The California Pilots Association attended the Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Commission (ALUC) meeting held in Martinez, CA on November 14, 2012. The agenda included the proposed expansion of the Randy Howell Jet and Training Center.
This training center could be the largest of its kind in the state of California accommodating up to 600 people /students. The attached agenda provides the project description.
California Pilots Association Director Andy Wilson spoke with the ALUC Commissioners and the Executive Director Jet Team 
CalPilots Director Andy WilsonFoundation before and after the meeting.
Background:
Previously, the Contra Costa County Airport Land Use Commission decided that the Mariposa Energy Power Plant Project was not compatible with the Byron Airport. The California Pilots Association became an Intervener in this process testifying before the California Energy Commission (CEC), and assisting with the arguments before the ALUC, which was continued over a few months.
The license to construct the 1,000 MW power plant was subsequently withdrawn because it was located inside the RNAV Approach Zone. The FAA AIM 7-5-15 requires all pilots to avoid over flight of power plant thermal plumes. The California Pilots Association’s work on behalf of the Byron Airport helped maintain a clear the approach which has encouraged expansion for businesses such the Howell Jet and Training Center to relocate to Byron.
Under Public comment:
CalPilots Director Andy Wilson defined the California Pilots Association’s mission and went on to discuss briefly the NOAA coastal situation, Tracy airport, Stockton Airport, the Blythe Solar Project and a few other CalPilots projects.
Agenda Item 3
To determine consistency with the Airport Land Use Compatibility Plan with
the following project:
The applicant, Patriots Jet Team Foundation Learning Center requests approval of a land use permit and development plan to establish the on 5.89 acres on the Byron Airport. This will include three aircraft hangars (one 35,300 square foot hangar exists) with a maximum number of people not to exceed 600 at any given time and is open seven days a week.
The learning center will include 1) up to 15 flight simulators; 2) numerous display aircraft; 3) non-working jet engines; 4) aircraft restoration workshop; 5) radio controlled aircraft; 6) Patriots Aerospace Academy Innovation Center and workshop; and 7) Patriot Space Center, including a rocket club.
The California Pilots Association requested the ALUC approve the proposed project (Phase I). Because of the number of proposed students, it has been continued on Dec 12, 2012.
