Society Events
NOVEMBER 5, 2015 - California Flying: Catch Our Style
The annual SFAS Gala that was held on November 5, 2015 was an exciting evening of aviation history and philanthropy; all those who attended will surely remember the event fondly. We were excited to recognize Academy Award-winner Tony Bill due to his personal and professional involvement in aviation, as well as his outstanding commitment to preserving its history. This year, the Gala raised record amounts to support the educational programming needs of the Aviation Museum and continue our scholarship program for high school seniors.
NOVEMBER 13, 2014 - ANCIENT DREAM OF FLIGHT: BUILDING THE REALITY
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On November 13, 2014 the Society celebrated an evening of aviation and its rich history. The theme "The Ancient Dream of Flight: Building the Reality" took us from myth to the moon, and from the power of imagination to reality as we recalled the courage and tenacity of those who dared to dream, and then dared to believe that such dreams could be made real. As a special feature of the evening, the Society presented its "Achievement in Aviation Award" to Captain Moon F. Chin, a true pioneer in air transport whose careers in aviation include legendary pilot, airline executive and owner, and generous supporter of the preservation of aviation history - on two continents. Captain Chin embodies both the spirit of the Society's highest award and the spirit of our gala's theme as he exemplifies the courage, skill, and imagination upon which the global air system of today was built.
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OCTOBER 25, 2013 - SFO: YESTERDAY, TODAY, AND TOMORROW
On October 25, 2013 the Society celebrated an evening of aviation history as we were led on a historic journey through SFO's history and exciting plans for the future of aviation. The reputation of San Francisco as 'the city that knows how' can be traced throughout the development of its municipal airport for over the past eight decades. It is a history of constant foresight, preparedness, and leadership in the fast paced frontier of commercial aviation. The success in meeting the challenges and providing the public with the utilities needed for access to the world's airways is attributed to the partnerships formed and managed between the public and the private providers needed to design, engineer, build, and operate an international airport. From each phase and milestone achievement in the airport's history, a tradition of success has been forged that continues to set a course for the future.
OCTOBER 12, 2012 - MILLS FIELD MEMORIES
On October 12, 2012 the Society proudly celebrated the 85th anniversary of the San Francisco International Airport. The first ten years of San Francisco International Airport (SFO) were filled with challenges and successes. Like the commercial aviation business, the development of airports evolved slowly from modest beginnings. The commitment made by the City and County of San Francisco to create its own municipal airport started with minor allocations of public funds. Due to the lack of available land within San Francisco, property was leased south of the city limits for a three year term. This temporary arrangement further limited the amount of capital San Francisco was willing to invest in improvements. Converting the leased 150-acre cow pasture to an airfield required only the cutting of the hay and grading a dirt airstrip. Structures would be basic, and only the barest necessities—an unfinished wooden administration building and a partially built steel hangar—existed when the airfield was officially dedicated on May 7, 1927, as Mills Field Municipal Airport of San Francisco.
OCTOBER 21, 2011 - FIRST FLLGHT 75 GALA
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On October 21, 2011 the San Francisco Aeronautical Society celebrated the beginning of regular transoceanic commercial air travel with the start of passenger flights on October 21, 1936. Barely more than three decades after the Wright brothers’ success at Kitty Hawk, Pan American Airways inaugurated the world’s first scheduled transoceanic air route with its famous China Clipper flying boats. Proceeds from the First Flight 75 Gala, an exclusive, intimate and invitation only gathering of prestigious aviation leaders, will support ongoing museum educational programming and establish the Society’s new college scholarship program for high school seniors.
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April 21, 2011 6:00pm – Movie Night at the Museum, Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum
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Join us for a rare screening of the ’70s drama set at the titular air transport center. Several storylines intersect at different junctures: a $3000 cargo plane robbery, a teenaged boy whose parents are splitting up decides to rebel by commandeering an aircraft, and a violent confrontation between a nasty businessman and an airheaded hippie. Presiding over these major and minor crisis is airport manager, Jim Conrad (Pernell Roberts), who runs the airport much to the chagrin of his boss, “his way”. Just another day at the office. Roberts is joined by Clu Gulager, who plays a policeman and Tab Hunter who plays a currency thief. Tickets are $10 (SFAS Members are free) and parking is complimentary.
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November 15 – 22, 2010 – China Clipper Celebration, Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum
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November 2010 marked the 75th anniversary of the famous China Clipper flight which opened the Pacific to the world’s first regular transoceanic commercial air service. Aviation enthusiasts joined us at San Francisco International Airport as we celebrated this historic event in pacific aviation history. The Society would like to thank our generous sponsors for all their support of the event: ASIG, Cathay Pacific, Continental Airlines, Emirates, Hallmark Aviation Services, JetBlue, The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong, The Peninsula Hotel Manila, Philippine Airlines, Swissport International, United Airlines, Virgin America and Virgin Atlantic.
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