Early Years

(1934-1940)

The Oxnard Airport was opened in 1934 by the County of Ventura and consisted of a 3,500 foot dirt runway. The first fixed base operator on the field was Joe Plosser. He owned only two aircraft, but had no housing for them. During the thirties Howard Hughes erected a tent on the airport to shelter his H-1 racer, which he tested from the Oxnard Airport.

The County of Ventura paved the runway in 1938 and a large hangar (now known as Hangar #2) was built by the Works Progress Administration. In 1939 James "Elmo" McLean opened the Oxnard Flying School with two aircraft, a 40hp J-3 Cub and a Kinner two-seater.

War Years

(1940-1948)

The U.S. Army Air Corp moved its civilian training program onto the airport in 1940 to establish a primary training base called Mira Loma Flight Academy. Housing was built across the street for the cadets and instructors. Read a cadet's story

Mira Loma Academy entrance to Oxnard Airport(note Hanger #2 in background)

In December 1941 war was declared, as a result all civilian flying was curtailed within 200 miles of the coastline. As a result, the Oxnard Flying School, moved to Boulder City, Nevada. The Army Air Corp operated the airport until 1944 when it was reassigned to the Navy until the Naval Air Station at Point Mugu could be completed. The Navy moved to NAS Point Mugu in 1945 and the Oxnard Flying School returned to the airport.

Oxnard airport flight line

Ventura County Airport

(1949-1960)

The County of Ventura officially regained control of the airport from the federal government in 1948 by receiving a final quitclaim deed. The State of California issued the airport an operating permit in 1949.

The first scheduled airline flights began in 1946 by Southwest Airlines and later Pacific Airlines, flying Douglas DC-3's and Fokker F-27's respectively. Pacific Airlines was replaced by Airwest Airlines in 1967, which was later purchased by the Hughes Corporation, becoming Hughes Airwest. The current terminal building opened in 1971 and has been served by commuter airlines such as Cable, Golden West, Wings West, Mesa and other small air carriers.

Commerce and Preservation

(1960-Present)

The Federal Aviation Administration built and staffed the air traffic control tower in 1960 and in 1963 Oxnard's single runway (7-25) was extended from 4,750 feet to its present length of 5,950 feet. Between 1974 and 1976 the runway was upgraded with an ILS and approach lighting. In July 1992 it was completely rebuilt.

Oxnard airport circa 1980

Today United Express and America West Express operate flights between Oxnard Airport, Phoenix, Los Angeles International Airport and destinations beyond. With the terminal fully occupied with tenants providing both air and ground transportation services, and a new restaurant having been recently opened, the future of Oxnard Airport looks bright. On the general aviation side, a new $2 million corporate hangar and office complex is being designed to replace hangar one, which was lost to a fire in October 1994. The Oxnard Airport has been a Ventura County asset for over 65 years.

A Relevant Quote

Recently, a student and instructor were practicing holds over a VOR. Strong winds aloft led to a very messy hold entry. When finally established in the hold, the controller asked: "Cherokee 1234, was that the Spirograph entry?"

--- AVweb