Van Nuys in Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Van Nuys Airport
In Honor of Pioneer Aviators
1. Pioneer Aviators Marker
In honor of the pioneer aviators who have given their all that the science of aviation could be perfected, enabling it to take its place in the worlds commerce, this airport is dedicated.
December 17, 1928, on the 25th anniversary of the first flight of man.
Erected 1928.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • Man-Made Features. A significant historical date for this entry is December 17, 1928.
Location. 34° 12.876′ N, 118° 29.304′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Van Nuys. Marker is on Waterman Drive, 0.3 miles west of Woodley Ave, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Van Nuys CA 91406, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Busch Gardens (approx. ¾ mile away); El Encanto (approx. 1.4 miles away); United States Armed Forces (approx. 1½ miles away); Birmingham Army Hospital (approx. 2 miles away); Sepulveda Unitarian Universalist Society (approx. 2.2 miles away); National Day of Remembrance (approx. 2.2 miles away); Señor de Luren (approx. 2.4 miles away); Orange Grove (approx. 2.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.
More about this marker. The marker
this page online
Regarding Van Nuys Airport. The dedication of this plaque marked the opening of Los Angeles Metropolitan Airport. Now called Van Nuys Airport, it’s the worlds’ busiest general aviation airport. The marker was placed on the original control tower, which was at this location. The tower was featured in classic movies including Casablanca. Children who grew up near the airport (including me, -CB) enjoyed watching the aircraft activities and later became pilots. Today the observation area has picnic tables, shade, interpretive signs, aircraft radio audio, and a children’s play area.
Also see . . .
1. Van Nuys Airport History. (Submitted on February 5, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.)
2. Award-winning documentary. One Six Right tells the story of Van Nuys Airport, and general aviation. (Submitted on February 5, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.)
Additional keywords. Metropolitan Airport, Los Angeles, Waldo Waterman, San Fernando Valley Airport,
Photographed By Craig Baker, February 3, 2018
2. Pioneer Aviators Marker
Photographed By Craig Baker, February 3, 2018
3. Marker and Viewing Area
December 17, 1928
4. First airport manager Waldo Waterman at the dedication.
circa 1940
5. Metropolitan Airport
The original control tower is where the runways cross, near the buildings marked A and B. This is where the viewing area is today. (All of these buildings no longer exist).
6. The same view today
The location of the airport observation area is shown.
7. Waldo Waterman, first airport manager, honored with street name
Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 740 times since then and 69 times this year. Last updated on February 23, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on February 5, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 6. submitted on February 13, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 7. submitted on February 5, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
