Memorial Scholarship Honoring the Memory of Judy Phelps
Designated Pilot Examiner - Gold Seal Flight Instructor
Master CFII Aerobatic
“2011 National Flight Instructor of the year”
Past President of the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula
Past President of the Ventura County Chapter of the 99’s
Judy Phelps passed away on Wednesday night, May 20, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones. We know how much of an impact Judy had on every person she met. She had so many people standing by and supporting her through this journey. She appreciated it when her friends would check in with her and offer her their love and support. Judy will continue to live on through all of us. In all our memories. In the many lessons she taught us. We know many people, including her daughter Beverly, and husband Clay, will continue to hear her voice guiding us to that perfect landing or through difficult times.
In lieu of flowers or cards, Judy requested you consider donating to or volunteering for the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula. Judy was always one of the museum’s biggest advocates. She loved the museum and wanted to see it flourish.
We are proud to announce the establishment of the Judy Phelps Memorial Scholarship, created to honor Judy Phelps, DPE, and her lasting contribution to aviation training, mentorship, and excellence through CP Aviation and the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula.
This scholarship is intended to celebrate Judy Phelps's legacy by supporting aspiring aviators who demonstrate dedication, professionalism, and a passion for learning. Through this memorial scholarship, we hope to encourage the next generation of pilots to pursue their goals with the same commitment to safety, skill, and service that Judy exemplified throughout her career.
We invite students, colleagues, friends, and members of the aviation community to join us in remembering Judy Phelps by helping create opportunities for future pilots and supporting the Aviation Museum of Santa Paula.
Kevin R. Nida, President
Board of Directors
Aviation Museum of Santa Paula
The Aviation Museum of Santa Paula
Mission Statement
To educate the public of all ages in aviation and its history, both in general and as it relates to Santa Paula and to inspire, motivate and challenge the younger generation to carry on the dream of our aviation pioneers.
"The phoenix hope, can wing her way through the desert skies, and still defying fortune's spite; revive from ashes and rise." This quote from famous Spanish novelist Miguel de Cervantes (who wrote Don Quixote), could well apply to the humble beginnings of the Santa Paula airport.
1930 Santa Paula Airport DedicationThe St Francis dam disaster in 1928 is second only to the San Francisco earthquake and fire of 1908. It was this disaster, however, that birthed the Santa Paula airport. After the flood, local ranchers Ralph Dickenson and Dan Emmet decided some of the devastated area adjacent to the river would make a good location for an airport. Both were pilots, and had airstrips on their ranches, and both realized the benefit an airport would bring to the town.
Thanks to the locals
Ralph persuaded 19 local ranchers and businessmen to invest $1,000 each, and they began building Santa Paula Airport with their own hands. It opened in August 1930 with a dedication celebration that included air races, aerobatics and parachuting, a visit from the Goodyear Blimp, and featuring many famous aviators of the time such as Art Goebel, Roscoe Turner, Pancho Barnes, Jimmy Doolittle and Hawley Bowles.
In 1938, with a population of 7,200, Santa Paula had more airplanes per capita than any other community in the nation. Today, despite it's size, the airport is home to over 300 general aviation aircraft, and nearly 100,000 arrivals and departures per year.
