You’ve probably seen Sonoma Valley Airport on your way in or out of town, and wondered about those relic airplanes. Maybe you’ve even flown over Wine Country in Big Red, the 1940s-era Stearman biplane from Vintage Aircraft Company. But by in large, most locals simply ignore this tiny airport sitting quietly on the outskirts of town.
Don’t let its size and kicked-back demeanor fool you. For years, Schellville has played an integral role locally, while establishing a national following. For vintage aircraft aficionados, including the rich, famous and infamous, it’s a destination in its own right. For movie moguls, it’s a film site with Vintage Aircraft planes often playing a starring role. For accident victims, it may well be the difference between life and death. The airport sometimes serves as the staging ground to airlift the seriously injured to Bay Area hospitals.
SVA was born in 1945 when Waldemar “Wally” Reichelt built a dirt runway and hanger for his 1929 Eaglet. Other small plane owners discovered the airport and began using it, often tying down their planes in the open field or on the runway.
Someone else also discovered the airport—10-year old Chris Prevost, the current owner of the airport and Vintage Aircraft Company, the biplane air tour company located on the property. Fascinated by both history and aircraft, he began hanging out with the pilots, mechanics and Wally. He quickly mastered the restoration and upkeep of vintage planes and learned the fundamentals of airport operations. He had to wait a few years for his pilot’s license but, once he got it on his 17th birthday, he was off and flying.
In 2002, the seasoned pilot, mechanic and businessman began purchasing the Sonoma Valley Airport, and continued in earnest his life’s work—to find and restore to flight old “warbirds” from World War II and other planes from America’s aviation heritage.
Perhaps SVA’s biggest coup to date is Prevost’s retrieval of a P-40 Warhawk from its crash site in Australia. After meticulously restoring the old plane, he located Ray Melikian, the pilot who had flown her in World War II. After more than half a century, pilot and plane were reunited at the airport and took to the air once again.
“It was an honor to meet Ray and take him up in his old plane,” says Prevost. “We have an amazing heritage provided by these planes and the men who flew them.”
“Fly-ins” are big with the owners of vintage planes, and SVA hosts its fair share. Most recently, a flock of 1930s-era Howard DGAs descended on the tarmac. In its day, this plane was a favorite of the wealthy and famous. Today, the planes are treasured for their history and rugged “good looks.” The same fly-in also drew the Howard’s competitor, Staggerwing Beeches built in the same era and displaying a distinctive art deco flavor.
Both the airport and Vintage Aircraft planes have been featured in movies, commercials and on TV. The television series Falcon Crest often filmed at the airport, and the aircraft have been featured in commercials from Toyota, Ford and Hartford Insurance, among others.
Most recently, George Lucas brought his film crew and actors Cuba Gooding, Jr. and Terrence Howard to SVA to shoot scenes for his upcoming move, Red Tails. The movie focuses on World War II’s famed Tuskegee airmen, the first African-American pilots to fly in combat.
Behind the scenes, Prevost, his pilots and crew support Sonoma Valley residents through a number of charitable endeavors in addition to their contribution to air rescue efforts.
“We donate flights for fundraisers and as prizes, primarily to Sonoma County nonprofits supporting animals—domestic and wild,” says Vice President of Marketing, Sheryl Carlucci.
“We’re also launching our own fundraising efforts with a summer series of three “Pilots Cook for Causes” events. Our pilots are good cooks, and will prepare their specialty for local residents and fly-ins. Think of it as a party at the airport for a good cause.”
Without a doubt, at least one fundraiser will support SVA’s latest project, the California Aviation Heritage Museum. In addition to a hangar full of vintage aircraft, the museum will feature a library and climate-controlled memorabilia room, conference center, and much more.
“A number of our pilots were concerned about what would happen to their planes in the future,” says Prevost. “The museum is a good way to preserve our aviation past for future generations, and offers a great learning experience to the local community and school kids.”
The museum is currently in early planning stages. According to Carlucci, the old hangar will be torn down and replaced with a new facility reflecting an earlier, more elegant age of flight.
Pilots cook for pooches
Join the pilots and crew at Sonoma Valley Airport, 23982 Arnold Drive 6 to 8 p.m on Saturday, July 10 for an evening of family fun and a great spaghetti feed prepared by pilot Chris Prevost—who has experience as a chef in addition to his pilot’s license!
“We hope to raise a lot of money for Shelter Dogs Needing Homes, the first in our series of Pilots Cook for Causes fundraisers ” says Sheryl Carlucci, vice president of Vintage Aircraft. “Many dogs are just hours from being put to sleep in kill shelters when Shelter Dogs rescues them. The organization then provides any required medical care, vaccinations, and finds each dog a good home.”
Meet Carson, Oakley and Scamp, adopted by SVA pilots and crew, or adopt a dog of your own. Dogs currently up for adoption will be waiting for you at the airport.
There will be a coloring contest for kids, raffles for prizes, and everyone is automatically entered into a drawing for free rides in vintage planes.
$50 for adults, $25 for children under 12. For tickets, call 938.2444. For information, visit www.vintageaircraft.com. Please purchase tickets by July 5, 2010.
