As a boy growing up in Ventura County, Chris Hastert was always fascinated with airplanes, an interest that led to a long career in aviation.

After a stint in military aviation right out of high school, Hastert held several jobs in airport management in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties, most recently at the Santa Maria Public Airport.

Today, the 50-year-old Hastert is the airport director for the City of Santa Barbara, appointed to the position last fall from a field of 42 applicants.

In a wide-ranging interview with Noozhawk, Hastert shared his priorities for the new job, as well as the philosophy that guides him in his work.

Topics included the direction of airport development and facilities, noise issues and relations with the surrounding community, and general aviation.

Hastert’s career trajectory began with positions at the Oxnard and Camarillo airports in Ventura County, where he served as deputy airport director.

“I was very fortunate that there are very good aviation facilities in Ventura County, where I was raised,” he said.

Seeing a lack of upward mobility, Hastert made the leap to the Santa Maria Public Airport, where he spent 14 years.

Taking the Santa Barbara position “was a logical next step up as far as operations and activity,” Hastert said.

The Santa Maria Airport is designated a…