Flying Schools -

Once upon a time the majority of pilots learned to fly in the military. But as flying popularity grew, more and more flight schools began to take root around the country allowing anyone to "learn to fly." At Santa Monica airport, you can earn your student license and solo with as little as 20 hours of flight time and earn a private pilot's license in just over 40 hours. Many pilots go on to earn their instrument rating and multi-engine rating. A select few go on to earn their commercial license, airline transport pilot (ATP) and certified flight instructor (CFI & CFII Instrument) licenses. Listed below is contact information for the current flight schools operating at the Santa Monica airport. If you're not sure if flying is for you, but have always wanted to give it a try, call one of the flight schools below and ask to schedule a "discovery flight."

• Proteus Air Services (310) 398-6929
• Santa Monica Flyers (310) 800-8050
• Skyward Aviation     (310) 313-3450

Pilot Outfitters - Located at the Santa Monica Air Center / Barker Hangar

3021 Airport Ave. Suite 115 Santa Monica, CA 90405

Phone: (310) 398-5373

Email: [email protected] Website: www.pilotoutfitters.com

Flying Clubs

Flying Clubs are an inexpensive way share the cost of flying with other pilots, without having to rent an airplane.

Air-Spacers
3025 Airport Avenue #11 Santa Monica, CA 90405.
Founded in 1956, Air-Spacers is Santa Monica's oldest flying club. Offering four aircraft in a friendly, supportive club environment limited to sixty-five members, Air-Spacers is a fun and affordable way to enjoy general aviation.

Fixed Base Operators (FBO) - Fixed Based Operators provide pilots, passengers & crew with valuable products and services essential to flight. Commonly called "FBO's", these companies are often responsible for the fueling of aircraft, delivery of oil, oxygen, catering, ground transportation, aircraft washing/detailing, aircraft maintenance, flight training, pilot supplies & more. FBO's often help make arrangements for overnight stays, transportation to and from local businesses and generally provide 24-hour service

Atlantic Aviation - 2828 Donald Douglas Loop North, Santa Monica, CA 90405 tel. 310-396-6770 Located midfield on the north side of the airport, Atlantic Aviation offers both Jet-A and 100LL aviation fuels. The Atlantic Aviation FBO is generally used by jet aircraft but often has space available for a few singles and twins. 

 Aircraft Maintenance

Good maintenance of your aircraft is important. And, whether you're looking for an annual inspection, a complete overhaul or new avionics package; chances are what you're looking for can be found at one of Santa Monica airport's maintenance facilities. Listed below is contact information for the current maintenance facilities for general aviation aircraft at the Santa Monica airport.

• Bill’s Air Center (310) 397-8183
• Kim Davidson Aviation (310) 391-6293
• Santa Monica Propeller (310) 390-6233
• Stealth Aviation (310) 581-1505
• Aircraft Sales - Aircraft sales companies based at the Santa Monica airport.

 Aircraft Charter - Aircraft charter companies fly under FAR Part 135 located at Santa Monica airport.

• Action Air Express - (310) 390-8802 

Aviation Charity–Private Pilots flying for the Public Benefit

Angel Flight West - (888) 4-ANANGEL 3159 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405 Located in the lower level of the general aviation building, Angel Flight is a charitable flying organization providing free air transportation on private aircraft in response to health care and other compelling human needs. Angel Flight West provides free transportation to medical treatment for people who cannot afford public transportation, or who cannot tolerate it for health reasons. Angel Flight also flies missions in response to other compelling needs. Angel Flight West accepts requests from individuals and health care professionals such as social workers or physicians. 

Antiques, Art Studios, Theater, Events, Public View Decks, Museum, Parks, Gardens, Restaurants & Education:

Antique Mart, Art Studios, Theater - The Santa Monica Outdoor Antique Market is held on the first & fourth Sunday of each month from 8am to 3pm on the parking lots between 3100 and 3026 Airport Ave.

Santa Monica Art Studios and Arena1Gallery - Under a soaring roofline is a vibrant community of artists and exhibition spaces that fill 22,000 square feet of this historic airplane hangar.

The Ruskin Theatre Group - a 49 seat theater space offers critically acclaimed performances, professional stage training and community arts' outreach programs.

Distinctive Events

The public is encouraged to attend the many events held at the Santa Monica Airport. The LA Arts Show, Macy's/American Express Passport Fundraiser, Dream Halloween & PAL Halloween Parties, Devine Design (Project Angel Food,) and The LA Antique Show are just a few of the distinctive events held at the ultra-hip Barker Hanger. Don't miss Fly-ins, the Women 99's Air Race, Jazz Concerts, and the Annual Airport Santa Monica Airport Open House. If you have a school or civic group that would like a tour of the airport, contact us at (310) 458-8591 or send us an email.

Public View Decks

The Airport has two free and easily accessible viewing areas with ample free parking where the public is invited to watch aircraft activity. The Runway View Deck and the Public Sky-deck are located on the east and west ends of the Airport Administration Building, at 3223 Donald Douglas Loop South. Both areas are excellent spots to watch airplanes, take photographs, listen to the air and ground activity from the control tower, which is broadcast in the background. Enjoy a picnic on the lower observation deck or in the green area in front of the Airport Administration building. Public viewing is encouraged between dawn and dusk, 365 days a year. For a different angle, head over to Clover Park at the corner of 25th Street and Ocean Park Boulevard - where there is a viewing area with a telescope focused on the runway.

Museum of Flying

The Museum of Flying provides displays and interpretive exhibits on the history of flight and the development and growth of the aviation and aerospace industry in Southern California. Based on our heritage, the Museum places heavy emphasis on the Douglas Aircraft Company and the history of the Santa Monica Airport. The museum has a popular hands-on interactive and education center for children. 3100 Airport Avenue.

Airport Park

• Soccer field, play and tot areas, picnic areas, BBQs, walking loop and dog park. Airport Ave. & Donald Douglas Loop South
•  DC-3 Monument with Donald Douglas Statue, Airport Avenue and Donald Douglas Loop South

Airport Avenue Demonstration Gardens

The Airport Avenue Demonstration Gardens are a collection of three distinct sustainable landscapes that provide everything you need for your own home landscape. The garden designs feature an eco-friendly lawn alternative, a vegetable garden, a private outdoor sanctuary. (Photo Credit: Amy Williams Photography)

Restaurants

• Spitfire Grill - featuring aviation decor and outdoor dining, 3300 Donald Douglas Loop South

 Santa Monica College Arts Campus + Arts Studios and Ceramics Center.

2800 Airport Avenue