Despite a request from AOPA and EAA, the FAA is moving forward with plans on July 20 to close the comment period on the proposal to restrict nighttime operations at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank.
AOPA, in concert with EAA, had asked the FAA for a comment extension so pilots would have an opportunity to weigh in on the proposed restriction. But the FAA declined, only saying that although the agency will formally end the comment period, it will accept pilots’ comments beyond that date.
At issue is Burbank’s desire to formally ban all operations between 10 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. because of noise concerns. But in its comments, AOPA made the point that a voluntary restriction already in place has a 97 percent compliance rate, making a mandatory restriction “draconian.”
Furthermore, AOPA said in its comments, the airlines don’t have any scheduled flights during the period, meaning general aviation would be solely affected by the mandatory ban. Although area airports such as Van Nuys would be an alternate possibility for those aircraft needing access, Los Angeles World Airports, Van Nuys’ owner, is planning on pursuing a similar restriction.
Pilots are encouraged to comment online. Make sure to reference FAA-2009-0546 in the comments.
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