You might know Camarillo as an easy-to-visit Southern California destination, a town along Highway 101 that is known for its year-round sunshine and relaxed pace. Named after the Camarillo family, whose work helped to shape the community we see today, the city has always been steeped in unmatched charm and resilience. This foundation of strength has only grown over time as the community continues to look towards the future. Today, that spirit is reaching new heights through the work being done at the Area 805 Advanced Air Mobility Test Range, ushering Camarillo into a new era of community growth and innovation.
Meet The Innovators Shaping Camarillo
The future is budding to life in Ventura County with the addition of the Area 805 Advanced Air Mobility Test Range in Camarillo. At the heart of this advancement is the HIVE Autonomous Innovation Center’s public-private innovation hub connecting a diverse network of startups, defense partners, and public sector leaders dedicated to pioneering the next generation of dual-use autonomous and aerial mobility technologies.
Together, the Ventura County Department of Airports and The HIVE Autonomous Innovation Center have partnered to promote the Area 805 Advanced Air Mobility Test Range at Camarillo Airport, giving innovators a space to develop and test new technologies in a real-world environment.
Area 805’s collaborative space will serve the tech and aerospace community, providing the environment to conduct rigorous testing of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems. The technology developed and tested at Area 805 will also have immediate access to world-class military testing infrastructure, creating a pipeline from prototype to deployment-ready systems. Area 805 positions Ventura County at the forefront of aviation innovation.
The Future Of Flight
The HIVE was able to utilize U.S. military assets and civilian infrastructure such as three warfare centers and the FAA-approved Area 805 Advanced Air Mobility Test Range at the Camarillo Airport in Ventura County, which boasts a 500-square-mile aerial test range for use. This site enables companies to conduct thorough testing of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems at least 1 to 3 times daily.
The anticipated autonomous flights will have minimal impact on air traffic and may even decrease local noise levels by putting an end to repetitive training maneuvers. With air traffic primarily over Camarillo, Oxnard, and the Ventura County coastline, Area 805 provides a safe, streamlined, and cost-effective alternative to traditional testing facilities.
What Does This Mean For Camarillo?
So, what does this mean for Camarillo? Area 805 Advanced Air Mobility Test Range will be utilized as a resource in flight safety verification and operation, which will come in handy as the future of regional aviation continues to become more efficient, environmentally conscious, and less disruptive of day-to-day community activity with only 1-3 flights per day.
The drone testing range also adds a whole new dimension to this already dynamic destination. By attracting entrepreneurs, researchers, and industry leaders, the work being done at Area 805 establishes Ventura County as California’s premier destination for advanced air mobility, which in turn fosters high-quality job opportunities and economic growth. As the community continues looking to the future, Area 805 provides the necessary springboard to reach new heights.
From the iconic cattle grazing lands of the Camarillo Ranch to the thriving community we see today, Camarillo continues to bloom while consistently staying true to the values that have always made it a destination worth visiting. Come experience and explore that forward-thinking spirit of the Area 805 Advanced Air Mobility Test Range for yourself to witness the seamless intersection of history and innovation as it continues to unfold.
Start planning your visit to Camarillo to watch the future take flight.
FAQs
What is Area 805 in Ventura County?
- Area 805 is a 500-square-mile testing corridor that seamlessly integrates coastal and oceanic airspace for the advancement of next-generation autonomous flight systems.
What is the Hive Autonomous Innovation Center?
- The Hive Autonomous Innovation Center is a collaboration space designed to cultivate a community of innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups through regular programming and events.
Why is Camarillo becoming an aviation innovation hub?
- Camarillo is becoming an aviation innovation hub through the groundbreaking work being done at the Area 805 Advanced Air Mobility Test Range.
What is advanced air mobility?
- Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) is an aviation system that utilizes electric or hybrid-electric aircraft to transport people and cargo in regional areas.
What is an eVTOL aircraft?
- An eVTOL, or electric vertical takeoff and landing, is an electric-powered aircraft used for personal, commercial, and emergency uses.
How big is the Area 805 test range?
- The Area 805 Advanced Air Mobility Test Range takes up around 500 square miles of airspace in Ventura County.
Where is the Area 805 test range located?
- The Area 805 Advanced Air Mobility Test Range is located along a 500-square-mile FAA-authorized airspace over Camarillo, Oxnard, and the Ventura County coastline.
What is there to do near Camarillo Airport?
- There are lots of things to do and see near the Camarillo Airport. If you’re hungry, grab a bite at the Waypoint Café, a local favorite for aviation-inspired dining and one-of-a-kind views. Looking to get some shopping done? Spend your time browsing 160 stores at Camarillo Premium Outlets, including favorites such as Coach, Michael Kors, and Polo Ralph Lauren.
Where should visiting teams stay in Camarillo?
- The city of Camarillo offers a wide variety of accommodations to make it easy for visiting teams to explore the community and still stay near the Camarillo Airport, including the Quality Inn & Suites Camarillo-Oxnard and Hampton Inn & Suites Camarillo.