General Description
Economic Impact
Airport Features
History
Airport Tours
General Description (back to top)
Located in the heart of the San Fernando Valley, Van Nuys Airport (VNY) is ranked as the world's busiest general aviation airport with 606,930 total operations in 1999. VNY is one of four airports owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports, including Los Angeles International, Ontario International and Palmdale Regional. The airport system operates under the direction of a policy-making Board of Airport Commissioners appointed by the Mayor of Los Angeles.

More than one hundred businesses are located on the 730-acre airport, including six major fixed base operators and numerous aviation service companies that cater to a variety of private, government and corporate aviation needs. By providing a place for general aviation. Van Nuys airport enhances both capacity and safety at the region's commercial airports.
Economic Impact (back to top)
Van Nuys Airport generates, attracts and supports economic activity in the San Fernando Valley and throughout Southern California. Although not a commercial passenger facility, business travelers and tourists using private, corporate and charter aircraft benefit from the airport's urban location and proximity to city business centers.

A 1998 economic impact study found Van Nuys Airport attracts both aviation and non-aviation related businesses to the San Fernando Valley. The airport contributes nearly $1.2 billion dollars annually to the Southern California economy, creates 10,027 jobs and generates an annual earnings impact of $273 million. Van Nuys Airport is a tax generator rather than a tax user. The facility does not receive local tax dollars toward its operation, but is financed entirely by revenues from lease, rental and user fees. Los Angeles World Airports, as owner and operator, leases space to a variety of tenants who provide aviation and non-aviation related services. In doing so, the airport generates $73 million in state and local taxes annually.

Approximately 312,700 visitors per year fly into the region via Van Nuys Airport. These visitors require local transportation, meals and accommodations. Many are corporate executives who make considerable expenditures while in the Los Angeles area. The average expenditure per visitor is $309 dollars, resulting in $96.7 million per year.

Van Nuys Airport is a focal point for business and industry in the San Fernando Valley. Six major fixed base operators and numerous aviation service companies are located at VNY. These firms provide fuel sales, hangars, tiedown areas, sales and service for aircraft manufacturers, flight and ground school instruction, and air taxi and charter service.

Several non-aviation related businesses also are located on airport property, including the Airtel Plaza Hotel, Home Depot, a golf course complex, and several restaurants.
Airport Features (back to top)
Two Parallel Runways
  • Runway 16R/34L - 8,000-foot runway with instrument landing system
  • Runway 16L/34R - 4,000-foot training runway
FAA Control Tower
  • Operates between 6:15 a.m. and 10:45 p.m. daily
Los Angeles Fire Department
  • Provides crash, fire and rescue service in the event of an emergency.
City Helicopter Center
  • Consists of ramp, hangar space and maintenance facility for fire, police and L.A. Department of Water and Power helicopters.
Los Angeles Unified School District Aviation Mechanics School
  • Enables students to obtain certification in airframe and power plant mechanics.
California Civil Air Patrol/Condor Squadron
  • Participates in search and rescue missions and commemorative events.
FlyAway Bus Service
  • Provides convenient, non-stop bus service to and from Los Angeles International Airport.
History (back to top)

1920s
In the era of the barnstormer, a small group of men incorporate to build an airport in the rural San Fernando Valley. Opened in 1928 under the name Metropolitan Airport, the airport consists of 80 acres amid trees and farmland. Hangar fees for a biplane are $35 a month and landing fees are 50 cents.

In 1929, Hollywood discovers the Metropolitan Airport. Howard Hughes, Hoot Gibson, Cecil B. DeMille, Gene Autry and Wallace Beery are among the growing number of stars flying at the new airport. The airport area continues to expand and grow with three factories, six hangars and a control tower on airport grounds. Two U.S. Army officers, Major Carl Spaatz and Captain Ira Eaker, set an endurance record of 150 hours and 40 minutes before returning to Metropolitan Airport. Bobbi Trout breaks the world's endurance record for women by 4 hours, 3 minutes - remaining in flight for a total time of 12 hours, 11 minutes. The airport also begins hosting air races. During one such race in 1929, Amelia Earhardt sets a new speed record.

1930s
Hollywood studio producers turn to Metropolitan Airport for their film location needs. "Lost Horizon," "Men With Wings," and "Storm Over the Andes" all have scenes filmed at the airport.

1940s
With the eruption of World War II in 1942, the United States Army acquires 163 acres of airport property and supplements it with the purchase of an additional 163 acres of land near the airport in order to construct what becomes known as the Van Nuys Army Air Field.

In 1944, as a joint effort between the United States Navy and the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, the Navy-Lockheed plant is constructed. In the meantime, Hollywood continues to use the airport for filming, most notably when scenes from "Casablanca" are shot at the airport.

