They Built a Fake Town to Hide This Airport | Santa Monica Airport

Santa Monica Airport is one of Southern California's most recognizable airports, but its greatest story isn't found on the runway. Join us as we uncover the remarkable history that forever changed the way we see this iconic airport. Join us on Patreon for candid airport debriefs, OTC Destination Guides and livestreams:   / outsidethecockpit   Want some OTC Merch: https://w503x1-14.myshopify.com/ Want to know more about how to Save Santa Monica Airport: https://www.savesamo.com/ KSMO VFR Pilot's Guide: https://www.santamonica.gov/media/Public Works/Airport/SMO_FixedWing_ 2023.pdf How to Fly Over LAX from KSMO:    • Santa Monica Municipal Airport (KSMO) | Th...   TRANSIENT PARKING Transient parking is located on the southeast side of the airport with tie-down chains available at every space. Parking can fill quickly on busy days. Atlantic Aviation may have overflow parking available if needed (FBO fees apply). After parking, register your aircraft to receive the pedestrian gate access code. FBO Atlantic Aviation provides full-service fuel, pilot amenities, crew car, rental car assistance and a pilot lounge. We parked in the airport's transient parking area during our visit and did not use the FBO, so we can't comment on the facilities or customer experience. FUEL 100LL Avgas is available through Atlantic Aviation as a full-service fuel option. Pilots looking for unleaded fuel will find self-service UL94 and Swift 100R pumps located at the southwest end of the airport. RESTROOMS Public restrooms are located inside the airport terminal building. Atlantic Aviation also offers restroom facilities for customers using the FBO. CREW CAR / RENTAL CARS / RIDESHARE The airport terminal, Museum of Flying, and The Cloverfield restaurant are all within walking distance of the transient parking area. Rideshare services are readily available and Atlantic Aviation can assist with crew car or rental car arrangements for pilots using the FBO. Bike and scooter rentals are available on the southside of the terminal. FOOD The Cloverfield Restaurant is the airport's primary dining option and is located just outside the terminal. Since it doesn't open until 12:00 PM (Wednesday–Friday) and is closed Mondays and Tuesdays, it's worth planning ahead if you're hoping to eat before or after your flight. Open 10am on Saturday and Sundays. Grab a rideshare and head west for more food options. PLANESPOTTING Don't miss the airport's public observation deck. Overlooking the runway, it offers one of the best public plane spotting locations in Southern California and provides an excellent vantage point to watch everything from flight training aircraft to business jets operating beneath the busy Los Angeles Class B airspace. Located on the west end of the Terminal Building. MUSEUM The Museum of Flying is the hidden gem of Santa Monica Airport. Located just across the street from the terminal, it offers an engaging look at the airport's role in aviation history through Douglas Aircraft exhibits, historic artifacts and interactive displays. Open Thursday-Sunday 10am-4pm.   Whether you're interested in aviation history, enjoy watching airplanes, or simply want a unique way to explore the west side of Los Angeles, Santa Monica makes for a fantastic day trip. It's one of those airports that leaves you with a much deeper appreciation for the stories that shaped aviation. See you next week! Until next time - Go Fly, Go Discover! 🛩️  IG: /outsidethecockpit 🎵 Music by Epidemic Sound Get your free 7 day trial: https://share.epidemicsound.com/rb4bei DISCLAIMER: This video is NOT intended to be instructional. We are not CFIs. This video has been edited for brevity and clarity and is for informational purposes only. We are sharing our experience flying into this particular airport. Your experience may vary. When in doubt ask ATC and your CFI. #California #GeneralAviation #SantaMonicaAirport Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:34 METAR 01:25 No Sky July 03:07 A little Bit of History KSMO 03:50 Landing at Santa Monica Airport 04:50 Ground Taxi Instructions 05:30 KSMO Closure 05:51 Transient Parking 06:14 Why We’re Back 07:01 Gate Code 07:17 Museum of Flying 07:38 Hiding Santa Monica Airport 09:06 Inside a 727 Cockpit 10:34 The Cloverfield 12:21 Santa Monica Airport Today 13:07 Pilots Lounge 13:19 Highlight of the Day 13:30 Every Airport Has a Story 13:56 Taxiing to Runup 14:27 Members Thank You! 14:58 IFR Departure Instructions 16:42 Cleared for Takeoff 16:55 Wanna Fly Over LAX? 17:10 Tail Cam Departure 17:57 Over to SoCal Departure 24:45 SoCal Approach Call