THE SAN FRANCISCO AERONAUTICAL SOCIETY

Get Involved

Established in 1997, the San Francisco Aeronautical Society is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum by advancing the knowledge and appreciation of aviation history. The Society does this by raising funds for acquisitions that are donated to the collection, and through programs such as educational lectures and seminars.

The San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum, located at San Francisco International Airport opened to the public in December 2000. As a collecting institution for research and exhibition programming, its purpose is to enrich the understanding of past, present, and future achievements in air transport. Read More

Board Members

The current voluntary SFAS Board of Directors includes dynamic aviation enthusiasts with years of experience responsible for driving the Society to achieve its mission and objectives.

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Benefactors

The Society’s strength comes from its Benefactors, all who share a passion for and commitment to aviation.

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Learn why the Museum is named after Louis A. Turpen

Programs & Services

Gifts & Acquisitions

The Society’s mission is to preserve the rich history of aviation and to honor the men and women who pioneered it. The Society’s acquisition of artifacts and ephemera on behalf of the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum help to tell the story of the early days of aviation and celebrate San Francisco International Airport’s importance on the West Coast and Pacific Rim. Artifacts related to vintage and famous aircraft such as the China Clipper; aviation fashion including pilot ensignias and suits, flight attendant uniforms; model airplanes; aviation related posters and toys; aircraft engine and other components are all welcome. Please help the Society to procure more important pieces by donating and becoming an active member.

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Western Airlines Lockheed L-188 Electra cutaway model aircraft with stand, 1990s (reproduction of a late 1950s model) Gary Field (b. 1956)

Achievement in Aviation Award

Over the years, the non-profit-based San Francisco Aeronautical Society has awarded the Achievement in Aviation Award to an organization or individual for outstanding contributions and excellence in the aviation industry, and demonstrated commitment to preserving its history. This distinguished recognition has been given for aviation leadership in Government, Airline, Airport, Association, Fashion, Entertainment, Historical expertise, and more.

Honorees

Fundraising

The SFAS gala dinner and fundraiser is the premier event to honor aviation leaders and support the Society. Each year the Society selects as its theme an individual or company whose role in aviation was notable to the formation and evolution of this ever-changing industry.

To learn more about the gala, and how to get involved in the fundraiser, please contact us.

Community Building

The Society is focused on global community building to promote the importance of aviation history and its impact now and in the future. Today’s digital world enables intercontinental outreach and we are proud to have aviation enthusiasts from around the world helping us support the non-profit San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum. We welcome your active participation in the programs and events, whether in-person or virtually.

Events & News

Scholars Program

The primary purpose of the San Francisco Aeronautical Society is the preservation of aviation history. In recognition of the historical contributions made in the Bay Area, the San Francisco Aeronautical Society has offered its’ SFAS Scholars Program, designed for accredited public or non-public high school seniors who attendied schools in San Francisco and San Mateo counties, and were seeking a degree from an accredited post-secondary institution.

Scholars Program

Governance

The San Francisco Aeronautical Society (“Society”) was formed as the support group of the San Francisco Airport Commission Aviation Library and Louis A. Turpen Aviation Museum (“ALM”) in 1997. The Airport Commission of the City and County of San Francisco has charge of the San Francisco International Airport which includes the ALM. The Society is a non-profit corporation exempt from federal taxation under Section 501c(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Governance