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This is a living piece of aviation history. Cable is the oldest family-owned, public-use airport in America. It has operated continuously since 1945. This guide details its unique heritage, facilities, and community role. Discover a true gem for aviation enthusiasts and families.

Rich Legacy of Family Ownership

The story of Cable Airport is a true American tale. The Cable family founded this airport.

Pioneering Cable Family

Dewey and Nora Cable founded the airport on former citrus grove land shortly after World War II. Their son, Bob Cable, managed the daily operations for several decades, cementing the facility’s local legacy. Today, the family maintains direct involvement to ensure the airport keeps its unique, community-focused character.

Post-War Vision: Dewey and Nora Cable transformed agricultural land into a thriving aviation hub.
Generational Leadership: Bob Cable guided the airport’s growth and operations for over 40 years.
Living History: The Cable family still manages the site, providing a rare personal touch.
Pioneering Spirit: This family-run approach makes it the world’s largest privately owned, public-use airport.

Historic Significance

Cable Airport holds a prestigious spot on the National Register of Historic Places, honoring its decades of service to the Inland Empire. The facility earned this historic status through continuous operation by the founding family since 1945. This designation celebrates a legacy built on perseverance and a deep passion for aviation.

National Recognition: The airport sits proudly on the National Register of Historic Places.
Family Continuity: Continuous ownership by the Cables distinguishes it from other municipal hubs.
Enduring Legacy: The site stands as a monument to post-war aviation perseverance.
Historic Integrity: Its preservation reflects a lifelong passion for the flying community.

An Active General Aviation Hub

Cable Airport is a busy, working airport. It serves the general aviation community.

Small Aircraft Take Off and Land

Cable Airport features two asphalt runways that stay busy with diverse aerial activity. You can easily watch single-engine planes, twin-engine aircraft, and modern business jets navigate the field. The airport actively encourages plane spotting, offering enthusiasts a front-row seat to both vintage and contemporary aviation.

Diverse Fleet: Watch everything from classic vintage planes to high-speed business jets.
Runway Layout: Two well-maintained asphalt runways handle frequent takeoffs and landings.
Spotter Friendly: The airport design makes viewing easy and welcomes photography.
Continuous Action: Regular flight school traffic and private arrivals keep the skies active.

Modern Terminal Building

The modern terminal building serves as a clean, welcoming hub for both pilots and the public. Aviators use this space to file flight plans and monitor real-time weather updates before departure. From the comfort of the interior, visitors enjoy a clear view of the daily airport operations.

Pilot Services: Flight crews access specialized tools to check weather and log their routes.
Welcoming Atmosphere: The terminal offers a clean, professional environment for all guests.
Operational Views: Large windows allow visitors to watch ground crews and aircraft from inside.
Central Hub: This building acts as the primary point of contact for airport visitors.

Essential Aviation Services

Cable Airport provides a comprehensive suite of essential aviation services for pilots and aircraft owners. The facility features professional maintenance shops and dedicated fueling stations to keep planes mission-ready. Additionally, the airport offers secure hangar spaces for both permanent and visiting aircraft.

Expert Maintenance: On-site facilities handle routine inspections and complex repairs.
Fueling Options: Pilots access high-quality fuel services for quick and efficient turnarounds.
Secure Storage: The airport provides ample hangar and tie-down space for based aircraft.
Full-Service Support: Professional staff manage ground services to ensure smooth daily operations.

Aviation Education and Museums

Cable Airport is deeply committed to education. It inspires the next generation of aviators.

Flight Training

The on-site Cable Car Flyers flight school provides a professional pathway to the skies for aspiring pilots. Students work directly with experienced instructors to earn their private pilot licenses in a supportive environment. The school maintains a fleet of modern, well-kept training aircraft to ensure safety and reliability during every lesson.

Professional Instruction: Learn from seasoned experts dedicated to student success.
License Programs: Earn your private pilot certification through a structured curriculum.
Modern Fleet: Train in reliable, well-maintained aircraft equipped for modern flight.
On-Site Convenience: Start your aviation journey right at Cable Airport.

Cable Air Museum

The Cable Air Museum serves as a premier attraction, housed within an authentic historic hangar. This space showcases a fascinating collection of vintage aircraft and artifacts that chronicle the region’s flight history. Visitors explore the local aviation story through carefully preserved photographs and beautifully restored planes from multiple eras.

Historic Setting: Step inside a vintage hangar that preserves the original spirit of the airfield.
Vintage Fleet: View a diverse array of restored aircraft representing different periods of flight.
Local Chronicles: Discover the airport’s unique history through rare photographs and memorabilia.
Educational Exhibits: Explore detailed aviation artifacts that bring the past to life for all ages.

Community Aviation Events

Cable Airport hosts vibrant fly-ins and famous pancake breakfasts throughout the year. These gatherings draw pilots and spectators from across the region to share their love of flight. By opening the gates for public festivities, the airport fosters a powerful sense of community and connection.

Social Fly-Ins: Local and visiting pilots gather to display their aircraft and share stories.
Pancake Breakfasts: Families enjoy delicious food while watching planes take off and land.
Regional Draw: Events attract aviation enthusiasts from all over Southern California.
Community Spirit: These traditions build lasting bonds between the airport and its neighbors.

Vital Community Role

Cable Airport is more than an airstrip. It is an economic asset and community fixture.

