Posts by Andy Wilson
Time to Rally Around Santa Monica Airport!
The Santa Monica City Council and Airport Commission are continuing their aggressive effort to force the closure of the Santa Monica Airport (SMO).
While none of this is new, their efforts have been vastly accelerated over the last few months as they look toward the expiration of the 1984 Settlement Agreement between the city and the FAA as their best opportunity to force this issue. Some think that when this agreement expires, the city can close the airport. That’s been a subject of recent litigation between the city and the FAA. So far, the city lost every court case, but they haven’t lost the war. Now the City is focused on a “starvation” strategy – strangle the airport to the point that it can no longer function as an airport.
Read MoreAirport Sponsors are Supposed to Nurture their Airports
Apparently, Santa Monica never received the memo – The attached letter from NBAA to the Santa Monica City Council should be read just for the valuable information. It takes the city council to task on several issues including that “as early as 1981 the City was indeed aware that the FAA took the position that “if the city ever in perpetuity ever tries to convert any of this property to any other use, then the federal government gets it back, or can operate to get it back at that time.”
There is more too, as non-aeronautical tenants must pay fair market rent – as well as inconsistent with the report’s overall recommendation that KSMO revenues be maintained.
Read MoreThe time is now ~ at Santa Monica Airport!
As you may know, Santa Monica Airport (SMO) is under siege by a very small segment of the local population that has succeeded, over time, in getting sway over the City Council.
We need to change that. SMO is a frequent stop for many of you. It is a vital part of our National Airspace System. If SMO goes, so will other airports ~ SMO is not a single airport; it is, effectively, a signal airport.
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Read MoreAbout CalPilots
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Read MoreSupport the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act
EAA members should get involved NOW with what you’ve told us is the most important issue in GA advocacy. Contact your Senators and Representatives and urge them to co-sponsor and support S. 2103 and H.R. 3708, the General Aviation Pilot Protection Act.
Read MoreDeath Valley airstrip's future at stake
Death Valley airstrip’s future at stake in management plan. CalPilot’s has posted this previously, but here is a reminder that the time is runing out to voice your opinion.
Read MoreSkydiving at GA Airports – Is it Safe?
There has been substancial controversy regarding whether the “right” of Skydiving Schools to use use GA airports as landing zones is in conflict with the safety issue involved. This is from a recent incident where luckily, no one was hurt. http://www.myfoxorlando.com/story/24923080/2014/03/08/plane-collides-into-skydivers-parachute-mid-air
Read MoreCalifornia Laser Striker Sentenced To 14 Years In Prison
Believed To Be the Longest Sentence Ever Imposed In A Laser-Strike Case
Sergio Patrick Rodriguez, 26, of Clovis, CA, has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for aiming a laser pointer at Fresno police helicopter Air 1 (pictured), and attempting to interfere with its operation, according to United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner. Calling him a “walking crime spree,” United States District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill said the crime was serious with potentially deadly consequences.
Read MoreBill to eliminate medicals for more pilots introduced in Senate
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Three members of the U.S. Senate introduced a bill Tuesday, March 11, which mirrors one introduced in the House of Representatives last December, which would eliminate the medical requirement for non-commercial pilots flying day VFR below 14,000 feet in aircraft weighing less than 6,000 pounds and carrying no more than six people.…
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