Unexpected Insights at O7FA
By Susan Bohan

Recently, I sat down with Airport Director Erika Torres to talk about the annual Aviation Day coming up. While I learned all about the fun activities and interesting speakers that will grace the Ocean Reef Airport tarmac on April 6 (see below for more details), I gained even more than I expected, realizing just how much there is to learn about the history of our Airport!

Airport History

• In 1956 the original Airport was located on what is now the back 9 of Card Sound Golf Club.
• The 1960s is when the growth of private aviation here at Ocean Reef really began.
• The first terminal in 1968 was a tiki hut and there was a commuter plane to Miami.
• The original airstrip was 2,000-feet long and now is 4,556-feet long and 70-feet wide.
• There was an Airport staff of four in 2008 and now there is a team of 12. The Airport Team has tripled in size!

Interesting Facts & Figures:

• Over 102 different types of aircraft are serviced every year, from helicopters to jets, prop planes and more.
• 52% of all aircraft that fly into Ocean Reef are privately owned and operated.
• The AOPA (Aircraft Owners Pilot Association) makes various videos available for pilots on safety, decision making and landing without a control tower.
• The Ocean Reef Airport has given exclusive access to VIPs including three Presidents, innumerable Cultural Center performers and medical airlifts.
• Only 20 “noise” events (jets taking off or landing) are allowed per day.
• Two helicopters per day are allowed to take off and land.
• All planes must have a landing reservation booking. Equity Members can reserve a year ahead, Social Members 30 days ahead, and Guests seven days.

“The Airport is not just for those Members who fly frequently,” commented Erika. “We encourage children to stop by with aviation questions and listen to the walkie-talkies between pilots and ground crew. One visiting grandchild came so often that he is now 16 and set on being a pilot. Nowhere else that I know of can you sit so close to a runway while enjoying a snack and be part of the world of aviation.” 

She also recalled a comment by a Member whose feeling mirrors many others, “I always know when I am close to Ocean Reef. I can see the turquoise water and know after landing I can hop onto my golf cart and be home within minutes.”

Don’t Miss Aviation Day! 

Saturday, April 6

Erika and her Team encourage all members of the community, whether they’re Airport users or not, to check out Aviation Day and see everything the Airport has to offer. Here are just a few of the fun things they have to offer:

• “Top Gun” Bootcamp
• Three guest speakers detailing the history of aviation; AOPA safety protocols; and a war hero pilot
• Flight simulator
• Stealth Bomber display
• Scenic flights
• Replica of P-51 Mustang
• Short takeoff and landing demonstration
• Children Activities: Pedal plane relay, cornhole and shuffleboard, build a propeller, and more.
• Food Truck

For questions or reservations for any of these activities, call 305-367-6516.