal battle in 2019. The airport caters primarily to general aviation and is known for its rustic setting, attracting recreational pilots and visitors who enjoy the unique ambience of the scenic community.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Agua Dulce Airpark, also known as Agua Dulce Airport |
| Location | Agua Dulce, California, USA |
| Ownership | Privately owned |
| Type | Public-use airport |
| Distance from Los Angeles | Approximately 45 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles |
| Area | 208 acres |
| Previous Owner | Barry Kirschner |
| Current Owner | Wayne and Connie |
| Use | Primarily for general aviation, small aircraft, and recreational pilots |
| Community | Vibrant, with residential properties and aviation enthusiasts |
| Events | Hosts events and gatherings for pilots and aviation lovers |
| Surroundings | Rural, with a mix of residential properties, horse ranches, and natural landscapes |
| Nearby Attractions | Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, Agua Dulce Vineyards |
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What You'll Learn
The airport is privately owned and open to the public
The Agua Dulce Airpark, also known as the Agua Dulce Airport, is a privately owned airport that is open for public use. It is a small airport located in the Sierra Pelona Valley of Los Angeles County, California, approximately 45 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles. The airport is situated in a primarily rural area, with a mix of residential properties, horse ranches, and natural landscapes surrounding it. The airport caters mainly to general aviation and is used by small aircraft, including single-engine planes and gliders. It is a popular choice for private flights and recreational pilots due to its picturesque setting and comprehensive facilities.
The history of the airport began in 1958 when aircraft modification engineer Robert W. Lillibridge and Northrop test pilot Errol Williams purchased the vacant acreage for the airport. The subsequent improvements were financed by millionaire businessman Jim Annin. In 1959, a special permit was granted by the Regional Planning Commission of Los Angeles County to begin construction. Over the years, the airport has been the centre of disputes between those wanting to preserve its quaint and rustic nature and those advocating for expansion to relieve congestion at other airports. In the 1990s, local residents successfully fought against an attempt by Los Angeles County to buy the airport and convert it into a regional airport.
The airport has a vibrant community surrounding it, with residential properties catering to those who wish to live close to their aircraft. The airpark often hosts events and gatherings, fostering a sense of community among pilots and aviation enthusiasts. It has also served as a filming location for various movies, TV shows, and commercials, including the popular series Roswell.
Despite its small size, the airport has faced opposition from some local residents and the Agua Dulce Civic Association due to concerns about increased noise and traffic from aircraft and visitors. The county has proposed expanding the airport with federal funds, but the residents prefer that the airport be sold to a private developer for housing or a small fly-in community. The airport's ownership has also been the subject of legal disputes, with a Los Angeles psychologist, Ralph Herzig, suing the previous owners, James and John Annin, over alleged nondisclosure of certain conditions at the airport.
Overall, the Agua Dulce Airport, with its unique blend of aviation, community, and scenic beauty, continues to be a sought-after destination for pilots and aviation enthusiasts, even as its future remains the subject of debate among various stakeholders.
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It is used for general aviation and small aircraft
Agua Dulce Airpark, also known as Agua Dulce Airport, is a privately owned, public-use airport located in Agua Dulce, California. It is situated in the Sierra Pelona Valley of northern Los Angeles County, approximately 45 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles. The airport primarily caters to general aviation and small aircraft, including single-engine planes and gliders. It is a popular hub for aviation enthusiasts and pilots who own hangars or homes in the nearby vicinity. The surrounding community is vibrant and residential, catering to those who wish to live close to their aircraft. The area is characterised by a mix of residential properties, horse ranches, and natural landscapes.
The airport does not have an air traffic control tower, contributing to its quaint and rustic atmosphere. It is known for its scenic setting, attracting recreational pilots and visitors who enjoy the unique ambience of the airport and the surrounding community. The airport is also a sought-after location for filming and has been featured in various movies, TV shows, and commercials.
The history of the airport dates back to 1958 when aircraft modification engineer Robert W. Lillibridge and Northrop test pilot Errol Williams purchased the vacant acreage for the airport. Subsequent improvements were financed by millionaire businessman Jim Annin. The airport has faced opposition from local residents who have fought attempts by Los Angeles County to buy and expand the airport, citing concerns about increased noise and traffic. The airport's future remains uncertain, with residents preferring the land be sold to a private developer for housing or a fly-in community.
Agua Dulce Airport offers a unique experience for pilots and visitors alike, with its rustic airstrip, picturesque surroundings, and close-knit aviation community. It serves as a hub for local aviation activities and fosters a sense of community among those who appreciate the aviation lifestyle. The airport's small size and lack of air traffic control tower give it a distinct character, setting it apart from larger, more commercial airports.
Overall, Agua Dulce Airport plays an important role in the local aviation community, providing a space for general aviation and small aircraft enthusiasts to gather and pursue their passion for flight in a scenic and intimate setting. Its unique characteristics and dedicated community of pilots and residents have contributed to its enduring appeal.
