Residential construction begins near Fallbrook
After nearly two years in the works, construction recently began on 17 home sites near Fallbrook Community Airpark, raising questions about whether developers have complied with promises to tell residents about their proximity to the airport and the likelihood of aircraft overflight. Initial agreements required the property developer to provide overflight and aviation easements and to provide property buyers with disclosures about the airport. But since that time new developers have stepped in to build the homes and it is unclear whether they have uniformly followed the original agreements. Richard Steere, AOPA Airport Support network volunteer for Fallbrook, has been following the issue closely and has asked city officials for proof that the developers are in compliance.
Oakdale plagued by lack of city support
Tensions are on the rise between city officials and airport users at Oakdale Municipal Airport. In a recent report, AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Rob Miller noted a series of events that have demonstrated the city's lack of support for the airport. In one case, ground breaking is set on a new elementary school located less than a mile from the extended centerline of Runway 10, a move that follows the recent completion of a new gymnasium at the local junior high school. That gymnasium, which is approximately 50 feet tall, is under the airport's only instrument approach. Miller says that when pilots have expressed safety concerns related to these buildings they have been told that the growing community needs the schools and that in any conflict that arises "the airport's going to lose." Miller also reported that an airport expansion project slated to begin this fall is threatened by one property owner's refusal to sell necessary land. City officials have indicated that they will not use the right of eminent domain to acquire the property if the owner is unwilling to sell.
Watsonville adopts master plan
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Dick Steinkamp reports that the Watsonville City Council has adopted the master plan for Watsonville Municipal Airport. The plan, which covers the years 2001 through 2020, was approved by a 6-1 vote. The council's decision allows the city to seek federal grant money and move forward with planned improvements to the airport. The master plan includes more than $6 million in scheduled expenditures for such projects as installation of an ILS approach to Runway 2, an 800-foot extension of Runway 2/20, construction of new taxiways, and expansion of the existing terminal building.
Steinkamp says Airport Manager Don French deserves much of the credit for pushing the plan through the council. French overcame airport opposition groups as well as environmental concerns related to three endangered plant species living on the airport to persuade city officials that the airport is a vital part of the local economy. A recent economic impact study conducted by the Association of Monterey Bay Area Governments helped his cause. That study indicated that the Watsonville airport directly generates approximately $26 million and more than 300 jobs for the region.
County official proposes closing Buchanan Field
According to a recent article in the Contra Costa Times, some county officials would like to see Buchanan Field closed and the property turned into a high-density mix of public buildings, homes, shops, and offices. County Supervisor Mark DeSaulinier recently told pilots that he supports the airport and has no intention of closing it. But in an interview with the Times DeSaulinier is quoted as saying that he is not sure that a general aviation airport is the best use of the property, adding that he plans to formally solicit proposals for alternative land uses. Whether or not DeSaulinier will be able to garner support from fellow county supervisors remains to be seen, and local FAA officials have warned that the airport accepted federal funding as recently as 2002. With that funding came a grant obligation to keep the airport open for 20 years. The Concord business community has expressed surprise at the proposal to close the field because local business leaders have been working to form a joint city-county panel to bring commercial flights to Buchanan — a move that they believed had the support of government officials. AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Leo Saunders will continue to follow the proposal and work with pilots, businesses, and others to demonstrate the value of the airport to the community.
Landing fees set to begin at Santa Monica
Aircraft with a maximum certified landing weight of 10,000 pounds or more can expect to pay newly imposed landing fees at Santa Monica Municipal Airport. In a move that many aviation advocates believe is intended to stop business jets from using the field, the City Council in June approved the fees, which were scheduled to take effect on August 1. The charges are based on a sliding scale, with the smallest aircraft paying 29 cents per 1,000 pounds and the largest paying $5.81 per 1,000 pounds. That results in landing fees approaching $350 for Gulfstream II aircraft. Airport Manager Bob Trimborn says the fees are not being imposed to restrict business jet access to the airport, but rather are intended to pay for maintenance of runways, taxiways, and other airport surfaces. Trimborn says the sliding scale reflects the fact that larger, heavier airplanes cause more damage to runway surfaces.
Penny-a-pound fundraiser a success
The Petaluma Area Pilots Association (PAPA) had a successful day with its annual "Penny-a-Pound" fundraising event. "Over the years, our 'Penny-a-Pound' flights have generated much positive response and goodwill from the public, and effectively cultivated a positive image of the airport," said AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Thomas McGaw. In this summer's event, thirteen pilots flew nearly 300 local residents, ranging from infants to octogenarians. Some had never flown before. Money raised in excess of fuel expenses (PAPA paid for the fuel), is used for PAPA aviation scholarships for area youth interested in careers as pilots, mechanics, controllers, or other aviation-related fields.
Fence on Torrance airport blocks movement
When a construction crew arrived at Torrance Municipal Airport to erect a fence on the field's south movement area, pilots, tower controllers, and airport officials were taken by surprise. The fencing company, apparently acting with permission from the city manager's office, planned to build the fence between taxiways Golf and Foxtrot, effectively shutting down a portion of the ramp and restricting emergency vehicle access to part of the field. AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Jim Gates said the fence appeared to violate the city's agreements with airport officials as well as the city charter and the airport master plan. At press time, Gates was investigating the July 17 incident.
Palo Alto Airport promotes noise abatement efforts
AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Robert Lenox says staying on top of airport noise issues is critical to ensuring that general aviation airports maintain good relationships with their neighbors. Palo Alto has recently produced its second update to a noise abatement and information brochure and Lenox urges other airports facing noise issues to create similar booklets. He adds that listening to complaints, holding meetings with unhappy neighbors, and identifying and discussing the issues with known noisemakers can head off trouble before it becomes unmanageable. He also urges his fellow ASN volunteers to win the cooperation of flight schools on their fields.
Tahoe firm wants to take over airport
An independent firm has said that it could run Lake Tahoe Airport without city funding and turn a profit, according to a report in the Tahoe Daily Tribune newspaper. But the claim has met with skepticism from the airport's current management.
John Groszewski, president of Airport Management Partners, suggested that his company could run the airport with a smaller staff than the nine people currently on the airport's payroll. The company also would increase hangar and landing fees by as much as 25 percent.
But current Airport Manager Mike Dikun warned that the airport already receives complaints about its hangar fees, which range from $339 to $852 per month and airport users could go to other nearby facilities rather than pay the higher prices.
City Manager Dave Jinkens was equally skeptical about Airport Management Partners' claims, but added that any plan that could bring the airport to profitability should be considered. Many residents would like to see an end to city funding for the airport, which amounts to $622,000 annually.
