AOPA asks Monterey County to comply with state law
In a recent letter to the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, AOPA urged the county to comply with state laws affecting airport land use. The letter came after attorneys for the county recommended that the board of supervisors prepare an ordinance that would eliminate nonconforming airport uses. In its letter, AOPA pointed out that the reason nonconforming airport uses exist in the first place is that the county has failed to comply with existing state laws governing the use of land on and around airports. Since 1971, California’s counties have been required to implement airport land use commissions to ensure that property near airports is used for purposes that are compatible with the airport. In addition, comprehensive land use plans must be developed for all airports that are open to the public, regardless of whether they are publicly or privately owned. "Had appropriate actions been taken years ago in Monterey County to comply with this law, you would not be debating the need for any corrective actions," Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of regional affairs, wrote in his letter to the supervisors. Rather than create a new ordinance, AOPA suggested that the board of supervisors fix the problem of noncompatible land use through remedies available in existing law.
Van Nuys noise measure to go before transportation committee
AOPA has sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Transportation opposing a measure that could impose strict noise limitations on Van Nuys Airport. The measure, S.B.2036, was introduced after numerous noise complaints from well-organized homeowners who met with several state legislators, including the bill’s author. The homeowners also presented their noise complaints to airport staff, the FAA, and Caltrans Aeronautics. The bill would transfer the job of establishing and enforcing noise standards for the airport from the City of Los Angeles to the state. Airport advocates fear that such a transfer could mean much stricter noise standards and stronger enforcement actions against violators. The bill was initially scheduled to be heard by the Senate Committee on Transportation in March, but the hearing has been postponed on several occasions. AOPA had previously written to the City of Los Angeles mayor and council members opposing proposals to restrict access at Van Nuys Airport without following established federal regulations.
Caltrans hires land use consultant to work with Los Angeles County
Los Angeles County will get some help to bring its countywide airport land use plan into compliance with state airport land use guidelines. Caltrans Aeronautics recently announced that it had hired the consulting firm of Gillfillan and Associates to help with the process. Airport advocates are hopeful that any resulting changes to the county’s land use plan will help to protect airports and the neighborhoods that surround them from conflicts caused by incompatible land use.
Recreation complex planned for Porterville
A site only a few hundred feet from the corner of the runway at Porterville Municipal Airport has been set aside for a recreation and sports complex. AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Benjamin Arnold notified AOPA that the city had approved the complex, which would be located approximately 420 feet from the corner of the runway. Arnold has been discussing the situation with city administrators, and AOPA will review the plans for the complex. AOPA has also contacted the FAA Airports District Office to express concern over the proximity of the development to the airport.
ASN volunteer adds pilot perspective to show on airport noise
Gordon Feingold, the AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer for Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, took quick action when he learned that the local cable access channel was producing a program on airport noise. Feingold added the pilot’s perspective to the discussion, contacting the producer and arranging to make a presentation to be included in the program. In addition, Feingold took the show’s host for a flight to demonstrate noise-abatement flight paths and procedures.
New Torrance council members have pilot support
Three new airport-friendly city council members have been elected in Torrance. All three of the new officials were supported by the Torrance Airport Association Political Action Committee. Airport businesses, pilots, and other airport supporters hope that the election will mean a brighter future for the city’s Zamperini Field, which has recently come under attack on a number of fronts, including encroaching development.
Air pollution studies could lead to new rules for airport
The results of several environmental studies could lead to new air pollution-control rules that could seriously affect airports. At a recent meeting of the Southern California Association of Governments Technical Advisory Committee, representatives from the South Coast Air Basin Air Quality Management District presented the results of several environmental studies relating to toxic emissions. Officials of the air quality management district said that they are considering a number of new rules governing air pollution. The rules, which have been described as extremely strict, would first focus on changes affecting the public sector, including airports, before being applied to the private sector. It is not yet clear exactly what any new rules might mean for airports. AOPA is participating in an FAA/Environmental Protection Agency committee charged with examining airport air quality issues and developing potential mitigation measures.
Santa Clara gets GPS approach
The new GPS approach at South County Airport of Santa Clara County, in San Martin, is now active and ready for use. The approach to Runway 32 is just some of the good news for the airport. In addition, the local FBO has installed modular trailers to act as temporary office and flight school facilities while an old office building is torn down and a new office and maintenance facility is built.
Hawthorne wins victory for airport
At two recent city council meetings, City of Hawthorne officials voted to establish an airport advisory committee and asked that the airport manager begin applying for airport improvement grant funds. Gary Parsons, the AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer for Jack Northrop Field/Hawthorne Municipal Airport, has been gathering support for the airport, which has come under attack many times in recent years. The decision to create the committee and look at improvement projects is good news for the airport’s future, and comes just one year after the current Hawthorne mayor led a charge to close the airport. While Parsons is pleased by the news, he points out that the airport faces many challenges and Hawthorne is not safe from closure yet.
AOPA Expo site receives multi-million-dollar facelift
If you haven’t visited Long Beach for a while, you are sure to be surprised at the new attractions and development that are transforming the city—site of this year’s AOPA Expo—into a top tourist destination. The new Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific has already entertained more than 1 million visitors. Attractions such as Rainbow Harbor, harbor/dinner cruises, an exclusive water taxi service, and the first-class Passport transportation system are only the beginning of the Queensway Bay Redevelopment Project that is adding a multitude of retail and entertainment venues to the Long Beach Area. Come see the changes for yourself. Join us for AOPA Expo 2000 at the new Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center from October 20 through 22. Call 888/GO2-EXPO (402-3970) or visit the Web site ( www.aopa.org/expo/) for more information.
