CAMARILLO, Calif. – Family-owned and operated Channel Islands Aviation (CIA) is Phillip 66 Aviation’s newest addition to its growing FBO network, with more than 850 facilities scattered across the U.S.
CIA opened its doors in 1976 when co-owners Mark and Janie Oberman were selected as the first operator at Camarillo Airport (KCMA).
“We’ve seen quite an influx of activity this past year,” said Janie Oberman.
Luckily, the entire Oberman family contributes to the operation. “Our two adult children work at the facility with Michael serving as chief pilot, and Sarah managing our flight school.”
Co-owner Mark is captain on the two company Britten-Norman Islanders and copilot on the CJ and CJ3.
In addition to its FBO services, CIA also offers charter, rentals, sales, FAA 145 approved repair station for maintenance, avionics and parts. CIA is an authorized Cessna and Cirrus Service Center and a Diamond award-winning FAA 141 approved Cessna Pilot center for “exceeding company operational standards and for excellence in flight training.” Adding to its accolades, CIA also operates as the official aviation fixed-wing concessionaire for Channel Islands National Park.
Located off the coast of Southern California are the Channel Islands. Five of the eight islands (Anacapa, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, San Miguel, and Santa Barbara) make up the national park. The general public can access Santa Rosa Island year round, but only by park concessionaire boats and planes, or private boats. The preservation is home to more than 2,000 plant and animal species, 145 of which are exclusive to the island.
CIA has recently partnered with Santa Barbara Business College to offer its first Associate of Science in Aviation degree program. After the program students will walk away with the associate degree as well as a Commercial Pilot License and CFI, CFII and MEI certificates. The first class commences in mid-October.