Aviation View Jan 2023

44 AVIATION VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 2, ISSUE 4 of Californians flew in for lunch. One can imagine that trying to modernize a nostalgic memory can be tricky, but not impossible. “Well, we’ve had a couple of not-so-great years,” says new Airport Manager Jeff Crechriou, who now finds himself in charge of recovering the airport from the impact of the pandemic and dreaming of what could be in the future. “This airport has such an interesting history, being a private airport for many years before it became a public airport. There is a sense of nostalgia that is at work here, and we need to try and maintain that while recognizing that everything changes and everything evolves.” Nut Tree Airport, just north of the City of Vacaville, California, covers an area of 262 acres and has one runway designated 2/20 with an asphalt surface measuring 4,700 by 75 feet. Airport offerings include fuel service, flight lessons, pilot training, and aircraft/ helicopter maintenance, as well as hangar and office space rental. There is also an Experimental Aircraft Association, a museum called the Rowland Freedom Center, and an on-site location of the Solano Community College. The terminal is a recently remodeled two-story building with office space and a pilots’ lounge, along with all the amenities. “I have been in conversation with the Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Vacaville,” Crechriou reports, “and he has been on a two-year campaign to recruit biotech companies. They’ve got a tremendous AT A GLANCE NUT TREE AIRPORT WHAT: A general aviation airport with a fascinating history WHERE: Vacaville, California WEBSITE: http://www.flynuttree.com/nta/Home.html