Pilots meet on proposed Long Beach Class C
California pilots who oppose the proposed Class C airspace at Long Beach met with AOPA Senior Director of Airspace and Modernization Heidi Williams and AOPA Vice President of Operations and International Affairs Craig Spence, who assured the worried pilots that the association is aware of their concerns and is actively addressing them with the FAA.
This is the second time a proposal has been made to establish Class C airspace or its equivalent at Long Beach. In 1991 the FAA withdrew the proposal after determining that that the Los Angeles Basin was so complex and congested that Long Beach should not be considered in isolation. Long Beach area pilots are concerned that a move to Class C airspace would compress traffic and negatively impact flight training. The FAA is currently analyzing the proposal.
Williams told the assembled pilots that they need to keep the flow of communication flowing. "It's up to all of us, but locally you need to be that voice," she said.
"Maintain your vigilance," echoed Spence.
Earlier this year, AOPA filed formal comments to the FAA opposing the proposed move from Class D to Class C airspace over Long Beach. Under the proposal, general aviation traffic would be forced into narrower passages to remain clear of the new airspace, decreasing safety in the area. —AOPA ePublishing staff
