Airport talk to include quiz

Ramona Airport Manager Bo Donovan will lead a talk about the airport’s long and varied history when the Ramona Pioneer Historical Society holds its potluck dinner meeting at the Guy B. Woodward Museum on April 20.

Donovan, a licensed pilot, has been manager of the Ramona and Fallbrook airports since 2006. He has been involved in radio broadcasting, both on-air and as a program director, and he has served on the board of many San Diego organizations, including the San Diego Ad Club and the United Way marketing committee. In addition, he has been the announcer for the PGA’s Buick Invitational Golf Tournament since 1987.

He will add a bit of fun to his talk by conducting a quiz—with gifts.

The Navy built Ramona Airport in 1943 as an emergency landing field. In 1956, it was conveyed to San Diego County. In 1958, the U.S. Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry opened their joint Air Attack Base. Runway extensions were added, and in 2004 the air traffic control tower became operational. The airport serves as Ramona’s official weather station.

It is the third busiest airport in the county’s system with over 155,000 operations each year. Home to the world’s only helicopter museum with operational helicopters, the airport also features a formation flying clinic.

Drag racing was part of the airport’s history. Nearly 60 years ago it became the first sanctioned 1/4-mile track. Remnants of the track can still be seen on a service road.

The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. The museum is at 645 Main St. in Ramona. Those attending the potluck are asked to bring a salad, dessert or main dish to serve eight. For more information, call 760-789-7644.