History of the Big Bear Airport
Bush Pilots In Big Bear As Early As 1919
Waldo Waterman landed his Thomas-Morse Scout with 110-horsepower
rotary engine in a dirt field at Shay Meadow in 1919. Only a few years went by before pilots realized the opportunities this opened up for quickly traveling to Big Bear. A field was graded for landing and many pilots followed. Because of Mr. Watermans passion for flying in and out of the picturesque forests of Big Bear, he was able to get a dirt landing strip. This occurred in 1924 and existed for years in private ownership surrounded by the Peter Pan Club golf course. By 1969 the Airport became eligible for FAA funds.
2011 Paved The Way For A Smooth Approach
Today the Airport is a modern, well-maintained facility here to serve the entire community. The District is governed by a five member Board of Directors elected by the public. There are some 200 aircraft based at the Big Bear Airport. The Airport is a popular stop for transient aircraft, second homeowners and valley visitors, transporting visitors and business people into and out of the Valley. The Airport is a staging point for: Medevac services, Sheriffs, CHP, and fire fighting efforts of the US Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry. It is also home to the Civil Air Patrol. There are two restaurants located at the Airport; it’s a great place to dine and watch the airplanes come and go.
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