California Division of Aeronautics begins economic study
In an attempt to define the direct and indirect impact of airports, the aviation industry, and the commercial space industry on the state's economy, the California Division of Aeronautics has launched a statewide economic impact study.
The Aviation Economic Impact Study will be overseen by an advisory committee that includes AOPA Regional Representative John Pfeifer. The committee also includes representatives of the National Business Aviation Association, the California Transportation Commission, the California Space Authority, commercial service airports, air cargo operators, and general aviation airports.
During its first meeting, which was held in February in Sacramento, the panel discussed a wide range of concerns and issues with the consulting firm Economic Research Associates of San Francisco.
The study is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
Big Bear forms pilots' association
Airport Support Network volunteer Ken Dally has been elected to serve as the first president of the newly formed pilots' association at Big Bear City Airport. Dally says the association was formed to establish and maintain liaison activities among pilots, airport staff, and other officials; promote social activities for pilots and aviation enthusiasts; support and expand general aviation at the airport; and advance public understanding of and interest in the benefits and uses of aviation.
Progress made in battle over trees at Dunsmuir
As the mediation process continues at Dunsmuir Municipal-Mott Airport, significant progress has been made on removing the trees that forced the airport's closure. The field was recently closed after years of legal wrangling over cutting trees that constituted a hazard to airport operations. But in recent months a significant number of the trees have been cut down and proposals for tree removal on U.S. Forest Service land have been put forward for public comment. While the actions thus far are not sufficient to allow the airport to reopen and a variety of legal actions are ongoing, AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Ken Pool reports that pilots are hopeful they will soon regain use of the field.
AOPA is working directly with city officials in an attempt to expedite the process.
Auburn pilots fly friendly
A recent noise study conducted by members of the Auburn Aviation Association and local residents determined that the majority of operations at Auburn Municipal Airport comply with voluntary noise-abatement procedures. Of the 152 departures studied, 142 were conducted in a way that did not pose noise or safety hazards to neighboring Rock Creek Mobile Home Park.
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Wayne Manning, who led the study, reported the findings in a letter to officers of the homeowner's association for the mobile home park. While the study concluded that 10 of the flights observed overflew the residences too low and posed a real nuisance, it also determined that the highest noise reading from aircraft passing over the mobile home park was just slightly higher than noise generated by nearby motorcycles.
The noise debate made headlines last year when a couple living at the mobile home park asked the FAA to limit the airport's hours of operation because of noise problems, according to the Auburn Journal newspaper.
Davis' University Airport threatened
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Neal Dillman reports that University Airport in Davis could be closed and turned into residential space. As university officials revisit the school's 15-year master plan, there's talk of turning the airport and surrounding property into school housing. Dillman is holding meetings with individuals who are involved in the recommendation process and reports that those he has spoken with thus far have been supportive of the airport.
Battle continues over Petaluma Sportsplex
Although plans to build a sporting complex adjacent to Petaluma Municipal Airport are moving forward, AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Thomas McGaw and other airport users have not given up on efforts to prevent the development.
At a recent planning commission meeting, which McGaw attended, a flight instructor and a student pilot reported that they had experienced temporary spatial disorientation as a result of lights from some softball fields near the departure end of the runway. The pilots brought this case to the attention of city planners to demonstrate the potential hazards from the lights that would be part of the Sportsplex complex.
A lighting analysis conducted on the proposed Sportsplex complex concluded that the impact on pilots could not be determined.
In the meantime, the developer and city officials are seeking a "negative declaration" that would make a full environmental impact report unnecessary.
Despite the objections of airport users, it seems likely that city officials will ultimately approve the development, McGaw reports.
Quincy battles possible motel development
Rumored plans to build a motel literally across the street from Gansner Field in Quincy have prompted AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Kennon Shea to hold meetings with the head of the local building department as well as the county administrator, who also serves as the airport manager, and members of the county board of supervisors. Shea reports that the majority of officials he's spoken with so far are supportive of preventing the development, which they believe could ultimately lead to closure of the airport. In the meantime, AOPA is working with Shea to remind the airport sponsor of its obligations under federal grant agreements. Among those obligations is the requirement that the airport owner take appropriate zoning action to prevent potential noise and safety problems.
Whiteman loses 80-octane fuel
Airport Support Network volunteer John Marshall is working to restore 80-octane fuel availability at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima. Soon after American Airports Corporation took over management of the Los Angeles County-owned airport, the management firm decided to end 80-octane fuel sales in favor of Jet-A fuel sales. Marshall reports that about 25 percent of the field's 700 based aircraft burn 80 octane.
Related Articles