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The airport's history dates back to 1958
The history of Agua Dulce Airport, also known as Agua Dulce Airpark, dates back to 1958. It is a small, public-use airport located in Agua Dulce, California, about 45 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles. The airport is situated in the picturesque Sierra Pelona Valley of northern Los Angeles County. The plans for the airport began in 1958 when aircraft modification engineer Robert W. Lillibridge and Northrop test pilot Errol Williams purchased the vacant acreage for the airport. The costs of subsequent improvements were financed by millionaire businessman Jim Annin.
To commence the building process, a special permit was required. On October 27, 1959, special permit case No. 1404-(5) was granted by the Regional Planning Commission of Los Angeles County, allowing for the construction of the airport to begin. Over the years, the airport has become a hub for aviation enthusiasts and pilots who own hangars or homes in the vicinity. The surrounding community is vibrant and offers residential properties that cater to those who wish to live close to their aircraft. The airport often hosts events and gatherings, fostering a sense of community among pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
The airport primarily serves general aviation and is used by small aircraft, including single-engine planes and gliders. It is known for its rustic and scenic setting, attracting recreational pilots and visitors from throughout the region. The area surrounding the airport is primarily rural, characterised by a mix of residential properties, horse ranches, and natural landscapes. The nearby Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, known for its striking rock formations, has been a filming location for numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials.
Despite its popularity among pilots and aviation enthusiasts, the airport has faced opposition from local residents regarding expansion plans. In the 1990s, residents of Agua Dulce successfully fought against an attempt by Los Angeles County to buy the airpark and convert it into a regional airport. More recently, residents have expressed concerns about the county's proposal to expand the tiny airstrip, citing increased noise and traffic as reasons for their opposition. The fate of the airport has been the subject of legal disputes, with residents preferring that the airport be sold to a private developer for the construction of a housing development or a private fly-in community.
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Residents opposed the county's expansion plans
Agua Dulce Airpark, also known as Agua Dulce Airport, is a privately owned, public-use airport in Los Angeles County, California. The airport is located in the Sierra Pelona Valley, about 45 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles. The airport primarily serves general aviation and is used by recreational pilots and visitors who enjoy the scenic community and airstrip.
In the 1990s, residents of Agua Dulce opposed the county's plans to expand the airport. The Los Angeles County proposed buying and expanding the airstrip to relieve congestion at other airports. The proposal included increasing the number of aircraft based at the airport and allowing for more takeoffs and landings, which residents feared would bring increased noise and traffic to the area. The community, which is known for its rural character and quiet atmosphere, expressed concern that the expansion would radically alter the area.
The opposition to the county's expansion plans was led by the Agua Dulce Civic Assn., which conducted a poll showing that about three-quarters of the community was opposed to the proposal. The association's members pledged funds to fight the expansion, demonstrating the strong local resistance to the county's plans.
The fate of the airport has been a subject of debate, with pilots who keep their planes there and residents who value the quiet and scenic nature of the community having differing preferences for the airport's future. Some residents have suggested selling the airport to a private developer for housing or a fly-in community, while others have expressed a desire for the airport to remain unchanged.
The county's proposal to expand the airport faced significant challenges due to the strong opposition from the local community. The residents' concerns about increased noise and traffic highlighted the potential negative impact of the expansion on the character and quality of life in Agua Dulce. This resistance underscores the importance of considering the potential impacts on local communities when planning airport expansions or other similar developments.
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The airport has been used as a filming location
Agua Dulce Airpark, also known as Agua Dulce Airport, is a privately owned, public-use airport located in Agua Dulce, California, United States. The airport has been used as a filming location for several productions, taking advantage of its picturesque setting and comprehensive facilities.
The airport has been featured in at least five episodes of the Roswell TV series, spanning three seasons from 1999 to 2002. The exterior of the cafe and gas station were used in season 1, while the airport itself served as a background in season 2, along with the interior of the cafe. The hill facing the runway was also featured in season 3. The distant view of the airport was utilised as a shot of the town of Roswell in promotional materials for the series.
Additionally, the final act of the 200th episode of the TV series Bones (Season 10, 2014) was filmed at the airport, showcasing its versatility as a filming location.
The surrounding area of Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, known for its striking rock formations, has also been a popular filming location for numerous movies, TV shows, and commercials.
The rustic charm and unique characteristics of Agua Dulce Airport and its environs make it an attractive choice for filmmakers and contribute to its appeal within the aviation community.
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Frequently asked questions
Agua Dulce Airport, also known as Agua Dulce Airpark, is privately owned. It was previously owned by Barry Kirschner, who sold the airport to Wayne and Connie in 2005.
It is not clear who Barry Kirschner bought the airport from, but it was originally built by aircraft modification engineer Robert W. Lillibridge and Northrop test pilot Errol Williams.
The airport is used primarily for general aviation and caters to small aircraft, including single-engine planes and gliders. It is also used by recreational pilots and visitors who enjoy the airport's rustic ambience.
Yes, the airport is a public-use airport, but it does not have an air traffic control tower.
The airport is located in Agua Dulce, California, in the Sierra Pelona Valley of northern Los Angeles County. It is approximately 45 miles north of Downtown Los Angeles.
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