I spent most of my life in Napa, I lived there from 1967 until the early 90's. The first GA flight I ever took, and the first aircraft I ever flew, were both out of its airport. It started as a military field and grew to a rather busy GA field (although it had airline service at one point). Today it handles GA of all types as well as private jets all the way up to the Boeing BBJ and MD-80.A big player at Napa was IASCO, an academy used by Japan Airlines to train its pilots. IASCO has been part of Napa since the 70's. Its pilots were housed in a complex in North Napa, and it was not unusual to run into them while shopping nearby. They were incredibly polite and curious and although English was not their mother tongue, they tried their best. JAL was instrumental in getting the main runway in Napa lengthened so it could better handle jets, and helpful in getting Napa's ILS.I was sad to read that Japan Airlines is pulling out of Napa, given their current economic situation.Here's the article for those interested in reading more:http://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/a...1cc4c002e0.htmlRegards,John

That is a bummer. Napa is a georgous area. Did a bit of wine touring a few years back. The pilots must be bummed not only for the flight school but for the great wine and food they will be missing! They should open up the simulators to the public to help generate cash. Lot's of people with $$ up there.

That is a bummer. Napa is a georgous area. Did a bit of wine touring a few years back. The pilots must be bummed not only for the flight school but for the great wine and food they will be missing! They should open up the simulators to the public to help generate cash. Lot's of people with $ up there.

Contrary to popular belief, although Napa does have wealthy neighborhoods like most such areas, the vast majority of the city (which has a population of around 80,000 now) and other small communities is working class. Homes cost a lot of money, but many of those have been handed down from parents to their children. If you look at many of the homes, they look like your typical mid 60's and 70's tract homes in any number of communities. Most jobs in and around Napa itself are in the service industry--I had to commute to a job in Washington DC during my final years there (and you know what a long commute that is!) to earn a decent salary. Thus I don't think opening the simulators to the public is going to open up any appreciable revenue. Regards,John