Local Business and Jobs

Cable Airport functions as a quiet but powerful economic engine for Upland. It supports a variety of local businesses, from the flight school and maintenance shops to the popular on-site restaurant. These operations generate steady jobs and keep tax revenue within the local community.

Business Hub: The airfield hosts specialized companies like flight schools and repair centers.
Local Employment: Airport operations provide diverse jobs for residents and aviation professionals.
Economic Impact: Aviation activity drives significant spending at local shops and services.
Community Asset: The facility strengthens the regional economy without the noise of a major hub.

Essential Services

Cable Airport serves as a vital resource for regional emergency operations and public safety. The facility actively supports medical transport flights and provides a strategic base for law enforcement agencies. These essential services ensure that first responders can act quickly during critical situations.

Emergency Response: The airport provides a reliable platform for life-saving medical evacuation flights.
Law Enforcement Support: Local police and sheriff departments use the field for aerial surveillance and staging.
Disaster Readiness: The site acts as a key logistical hub during regional emergencies or natural disasters.
Public Safety: Constant availability for government aircraft strengthens the safety net for the entire community.

Open Space

Cable Airport’s existence protects a large corridor of land from dense urban development. This vast open acreage provides essential visual relief within the rapidly growing Inland Empire. By maintaining its runways and clear zones, the airport preserves a rare pocket of unobstructed sky and ground.

Development Buffer: The airfield prevents the construction of high-density housing and industrial warehouses.
Environmental Value: Preserved open space supports local drainage and limits the “urban heat island” effect.
Scenic Landscape: The low-profile facility maintains beautiful mountain views for the surrounding neighborhood.
Smart Growth: Responsible land use ensures Upland retains its spacious, historic character.

“The World’s Largest Family-Owned Airport”

Living History

Cable Airport connects a rich aviation past to a vibrant present. Visitors feel this history while walking among the vintage hangars and historic structures. At the same time, the sound of a student pilot’s first solo flight signals a bright future for the industry. This blend of eras creates a uniquely authentic atmosphere found nowhere else.

Living History: Vintage hangars preserve the original spirit and charm of the airfield.
Future Pilots: Every takeoff represents the growth and training of the next generation.
Authentic Vibe: The site maintains a genuine, family-run feel that honors its roots.
Dynamic Connection: Past and present merge seamlessly to inspire every visitor.

Visiting as a Spectator

The airport is very welcoming to the public. You can enjoy aviation up close.

Designated Viewing Areas

Safe, designated viewing areas offer spectators a front-row seat to all the action. You can bring a chair, settle in, and watch aircraft navigate the busy traffic pattern. This accessible setup turns plane spotting into a relaxing and fascinating outdoor activity for all ages.

Optimal Views: Position yourself in specially marked zones for the best sightlines of the runways.
Comfortable Setup: Bring your own seating to enjoy hours of continuous aerial displays.
Educational Observation: Watch pilots practice standard traffic patterns and precision landings.
Safe Access: Enjoy the thrill of aviation from a secure and protected vantage point.

Airport Restaurant

The on-site restaurant, Maniac-Mikes Café, remains a beloved local favorite for pilots and neighbors alike. Guests dine while enjoying panoramic views of aircraft taking off and landing just yards away. The kitchen serves classic American diner fare in a casual, high-energy environment. It offers a unique setting for a memorable breakfast or a relaxing weekend lunch.

Runway Views: Large windows provide an unobstructed look at the daily flight operations.
Diner Classics: The menu features hearty, traditional American meals and specialized aviation-themed dishes.
Local Landmark: Community members gather here daily, making it the social heart of the airport.
Unique Ambience: The sounds and sights of aviation create a dining experience you won’t find anywhere else.

An Educational Outing

Cable Airport offers a perfect low-cost adventure for families seeking a unique educational outing. Children love the excitement of watching planes take off and land from the safety of the viewing areas. The on-site museum makes history tangible by allowing kids to see real vintage aircraft up close. This combination of action and education creates a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.

Kid-Friendly Fun: Watching the constant flow of aircraft provides hours of free entertainment for children.
Hands-On History: The museum displays allow families to touch and see aviation progress firsthand.
Affordable Adventure: Enjoy a full day of exploration without the high costs of major theme parks.
Inspiring Young Minds: Exposure to flight training and mechanics sparks interest in future STEM careers.

Airport Safety and Procedures

Safety remains the top priority for all visitors at Cable Airport. You must always follow posted rules and remain within designated public areas for your protection. Never cross onto taxiways or runways, as these are active and dangerous zones. Maintaining a safe distance from all aircraft operations ensures a secure environment for everyone.

Obey Signage: Follow all posted instructions and boundary markers throughout the property.
Stay Within Bounds: Remain in public viewing areas and avoid restricted flight line zones.
Respect the Runways: Never enter taxiways or runways under any circumstances.
Maintain Distance: Keep a wide berth around moving aircraft and spinning propellers.

Watch small planes against the San Gabriel Mountains. Explore the fascinating air museum. Enjoy a meal with a runway view. Discover why this family-owned field is a cherished landmark. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of flight. Your window to the world of aviation is open.

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Phone: (909) 982-6021
Website: cableairport.net
Address: Cable Airport, 1749 W 13th St, Upland, CA 91786
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