AOPA opposes San Mateo background check
AOPA has expressed its opposition to the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors' recent decision to pass a pilot background-check ordinance. In a letter from AOPA Counsel Kathleen Yodice, AOPA warned the Board that it had overstepped its authority in requiring student pilots to undergo a criminal background check, adding that only the federal government can make such regulations. For more details about the ordinance and AOPA's response, see " AOPA Action: AOPA Scolds California County," p. 22.
Fallbrook receives federal funding for the first time
For the first time since it was established by a government grant in 1968, Fallbrook Community Airpark has received federal funding. The money will be used to develop a master plan for the airport. AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Richard Steere will serve on the technical advisory committee developing the master plan.
Airport supporters hope the creation of a master plan will help Fallbrook combat community opposition and incompatible land use by creating a blueprint for future development. Despite the efforts of AOPA, the FAA, and local pilots, government officials recently approved plans to build 18 single-family homes immediately off the north end of the airport's 2,060-foot runway.
Final economic impact report expected this month
A final report on the economic impact of aviation and the commercial space industry on the State of California is expected this month. The report will be the culmination of a study begun by the California Division of Aeronautics in early 2002. Consultants conducting the study are examining all aspects of aviation, including general aviation. When complete, the study should provide a valuable tool for developing airport support.
Aeronautics funds transfer unresolved
While no final decision has been made on a plan to transfer an additional $5.2 million from California's aeronautics account to its general fund, observers say the consequences of such a transfer are becoming increasingly clear. The money, which accounts for only 0.00052 percent of the state's $10 billion budget deficit, would effectively end numerous aviation programs and could cost the state as much as $70 million in lost federal grants to general aviation airports.
Among the programs that would be most severely affected is one that provides annual grants of $10,000 each to 149 eligible airports. That program would be eliminated, leaving airports without money for maintenance, salaries, insurance, and federal grant matching.
Also eliminated would be the direct grant program, which supplies 90-percent grants for eligible acquisition and development projects, and the local match program, through which the state provides part of the local matching dollars required for federal airport grants.
Already the proposed funds transfer and the likelihood that some airports will lose the money needed to complete previously approved projects have attracted the attention of the FAA. An FAA representative recently told a technical advisory committee to the California Transportation Commission that many airports that have received federal Airport Improvement Program funds are not proceeding with the projects in a timely manner, making it difficult for the region to compete for additional funds.
Keith Holt, AOPA's manager of airport policy, recently sent strongly worded letters opposing the budget proposal to the chairmen of the Assembly and Senate budget committees. If the transfer takes place it would likely occur during the remaining six months of fiscal year 2002-2003. Last May, another $6 million was transferred from the aeronautics account to the general fund.
Santa Ynez master plan update complete, new construction planned
Santa Ynez Airport is likely to be the scene of extensive activity in the coming months after completing its master plan update and receiving two FAA grants. The federal money will be used to reconstruct the aircraft parking area and to install an automated weather observation system (AWOS).
In addition, the master plan calls for the construction of six new T-hangars and eight private hangars. AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer James Kunkle reports that occupants already have been found for all 14 new hangars.
Despite the good news, Santa Ynez is among the airports already being affected by state budget shortfalls. Airport officials were notified recently that previously promised state funding for taxiway resealing will not be available — a loss of about $80,000 to the airport.
Livermore neighbors organize anti-airport group
Residents of the Dublin Ranch housing development near Livermore Municipal Airport are organizing an anti-airport group. AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Kevin Ryan reports that founders of the group apparently were not told of the proximity of the airport when they purchased their homes. The group's stated aim is to persuade Livermore Municipal Airport to relocate its traffic pattern away from the community.
Broken promises plague Oceanside Municipal
Pilots at Oceanside Municipal Airport say that newly elected city officials have decided to disregard promises made by their predecessors, leaving airport users without fuel and other vital services.
In January, the airport's sole FBO was evicted, but no provisions were made to replace the services, including fuel availability, offered by the company. At the same time, city officials reported plans to increase hangar fees by $80 per month and tiedown fees by $15, despite the reduced level of service.
In recent years the Oceanside airport has been a source of contention between city officials and area pilots. While the city had hoped to close the airport, the prior acceptance of federal grant funds ensures that the field will remain open at least until 2016. Despite the requirement that the field remain open, some City Council members have called for a study proposing alternative uses for airport property.
In the meantime, members of the local pilots' association are working to convince city officials of the importance of the airport to the community. Members of the group are sending letters to the mayor and City Council members and attending City Council meetings en masse.
Hangar construction on track at South County
Pilots at South County Airport of Santa Clara County are anxiously awaiting the construction of new hangars, scheduled to begin in July. The construction project is complicated by the need for a fire-protection system, which will include a 500,000-gallon water storage tank and pumping station.
FAA opposes plan to house homeless at Gillespie Field
A proposal to use Gillespie Field property to house the homeless has been rejected by the FAA. Although some publicly owned public-use airports do have hangar developments that include residential living space, Gillespie Field does not currently have such space and FAA officials have expressed their opposition to allowing its creation at the airport. In addition, FAA officials have concluded that using airport property to house homeless individuals could create a dangerous situation for all airport users. Runway incursions by individuals unfamiliar with airport operations could create a hazard for both the homeless being housed at the field and for the pilot community.
Community comes together to overcome noise problems at Brackett Field
After noise complaints at Brackett Field received widespread attention, pilots and airport officials have worked together to resolve the problem. Recently, the Brackett Airport Association received a commitment of funding for new airport noise-abatement signage, and airport officials have been reminding pilots of the importance of the field's existing noise-abatement plan. In addition, local FAA representatives have emphasized the importance of noise abatement with area business owners and flight instructors. As a result of the efforts of all airport users, the airport manager says no new noise complaints have been received for the past two months.
Nut Tree, Rio Vista could be next to face background checks
Solano County officials are reportedly considering a plan to require background checks for flight students. Both Nut Tree Airport and Rio Vista Municipal Airport fall under the county's supervision and could be affected by any background-check ordinance. AOPA has recently chastised San Mateo County for its decision to require background checks, warning that the ordinance exceeds county authority by usurping powers rightfully belonging to the federal government. For more details about the San Mateo ordinance and AOPA's response, see " AOPA Action: AOPA Scolds California County," p. 22.
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