Dream Machines Festival Canceled Amid New FAA Rules

HALF MOON BAY, CA — Updated permitting requirements from the Federal Aviation Administration have led to the cancellation of the Pacific Coast Dream Machines festival at the Half Moon Bay Airport this year, and county leaders warn two other events could be in jeopardy.

According to the county, the Department of Public Works applied for permits for all three events as usual but was notified by the FAA that additional safety and environmental reviews would be needed before approval.

Officials said Tuesday that the organizers of the spring aircraft festival and fundraiser cited too short of a window to hammer out the details with the FAA, along with potential financial risks, in making the tough decision to call off the April event.

"With a heavy heart, we must inform you that our beloved Pacific Coast Dream Machines Event will not be moving forward this year," the event's organizers said in a statement. "After seven months of pre-planning, we must cancel the event due to aberrant delays in the permitting process with the FAA. We are no longer able to continue moving forward for a 2024 event at the Half Moon Bay Airport."

The enhanced requirements may also pose a threat to the Emergency Vehicle Operation Course used to train local law enforcement at the Half Moon Bay Airport, along with the annual Runway Run hosted by the Hiller Aviation Museum at the San Carlos Airport. The county said airport staffers were still hopeful they could secure permits for the later events.

"All three of these events are well-loved and appreciated in the county, and we were hopeful to see them return in 2024," said Gretchen Kelly, the Airports Director. "However, we also understand that the organizers must do what they deem best. We're keeping our fingers crossed now that the other two shows will still happen this year and that Dream Machines can return in 2025."