Aeronautics account spared in new budget but funds frozen
After vocal efforts by AOPA, the Association of California Airports, and other aviation advocates, legislators have backed off a plan to transfer $5.2 million from the aeronautics account to the general fund. But that does not mean the money is available for aviation spending. While the money will not be transferred to the general fund, it has been frozen and cannot be spent on the aviation projects for which it is designated, according to the Department of Finance.
The loss of the money could have a devastating impact on California airports, leaving many without funds to pay staff, make improvements, or match federal grants. The intense effort to prevent the transfer was led by AOPA and involved numerous city and county officials, pilot groups, and individual AOPA members.
In January, the state Assembly passed a version of the budget bill that included the transfer. The Senate subsequently passed a budget bill that deleted any reference to the transfer. Then in March, the Assembly passed the Senate version of the bill. The governor signed the bill and the funds were restored to the aeronautics account.
However, it now appears that a new chapter of the 2002-2003 budget saga is unfolding. The Department of Finance in April informed the Division of Aeronautics that the funds had been frozen and could not be expended on the airport projects for which they were intended. AOPA remains actively engaged in this issue.
ASN volunteer serves as liaison between airport users and officials
Alan Wallace, AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer for Columbia Airport, has been working with airport officials and users to smooth over differences and ensure that the field users adhere to regulations and the needs of pilots and aircraft owners are met. A number of issues have recently caused friction between pilots and Tuolome County Airports Director Tim Deike, including speeding on the ramp, fueling inside hangars, hangar inspections, and the installation of new locks at airport facilities.
Rather than allowing the situation to deteriorate into one of users versus management, Wallace has successfully acted as a liaison to ensure that the concerns of both sides are heard and that rules are enforced fairly. Wallace also helped create an airport users group to open a formal channel of communication between airport users and managers. After a year of work, Wallace says he believes the two sides are on the path to a better, more productive relationship.
AOPA supports legislation to force school districts to inform airport land use commissions
AOPA is supporting Assembly Bill 332, which would strengthen laws protecting airports from incompatible land use. The existing State Aeronautics Act provides for the establishment of airport land use commissions in counties with public-use airports. Each land use commission is charged with developing a comprehensive land use plan to ensure that development in the vicinity of the airport is compatible with aircraft operations. The law requires local agencies, such as cities and counties, to provide copies of their general plans, as well as information on specific projects, to the local airport land use commission. The commission then determines if the general plan and specific project are compatible with the airport. If the commission decides that a plan or project is incompatible with the airport, the local agency may override the commission under certain circumstances. But the existing law does not include school districts as local agencies and does not require a local agency to notify the land use commission or the California Department of Transportation of plans to override a land use commission determination.
The proposed legislation would require school districts to follow the same land use laws as other local agencies and would require local agencies to notify both the California Department of Transportation and the airport land use commission of overrides. The legislation would also require that both agencies have the opportunity to comment on any proposed override.
Oakdale improvements rescheduled
After budget problems put a planned runway expansion at Oakdale Airport on hold, groundbreaking has now been slated for fall of this year. Under a federal grant agreement, the City of Oakdale will pay for 10 percent of the project's cost while the remaining 90 percent will be paid for by the federal government. The construction project will add 1,200 feet to Runway 28/10, bringing its total length to 4,200 feet. But the project is expected to be a complex one. The airport is located on the site of a former landfill, making much of the property difficult to use. As part of the construction, an aboveground canal will have to be moved underground.
Shelter Cove pilots flying friendly
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer William Rourke is helping pilots at Shelter Cove Airport in Whitehorn to fly friendly. Rourke has been showing Flying Friendly, an AOPA video on aircraft noise and ways to reduce it, to pilot groups in his area. He says the video has made a positive impression, particularly on new pilots.
City support likely to keep airport open
Montgomery Field in San Diego appears to have the support of city leaders — a fact that's likely to protect the airport from a Chamber of Commerce proposal that would close it down.
AOPA became involved after the Chamber of Commerce presented a redevelopment plan that would close the airport and replace it with more than 9,600 new condos and townhouses, office space, retail space, and a maintenance yard for the San Diego Fire Department.
In a letter to the mayor of San Diego, AOPA explained the importance of the airport and the federal obligations attendant on federal funding received by the airport. Among other conditions, those obligations require the airport to remain open for 20 years after accepting federal money.
In addition to federal obligations, Montgomery Field is subject to numerous environmental restrictions as part of the region's Multi-Habitat Protection Area.
City leaders have since expressed their support for the airport and have indicated that they are disinclined to pursue the Chamber of Commerce's plan.
Trees raise concerns for airports in north
The future of many mountain airports in Northern California is in question after a second airport was closed because of hazards created by tall trees.
In late 2002, Shasta County, operator of the Shingletown Airport, received a letter from the California Division of Aeronautics suspending the airport's operating permit. The letter cited safety concerns because of trees near the field. Worried about potential liability, the county closed the airport. Since that time, representatives of AOPA, the Redding Area Pilots Association, and the California Pilots Association have been working with the county staff and the Division of Aeronautics to develop a plan to reopen the airport.
Based on the history of the closure of Dunsmuir Municipal-Mott Airport and now Shingletown, Northern California pilot groups are very concerned that future airport inspections will reveal tree encroachment, resulting in permit suspensions with little or no warning.
Positive public attention focused on Petaluma
Pilots at Petaluma Municipal Airport are reaching out to the larger community by giving area homeowners input on airport projects and participating in community events.
Last year, airport officials invited everyone living along the airport boundary to view and comment on plans for new hangars. Community response was positive and Airport Support Network volunteer Thomas McGaw believes taking that proactive step has prevented strife now that the project is under way.
Now pilots are continuing their outreach efforts to keep the public informed about what's going on at the airport. In April, the Petaluma Area Pilots Association held an open house and fly-in to coincide with the annual Butter and Egg Days Parade. This year's parade theme was Take Flight, and local pilots performed a flyover and built a float for the event.
Redding pilots advocate for airports
Members of the Redding Area Pilots Association are working with John Pfeifer, AOPA regional representative for California, and Ginne Mistal, AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer for Benton Field, to produce a video extolling the virtues of the region's airports. Using AOPA's video Local Airports: Access to America as a guide, the group hopes to create a video that can be used to teach lawmakers, business owners, and the public about how important and beneficial general aviation airports are to their communities.
Twentynine Palms opens new runway
A new runway is open for business at Twentynine Palms Airport. The runway, which has pilot-controlled lighting for night operations, is wider than its predecessor, making it easier for turboprops and light jets to access the field. The old runway has been converted to a taxiway. AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Jason Littrell says there are good accommodations nearby and two airframe and powerplant mechanics on the field to handle maintenance issues. He is urging pilots from around the state to visit Twentynine Palms and put the new runway to good use.
Related Articles
