Our Future Campus
Together We Can Build Something Special
THE VISION
The Planes of Fame Air Museum at Santa Maria Airport will be a premier aviation museum recognized for its flying aircraft, quality educational experiences, and unique collections.
WHERE: SANTA MARIA AIRPORT
Most visitors say what makes Planes of Fame unique and keeps them returning to the museum is our flyable aircraft and events. With that in mind, we looked for an airport and region that would ease flight operations. The airspace around Santa Maria Airport provides the open space required for flying demonstrations, practicing aerobatic maneuvers, and offering aircraft rides. It also provides two runways and a large ramp that can support airshow operations.
SMX AIRPORT SUMMARY
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8,004 FT. x 150 FT. PRIMARY RUNWAY
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5189 FT. x 75 FT. SECONDARY RUNWAY
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ESTABLISHED CATEGORY I AEROBATIC BOX
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2,516 ACRES OF AIRPORT PROPERTY
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ACTIVE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER
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FIRE & RESCUE SERVICES ON SITE
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EASY ACCESS TO FREEWAY
WHY:
To put our bold vision into action, we are strengthening our commitment to the Museum's core mission.
1
Enhanced Flight Operations
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Quality Educational Experiences
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Showcasing Unique Collections
1
Enhanced Flight Operations
Adjacent development and air traffic are negatively impacting flight operations conducted at Chino Airport (CNO). By expanding to Santa Maria Airport (SMX) and relocating many of our flyable aircraft to the new facilities, the Planes of Fame Air Museum will significantly increase ease of flight operations and safety.
SMX VS CNO
2
Quality Educational Experiences
Aviation technology advancement, which was heavily impacted by World War II, is one of the main drivers behind globalization and shaped the development of the modern world. Exploring how science and technology affected world history and vice versa makes both topics even more compelling. Our S.T.E.A.M. curriculum at Planes of Fame in Santa Maria will build inspiring, educational, fun, and memorable experiences to the California Central Coast.
3
Showcasing Unique Collections
The expansion of Planes of Fame Air Museum presents a wonderful opportunity to raise the profile of our collection and provide a visitor experience that will appeal to a broad audience. The Museum is home to a great many artifacts, memorabilia, uniforms, and documents, most of which are not on public display due to inadequate display spaces. The expansion will make these outstanding collections more visible and accessible to students, scholars, and the public.
WHAT: FACILITY PLANNING
Project Part 1: Negotiations
Santa Maria Airport and Planes of Fame signed a lease agreement in December 2021 granting 23.89 acres of land for museum development. The site has both easy public access and an unobstructed view of the runway, ideal for public viewing of flight demonstrations. Thank you to the Santa Maria Airport District Board of Directors and Airport Manager!
Project Part 2: Site Due Diligence
We have completed thoroughly vetting the site in February 2022. A proposed design, engineering, and permitting strategy that will allow for a multi-phase build plan has been developed.
Project Part 3: Design & Engineering
Currently, the master plan for the site is being developed. Phase One building rendering is shown below. Civil and structural engineering is underway for Phase One.
Project Part 4: Construction
To be determined.
SITE LOCATION
APPROXIMATE LEASED AREA
PHASE ONE BUILDING "ALPHA" ENTRANCE RENDERING
PHASE ONE BUILDING "ALPHA" RAMP SIDE DRAWING
WHEN:
If everything goes to plan, Planes of Fame anticipates opening its new facility to the public in 2024.
HOW: COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Planes of Fame Air Museum has launched a comprehensive fundraising campaign to raise funds to build the new museum. Phase One is estimated to cost $12 Million dollars. With the help of our foundational leadership donors, we have raised almost $7.5 Million toward the project! We are well on our way but we need your help!
It is only with the support of our generous community that we will be able to see the vision become reality.