We love Ventura County Coast, but we’re not the only ones! Find out what makes this area so special from people who live in the “Local Vibe” spotlight. They’ll share their favorite places to eat, shop, and play as well as tips on what to bring when you visit.
Meet: Mike Chicco
Did you grow up here or end up here? I’m originally from South America. Peru, to be exact. My career in aviation began in 1982 in Peru and it led me to pursue a career in aviation in the United States.
Do you have a nickname? I’m also known as “Don Chicco.”
Do you own a business located in Ventura County Coast? Yes, Skyrider Ultralights.
Please tell us about your business. Ultralight aircraft flying started at Camarillo Airport back in the Spring of 1982, by an outstanding group of visionaries. It became known as the Ventura County Ultralight Aircraft Society (VCUAS).
The flight school has exchanged hands six times in its unique history, and it gradually progressed through the years before I took it over in 1995. Over the years, I’ve been a consultant in the entertainment industry and our ultralight has appeared in shows and networks like CSI Vegas, CSI Miami, MTV, and several independent movies. We’ve also have had the pleasure to work with and provided flight instruction to several high-profile celebrities.
How can someone try out an Ultralight Aircraft? For those new to the sport, we offer discovery lessons and flight training at an affordable price. The introductory lessons can include 15-minute, 30 minute, or 1-hour rides in the local Camarillo and surrounding areas including the magnificent Ventura County Coast coastline. Imagine flying above waves and the breeze of the Pacific Ocean or taking a scenic ride above the rolling hills in Camarillo while the sun sets behind you – the thrill you experience from an ultralight flight is unlike any other.
“Imagine flying above waves and the breeze of the Pacific Ocean or taking a scenic ride above the rolling hills in Camarillo while the sun sets behind you – the thrill you experience from an ultralight flight is unlike any other”. – Mike Chicco
Flyin’ High
What is your favorite thing about Ventura County Coast? I have a couple of favorite things about the Ventura County Coast. The first would be the sunsets. I have taken many flights over the years and those sunsets never get old, a breathtaking sight every time. My second favorite thing is the weather. I love that it is sunny and mild for most part of the year. My third favorite thing about the Ventura County Coast would be the people that I have met over the years. They have been some of the nicest and welcoming people I have ever me
If someone is planning a visit to Ventura County Coast, what are five things you recommend they pack for the trip?
- Water
- Sunscreen
- Sneakers/jeans
- Binoculars
- Camera/ video equipment
What is your favorite restaurant in Ventura County Coast? Peking Inn Restaurant in Camarillo.
What’s the best thing on the menu? My top recommendations would be the shrimp with lobster sauce place, kung pao chicken, combo fried rice and lemon chicken, and broccoli beef.
What 5 things would you recommend someone do when visiting Ventura County Coast?
- Go visit Downtown Ventura
- Go shopping at the Camarillo Premium Outlets
- During the holidays go experience the Christmas boat parade
- Take a Sunset Ultralight Flight over the ocean
- Go to the beach
Please explain your perfect day in Ventura County Coast. Any day is a good day in Ventura County Coast but if I had to summarize my perfect day, I would start by enjoying a healthy spinach omelet from Eggs’nThings in Camarillo. I would follow that up with a trip to the beach in Oxnard or Ventura where I would go fishing or take a ride on my friends’ boat. Lunch would be served at Lure Fish House and the remainder of the afternoon would be spent shopping with loved ones at the Camarillo Outlets. Finally, I would enjoy my favorite dishes at Peking Inn Restaurant in Camarillo for dinner.
Business Information: Skyrider Ultralights
Physical Address: 865 Aviation Dr. Camarillo, CA 93010
Website: www.SkyriderUltralights.com
Phone Number: (818) 419-7381
