Watsonville is not named after Sherlock Holmes' sidekick. It's named for a judge who resided in the area in the 1850s. Actually, the Watsonville Municipal Airport could be named Big Memorial Day Airshow since it hosts central California's biggest fly-in and airshow at the end of each May — and has done so for nearly 40 years.
The airshow is important, but perhaps a more vital story revolves around what airport manager Don French, AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Kerrick Philleo, and others in the local aviation community do to maintain the vitality of the airport for the other 362 days of the year.
French took over as airport manager in 1992. He has used his creativity to turn problems into assets. In the early 1990s, development of the airport was stalled. As the only general aviation field that directly served the residents of Santa Cruz County, Watsonville needed to extend the runway and apply for an instrument landing system (ILS) to provide more reliable services. But some local foliage — a tar plant that was deemed to be endangered — had taken root in the ground that the airport needed for safety improvements.
In a reverse application of the Endangered Species Act, French successfully transplanted the tar plant to parts of the airport, such as the noncritical areas between runways and taxiways, that aren't part of the airport development plan. Then he applied to the federal government to designate more than 55 acres of airport property as a federal wildlife preserve for the tar plant. Instead of bemoaning the imposition of an environmental mandate, French used it to the airport's advanage — the wildlife preserve on airport property has added a layer of federal protection betweetn the airport and the possibility of future nonaviation development on the site. And because the tar plant is now growing like a weed on other parts of the airport, Runway 20 will be extended and an application has been filed for the installation and calibration of an ILS.
This is just one way this airport, offered to the City of Watsonville by the Civil Aeronautics Administration under the proviso that the city provide the land and maintain the airport in perpetuity, has learned to take care of itself.
In 1942 voters, by more than a 3-to-1 margin, approved a bond issue to buy the land for an airport. During World War II, the city leased the land to the War Department. After the war, the land was returned to the city, which has operated the airport ever since.
In 1946 people were excited about the strides made in transportation, and many returning GIs had stories to tell about how airplanes had helped them fight the war, and sometimes saved their own or their buddies' lives.
With the passage of time and encroaching development of nearby land, many airports have been bulldozed under and others are constantly under threat of closure. More than 20 percent of public-use airports in the United States have been shut down in the past 25 years. Because of a very active airport manager and the participation and contributions of airport users and area businesses, Watsonville is not on the endangered-airport list. But French can tell you that it's taken a lot of work.
"As individuals, pilots are very capable people. The airport is a level playing field — we have doctors, lawyers, auto mechanics, and nurses out here. But as a group we haven't had much impact on the community." Instead of trying to herd the grownups, French, Philleo, and others have set up programs that get youngsters involved at the airport. One important family-oriented event has called the airport home for years — the Watsonville Fly-In and Air Show.
The Watsonville Fly-in and Air Show
Watsonville airport has been hosting the airshow for nearly 40 years. Each Memorial Day, more than 500 classic, neoclassic, antique, military, and home-built airplanes fly in to Watsonville for a three-day celebration.
"One of the popular attractions is the Friday night fireworks spectacular, and we're expecting a huge crowd again this year," said Dave Brockman, president of the fly-in. A family-style spaghetti feed, and an aerobatic show at dusk are featured. "Air Land" is a special kid-friendly zone with carnival games, a bouncy house, and rock climbing. Fifth-graders in the Pajaro Valley School District showcase their talents in an art contest. Combining family fun, Memorial Day, and an airshow brings together the whole community and puts a human face on the people who use and enjoy the airport. For more information on the Watsonville Fly-In and Air Show, visit the Web site ( www.watsonvilleflyin.org).
Young Eagles Flight Rally
On the first Saturday of each month from May to October, the Experimental Aircraft Association's Chapter 119 offers free airplane rides to youngsters from ages 8 through 17. Each participating pilot explains the theory of flight and does a walkaround with the youngsters, pointing out airplane safety items. After each flight, every Young Eagle gets a certificate. More than 1,900 kids have learned about flight through Watsonville's program.
In addition to the Young Eagles flights and the annual Memorial Day fly-in, Watsonville has a program that helps high school students learn more about aviation. This program was launched in 2000 and consists of four parts.
The Watsonville Aviation Education Center (WAEC) is a joint effort between the airport, EAA Chapter 119, and the Pajaro Valley School District. High school students, especially those who struggle in traditional settings, attend aviation classes in a hangar-turned-classroom on the Watsonville airport. In 2000 eight students graduated from the program and four went on to enroll in the Gavilan College Aviation Mechanic (A&P) program. There are plans in the works for the establishment of a charter school, since traditional school programs prohibit students from actually working on airplanes.
In addition, French was instrumental in setting the ball rolling for the creation of the Pajaro Valley Aviation Academy, a nonprofit corporation established to provide flight instruction for local students. The support for these students comes from community businesses and individuals who put their money forth to support, encourage, and motivate youth to advance themselves.
Jennifer Hubbell is one student who has reaped the benefits of these programs. "I didn't like conventional high school, so I transferred, and at first I took business classes. But I was looking for something else. I was good at math so a teacher suggested that I look into being a pilot. That's when I started with the aviation programs," said Hubbell, who has her eye on a professional pilot career. After earning her private pilot certificate, thanks to a scholarship from EAA Chapter 119, Hubbell is in the third semester of a four-semester airframe and powerplant technician program at Gavilan College. She's also flying to complete her instrument training.
French said that when Hubbell first approached him he was concerned. "She asked me what she needed to have a career in aviation. She had purple hair and her face was pierced. I didn't know what to expect. Through our local programs, she's found something she really likes. I have no doubt she will become a professional pilot."
French and others in Watsonville's aviation family have worked together to ensure that their community benefits from having a GA airport in its midst. They've taken upsets and turned them into assets, and they've worked together to preserve their airport and prove its worth to the community.
"We decided to get the kids involved. It's been good for us and it's a lot of fun," said French. Jennifer Hubbell is convinced. When asked what she was going to do after she gets her aviation job, she replied, "My plan is to help."
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