At the end of World War II (1949), the City of Los Angeles purchases the airport from the War Assets Administration for one dollar, with the provision that the California Air National Guard base remain on site. The airport is renamed San Fernando Valley Airport.

1950s
In 1957,Van Nuys Airport receives its current name. The runway is expanded from 6,000 to 8,000 feet as the Sherman Way underpass is completed.

Growth of industry around the airport continues, with the annual payroll of airport companies reaching $43 million.

Residential growth also continues, as the City of Los Angeles Zoning Commission bows to developers' requests to build 150 new homes in areas surrounding the airfield. All homes built in this area contain notices in their deeds that ``lots lie within the approach zone of major airport and are subject to certain noises." A new control tower is built and opens in 1951. In 1959, Van Nuys Airport ranks 25th in operations nationwide.

1960s
Airport operations continue to increase, as does aviation industry growth in the area. In 1969 Beechcraft West assumes ownership of Norman Larson Company and Litton Industries erects a 1,500 square-foot hangar and office facility at the airport.

A 27-hole golf course is completed in the "clear zone" on airport property in 1968. A new (and the current) air traffic control tower opens this year as well.

1970s
Van Nuys Airport reports an $87 million impact on the Van Nuys area, with related employment totaling 3,700 jobs. In 1971, airport records show a total of 562,079 operations, making Van Nuys Airport the busiest general aviation airport in the nation.

In 1972 the Bob Hope Entertainment Entourage departs the airport for their 22nd annual Christmas tour of U.S. military bases. The tenth annual Van Nuys Air Show is held in 1973 and displays the command module spacecraft from Apollo 14.

To help alleviate parking problems at LAX, the FlyAway bus terminal opens in Van Nuys in 1975.

1980s
The Board of Airport Commissioners creates a Citizens Advisory Council for Van Nuys Airport in 1985 to allow management to interact more closely with community representatives on issues affecting both the airport and the surrounding homes and businesses.

Van Nuys Airport first participates in Los Angeles Unified School District's Adopt-A-School program in 1986.

In 1987, local aviation enthusiasts form the Van Nuys Air Corps, a group dedicated to supporting the Southern California aviation and aerospace industry.

Also beginning in 1987, the airport sponsors the first annual Santa Fly-In, bringing Santa Claus to elementary school students by helicopter.

A public observation site for viewing airport operations opens in 1988.

In 1988, a Part 150 Steering Committee is formed to develop and analyze noise mitigation measures to make the airport and surrounding community more compatible.

1990s
In 1990, the 146th Tactical Airlift Wing moves from Van Nuys Airport to Channel Islands.

The Van Nuys Airport tour program attracts more than 10,000 children and adults annually.

A 1992 economic impact study indicates some 8,700 jobs are created by Van Nuys Airport activities, with an annual payroll of more than $200 million. The airport has an annual economic impact of nearly $1 billion on the Los Angeles region, paying more than $24 million in tax payments to local political jurisdictions.

The same year, a Part 150 study is adopted by the Board of Airport Commissioners and submitted to the FAA for approval. Several noise mitigation measures are implemented, including the "Fly Neighborly" and "Quiet Jet Departure" programs.

Following the 1992 civil unrest in Los Angeles, the former ANG serves as a vital staging area for the U.S. military. Following the devastating 1994 earthquake, the same area is used by the American Red Cross to prepare thousands of meals for earthquake victims.

In 1994, the airport continues its involvement in the Los Angeles Unified School District's Adopt-A-School program by adopting Gault Street Elementary School.

The public observation area located on Waterman Drive is refurbished by a local Boy Scout troop.

The B-2 Stealth Bomber makes its first public appearance over Los Angeles at the Van Nuys Airport Aviation Expo '96. The event draws an attendance of nearly 350,000 spectators.

In 1997, the Los Angeles Department of Airports changes its name to Los Angeles World Airports.

Van Nuys Airport remains the busiest general aviation airport in the world and seventh busiest airport in the United States.
Airport Tours (back to top)
Learn about Van Nuys Airport's rich and colorful history by participating in a free, guided tour of our facility. Tours highlight the numerous fixed base operators and aviation service companies on the airfield, from flight schools to aircraft customizing companies. Tours are offered to children (first grade and up) and adults on weekdays and select Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Tours last approximately 1 * hours and are scheduled on a reservation basis only for groups of 15 or more. For those unable to visit the airport, free 45-minute slide presentations are offered on a reservation basis to groups of 15 or more. Slide show is available only in the San Fernando Valley.

To schedule a tour or slide presentation call (818) 785-8838