Not too many people realize that Cable airport in Upland California is the largest privately owned airport open to the public. In 1945 Dewey and Maude Cable started Cable airport which is now owned and operated by their children and grandchildren. By convincing the owner of 80 acres north of Foothill Blvd between Upland and Claremont to sell for $8,500 Dewey Cable was able to begin his dream of owning his own airport.
During the years after 1945 even though still under construction and with ongoing improvements and expansion, the airport was open. The airport was then known as “Claremont Cable airport” and continued as such until 1961 when the “Claremont” was dropped from the name.
By 1956 and after overcoming various funding and land problems the construction of Cable airport was now inevitable and would become part of the Inland Empires landscape.
Today, Cable airport is situated on 105 acres and is home for over 450 aircraft. Cable airport is also home for several businesses , homebuilders and a private museum. It is a favorite spot for casual airplane watchers, aviation enthusiasts and is an ideal spot for good old fashioned family fun. On the northeast corner of the airport close to the threshold of runway 24 there are special parking spaces and park benches have been set up for airplane watchers. Many people like to park and maybe enjoy a picnic while watching the landings and takeoffs. The airport also features a café which has become a popular breakfast and lunch venue for locals and tourist alike.
As for the future of Cable airport it will continue to grow and improve. There are master plans for added office space, additional hangers and tie down space for 650 airplanes. There are also plans for an aircraft museum. It will seek to preserve and emphasize Southern California’s rich aviation history.
So if you’re ever wondering what to do on a beautiful sunny California day, why not visit Cable airport for some breakfast or lunch, or maybe just for some airplane watching.