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Salinas Food & Fly In set for March 3; airport approves formation-flying area and begins terminal rehab
Summary
Salinas Airport announced a March 3 Food & Fly In co-sponsored by Gate 1, has been sponsoring nonprofit event permits, is permitting formation flying in a designated box about 15 miles south, and is beginning a terminal rehabilitation including shade sails and landscaping outside the Flying Artichoke restaurant.
Airport management announced several community and facility items to the commission, including a March 3 Salinas Food & Fly In co-sponsored by Gate 1 (formerly Jet West), a newly designated training area for formation flying, and the start of a terminal rehabilitation project that will add shade sails, landscaping and low-voltage lighting outside the Flying Artichoke restaurant.
Airport Manager Matt said Gate 1 tenant Aaron Chang is leading the Food & Fly In, described as a family event with static aircraft displays, and that the airport is co-sponsoring the event and has taken on liability to waive permitting costs for nonprofit events. The manager said staff ask organizers to allow about 45 days to complete downtown permitting and interagency reviews; to date staff reported about three permits issued this year and expect more.
"This permitting was waived," Matt said, adding the airport is sponsoring certain nonprofit events to reduce barriers to community programming. He said staff coordinate permitting with downtown staff and the city website contains permitting guidance; fire and county health rules apply for food vendors.
On formation flying, the manager said the airport will allow formation flying activity in a designated box about 15 miles south of the airport for training and practice, subject to coordination with the control tower and advance notice to the airport manager's office. The airport clarified it will not approve unscheduled formation operations and expects teams to designate a team leader and contact the airport before flying.
The terminal rehabilitation project will add shade sails, boxed ornamental trees (non-fruiting olives and eastern redbuds were cited as examples), low-voltage lighting and other patio improvements on the landside (outside the fence) adjacent to the Flying Artichoke restaurant. Staff said the project aims to create a destination patio area for restaurant patrons and airport visitors.
Manager Matt also said year-over-year fuel sales and operations (takeoffs and landings) have increased after a post-COVID dip, strengthening the airport's case for a control tower. No formal commission action was required; these were informational and operational updates.
