Piston aircraft to stay at Van Nuys after all

Piston aircraft to stay at Van Nuys after all

By AOPA ePublishing staff

Plans for a "propeller park" at Van Nuys Airport in Southern California are moving forward. According to information from AOPA Airport Support Network volunteer Elliot Sanders, construction of a special area for piston-powered general aviation aircraft is scheduled to start in March. The project wouldn't be finished before 2010.

"AOPA is thrilled that the propeller park is becoming a reality. Local pilot advocacy is critical to winning issues as complex as this one," said Bill Dunn, AOPA vice president of airports. "We've worked for more than five years to ensure that services are available for light aircraft at Van Nuys.

"Sanders and local pilots have been key in making this happen. They attended numerous meetings with Los Angeles City Council members, the mayor, and airport commission."

The propeller park is needed because FBOs at the airport, which lease hangars and tiedown areas, are shifting to meet the demands of increasing corporate aircraft operations.

November 7, 2007