Santa Monica stumbles…again

CalPilots

SMO1Earlier this month the city council of Santa Monica, California, decided to strike a blow for economic parity by instituting landing fees at the airport. As a former city commissioner of a small city that owns an airport, I can say this about their decision: It’s short-sighted.

As an individual involved in economic development of a region, I can say this: It’s based on ignorance with a hint of malice.

And as an aviation enthusiast who has spent untold thousands of dollars in conjunction with my affection for aviation: It’s idiotic on an industrial scale.

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LAYOFFS COMING TO ARCATA-EUREKA AIRPORT

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arcata eurekaCOUNTY BUDGET A FACTOR – Five jobs are on the line at the Arcata-Eureka Airport, including the employee who’s been working to secure a second airline for ACV. Humboldt County Public Works proposed the layoffs to the board of supervisors. “The airport has a severe funding revenue problem,” said Public Works Director Tom Mattson. “Without a new airline this year we’re going to have to tighten our belt.”     

Mattson has proposed the cuts be made as 2 Airport Service Workers, a groundskeeper, a building maintenance custodian, and from airport management Program Coordinator Emily Jacobs.     

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Bill proposed to reduce nighttime noise at Burbank, Van Nuys airports

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burbank airportBurbank AirportFor those living near Bob Hope and Van Nuys airports, jet noise is a way of life. But it’s the noise at night from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. that is prompting lawmakers to propose a mandatory curfew. “When you’re standing in your home or you’re standing outside or you’re trying to carry on a conversation or you’re trying to get some sleep, and you hear just how loud those flights are, and how much it makes your house shake, you’ll get a much better appreciation for what we’re talking about,” said Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank).

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Is Homeland Security Out of Control?

CalPilots

Column: Pilot is detained for “doing absolutely nothing illegal” – Columnist James Fallows examines the ordeal of private pilot Gabriel Silverstein, who was detained for two hours when he forgot his eyeglass case at an airport in Oklahoma. “Again to put this in perspective for people outside the airplane world, a person who was doing…

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San Francisco airport plans $4.1 billion in upgrades over 10 years

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SFOSan Francisco’s airport plans to spend $4.1 billion over the next decade to fund a major upgrade to its facilities. The expenditures will lead to the creation of more than 36,000 jobs, according to San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee, who announced the figures today.

The San Francisco International Airport Commission will vote on the budget at its meeting on Tuesday. The main source of money for these capital projects will be general revenue bonds.

“SFO’s 10-year capital improvement plan ensures that our airport can achieve its goal to create a world-class facility, and continue to be a vital source of job creation in the Bay Area,” said Lee. “SFO is an engine which helps power our local economies, bring tourism and jobs to the entire region and this investment in our infrastructure keeps that engine running strong.”

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Rocky Mountain Light Sport Aircraft Expo

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Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, 2013 will mark the 3rd Annual Rocky Mountain Light Sport Aircraft Expo at Front Range Airport. This year’s Expo will have something for everyone. Come take a look at the newest Light Sport Aircraft on the market, a variety of experimental aircraft and the classics of general aviation. Take advantage of seminars and demonstrations on the latest drone technology. We will have exhibitors and seminars to showcase the best and newest aviation technology as well as demo flights and static displays.

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20 year old attempts around the world flight for charity

CalPilots

jack wiegardFresno, CA. – At 20 years old, Jack Wiegand is preparing for the flight of his life to break the Guinness World Records™ title, something he has been working toward since his first flight at the age of 13. In May 2013, this record-breaking journey will take him from his home in Fresno, California, to exotic destinations he has dreamed of since childhood. Rome, Egypt, Bangkok and Tokyo are only a few of the locations he will travel to on his flight around the world.

Jack’s journey to make history began on his 13th birthday when he piloted his first introductory glider. On his 14th birthday, he became the youngest pilot in the Central California Soaring Club to solo a glider, and when Jack was 16, he soloed his first single-engine power plane. Now 20 years old, Jack plans to break the Guinness World Records™ title in May 2013 by becoming the youngest person to fly solo around the world.

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FAA NAFC Flight Advisory – GPS Testing

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May 13th-16th – GPS interference testing 24nm south of the Bonneville (UT) VORTAC may result in unreliable or unavailable GPS signals for almost a 400nm radius from the test site at 10,000′ agl. This testing will impact GPS signals in every state in the northwest mountain region, along with several others.

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Oceano Airport Celebration May 10th and 11th, 2013

CalPilots

Oceano-1 1

Join us May 10th and 11th for a good old-fashioned airport celebration at Oceano Airport.

Friday night May 10th: Beach Burger Fry and Dance featuring the San Luis Jazz Band.

Tickets for the dinner/dance are $10 and available from any FOA volunteer or at the gate. Enjoy a burger, hayrides, strolling under the stars on the ramp and a great time shaking your groove thing.

Saturday, May 11th is Celebration Day and begins at 8:30 with the 5-Cities Lion’s Club famous pancake breakfast.

Family friendly, free admission.

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Wounded Warriors Experience A Helicopter Simulator With HSC-3

CalPilots

San Diego, CA – Ten Wounded Warriors Get Co-Pilot Experience In The Sim – Wounded Warriors from Naval Medical Center San Diego (NMCSD), had the opportunity to experience a helicopter simulator at Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 3, May 10. The Wyakin Warrior Foundation (WYWF), a nonprofit organization which provides education and professional development to wounded veterans, in conjunction with the San Diego Leadership Forum (SDLF) and HSC-3, invited 10 Wounded Warriors to spend an evening at the HSC-3 helicopter simulation facility.

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