Redwood City – The Half Moon Bay Airport and County of San Mateo are disappointed the annual Pacific Coast Dream Machines show will not take place this spring due to a combination of factors including increased permitting requirements by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Two other major events slated for the County’s two airports in 2024 also remain up in the air: the Emergency Vehicle Operation Course, a safe driving training for local law enforcement hosted by the Sheriff’s Office at the Half Moon Bay Airport; and the Runway Run organized by the Hiller Aviation Museum at the San Carlos Airport.
The County’s Department of Public Works’ Airport Division applied for permits for all three events. The FAA notified the County that the FAA wants safety and environmental reviews prior to potentially granting approval.
Citing the small window of time — Dream Machines was scheduled for April — and potential financial risk, event organizers informed Airports that it would not be hosting the annual show.
Airport staff remain hopeful the FAA will permit the two other pending events.
“All three of these events are well-loved and appreciated in the County and we were hopeful to see them return in 2024,” said Airports Director Gretchen Kelly. “However, we also understand that the organizers must do what they deem best. We’re keeping our fingers crossed now that the other two shows will still happen this year and that Dream Machines can return in 2025.”
Michelle Durand
Chief Communications Officer
mdurand@smcgov.org