Consider this. The Ramona Airport is more than just a place to take off or land. It embodies a rich history intertwined with community service and aviation innovation. Established in 1943 by the U.S. Navy as a small dusty airstrip, Ramona Airport transformed over time. The facility was conveyed to San Diego County in 1956. Now, the Ramona Airport stands as the third busiest airport in the county.
Ramona Airport’s significance extends beyond general aviation. It serves as a vital aviation center. The airport provides crucial community service to San Diego’s inland and mountain communities. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection and the United States Forest Service jointly operate a fire attack base here. This makes Ramona the oldest Air Attack Base in the Department’s system. Since 1957, Ramona has been safeguarding the region.
Responding to approximately 450 calls annually, the Ramona Air Attack Base is impressive. It can pump 850,000 gallons of retardant each year. At peak, it has a possible output of 250,000 gallons of retardant each day. The base’s direct protection area covers over 1.4 million acres for CAL FIRE. It also covers 300,000 acres for the US Forest Service. The base covers all of San Diego County.
Beyond firefighting, Ramona Airport boasts a fascinating piece of history. If you know the sport of drag racing, this will interest you. The very first, official 1/4-mile drag strip opened at the Ramona Airport almost 60 years ago. Remnants of the old strip remain. Now, it is just an airport service road.
Today, Ramona Airport serves every type of aircraft from home-built experimental to corporate jets. The Ramona Airport is home to a fully staffed air traffic control tower. Also, it has three full-service Fixed Base Operators. You will also find an avionics center, an aircraft service center, and nine aviation businesses. Furthermore, it has a full-time airport manager.
But wait, there’s more. The world’s only helicopter museum with operational helicopters is located at Ramona Airport. The Classic Rotors Museum specializes in helicopters and other rotorcraft. It is one of only three dedicated rotorcraft museums in the world. It showcases rare and vintage rotorcraft.
In 2020, Ramona Airport recorded 144,979 aircraft operations. That is an average of 397 per day. Most of these operations were general aviation. Less than 1% were military. That year, 135 aircraft were based at the Ramona Airport.
Uncomplicated airspace, available services, an ideal climate, and proximity to business and recreation centers all define Ramona Airport. This makes it an ideal destination for work or pleasure. Next time you are near Ramona, remember its crucial role in aviation history. Remember its ongoing contribution to community safety and service.