Maybe it's because it was Valentine's Day. Oceanside City Council officials had a change of heart on February 14, voting 4 to 1 to keep Oceanside Municipal Airport open.
The council voted to operate the airport in perpetuity in compliance with FAA grants, build up the airport to fulfill its master plan, and create an airport advisory panel and good neighbor policy. The council also directed city staff to report back to the council in 90 days on options including federal and state grants.
"This was a complete one-eighty for the council," said AOPA Vice President of Airports Bill Dunn. "Even the mayor who had opposed the airport voted to keep it open."
AOPA worked closely with local pilots last year to develop support for pro-airport candidates running for city council positions. Two of the open seats were filled with airport supporters. And this vote is proof that the association's election efforts paid off.
The decision to keep the airport open also comes less than three weeks after the FAA sent a warning letter to the city about its obligations to keep the airport operating in perpetuity.
AOPA has successfully defeated numerous attempts to close Oceanside airport.
February 16, 2007
Maybe it's because it was Valentine's Day. Oceanside City Council officials had a change of heart on February 14, voting 4 to 1 to keep Oceanside Municipal Airport open.
The council voted to operate the airport in perpetuity in compliance with FAA grants, build up the airport to fulfill its master plan, and create an airport advisory panel and good neighbor policy. The council also directed city staff to report back to the council in 90 days on options including federal and state grants.
"This was a complete one-eighty for the council," said AOPA Vice President of Airports Bill Dunn. "Even the mayor who had opposed the airport voted to keep it open."
AOPA worked closely with local pilots last year to develop support for pro-airport candidates running for city council positions. Two of the open seats were filled with airport supporters. And this vote is proof that the association's election efforts paid off.
The decision to keep the airport open also comes less than three weeks after the FAA sent a warning letter to the city about its obligations to keep the airport operating in perpetuity.
AOPA has successfully defeated numerous attempts to close Oceanside airport.
February 16, 2007