| Roger Keeney |
Operated the oldest Fixed Base Operator (FBO) from 1945–2011, bought a B-25 from Howard Hughes, worked on Amelia Earhart’s plane. |
| Lomita Flight Strip |
Original name of Torrance Airport, served as overflow from Long Beach training base during WWII. |
| P-38 Lightning |
479th Fighter Group based at KTOA during WWII. |
| Bob Hoover |
World-famous test pilot & aerobatic performer, based his Shrike Commander at Torrance. |
| John Nagel |
Operated a major aircraft parts business where Robinson Helicopter is now located. |
| George Wing |
Developed first light twin-engine plane; also founded Hi-Shear Corp and had a female test pilot. |
| Doak Aircraft |
Edmund Doak built the VTOL predecessor to the Osprey; invented a propeller still displayed at the airport. |
| Bob Herendeen |
Two-time US Aerobatic Champion; began flying at Torrance at 16, with his wife Jacqueline also a renowned aerobatic pilot. |
| Nancy Clinton |
Dedicated flight instructor, strong protector of Torrance Airport. |
| Vegas Airways |
Flew DC-3 charters to Las Vegas, requiring wide lanes between hangars. |
| Slim Kidwell |
Operated first FBO at Lomita Strip, built first T-hangars, owned “Halfway House” restaurant and Belanca West Coast Sales. |
| Sy Symons |
Pilot on Pearl Harbor day; taught WWII pilots; founded Symons Engineering for auxiliary fuel tanks. |
| Bonanza |
Many unique-design Bonanzas were based at Torrance. |
| Collins Dietrich |
First company to manage Lomita Flight Strip; offered service, repair, cafe, motel, air taxi, and rides. |
| Iris Critchell |
WWII WAFS pilot, knew Amelia Earhart, founded local 99’s, air racer who brought Powder Puff Derby twice to Torrance. |
| Frank Robinson |
Founded Robinson Helicopter in his garage; built it into the world’s largest helicopter company. |
| Civil Air Patrol |
Volunteer search & rescue squadron and youth training program. |
| Tom Ishibashi |
Family farmed between runways after WWII internment; strong supporter of Torrance Airport. |
| Sierra Sue |
S-1 aircraft designed and built in Torrance, now in the WMoF museum. |
| Acme Aircraft |
First FBO (Roger Keeney) at KTOA, specialized in aircraft weight & balance. |
| Eli Alexander |
Known as “Mr. A,” longtime operator of Alex Air FBO. |
| Robin Olds |
WWII and Vietnam ACE; flew P-38 at Torrance; conceived Operation Bolo in Vietnam. |
| Nike Missile Base |
Row faces old missile silos at the east end of airport, one used today for Fire Dept drills. |