Palo Alto Airport Day draws record crowds, reveals persistent local enthusiasm for advanced aerospace tech and the wonder of flight.

On Sunday, September 29, Palo Alto hosted the 2024 Annual “Airport Day” at its Embarcadero Rd Airport in order to increase public familiarity with what their airport offers.

Attendance at Airport Day 2024 was estimated to be over 5000, the most ever. The largest fraction was of families with children demonstrating the famed technical curiosity and zeal of area youth. Many arrived before opening, or lingered well after closing, determined to have their turn inside their favorite aircraft. Event traffic exceeded expectations and planners are working to improve access next year.

Popular highlights included the control tower tour which was fully booked shortly after opening, interior visits in helicopters from Stanford Life Flight, the US Coast Guard, a restored Vietnam era Bell Huey, a fixed wing T-6 Texan (1940’s military trainer), a Piper M600 business turboprop, and the latest Cirrus SR22T G7. Aircraft owners generously welcomed long lines of patient visitors through their aircraft, motivated by their desire to share their special experience with others.

The “Beech Boys” provided formation flyovers. A variety of other aircraft were available for exterior viewing. Local start ups presented game changing air travel innovations nearing production. Non aviation exhibits included a PAFD Fire Truck, Palo Alto OES with their MEOC and booths of crafts and activities for children.

Attendee and 15 year Palo Alto resident Jazz Sabian shared, “My son Daniel and I look forward to Airport Day, now an annual tradition of ours. It’s an unusual opportunity to see these marvels of aviation engineering up close and to talk with the passionate people who fly and care for them. The landing of the legendary Huey helicopter was especially unforgettable. I’m hoping to enroll my 12-year-old in flying lessons in the future. We can’t wait to come back next year and make more memories. Our airport is a hidden gem where the pilots and employees have always made us feel welcomed.”

Photos: Credit Ken Hamel

Video Credit: Jazz Sabian

Palo Alto Airport Association (PAAA)

Airport Day is an annual event organized by the Palo Alto Airport Association (PAAA) in partnership with the Airport Division of the City of Palo Public Works Dept and airport businesses which allocate space on airport for the event, and FAA Air Traffic Control which temporarily clears airspace and hosts tours in the Palo Alto control tower. The event was free to the public courtesy of the PAAA, the City of Palo Alto and sponsors.

The Palo Alto Airport Association (PAAA) is composed of resident airport supporters. Its mission is to promote the vibrancy of the airport and make it best serve stakeholders and the community. The PAAA is a 501(3)c nonprofit membership organization and a member organization of the California Pilots Association.

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