Posts by Andy Wilson
FAA Disagrees with Santa Monica on Airport
FAA Tells Santa Monica It Must Operate Airport Through At Least 2023 – City Had Hoped To Repurpose 227 Acres Of Airport Property To Other Uses
The city of Santa Monica, CA has been told in no uncertain terms by the FAA that they cannot close the airport and open up its 227 acres for redevelopment until at least 2023, and likely not ever, according to a communication sent by the agency to city government.
Read MoreInland Valley Development Agency finance director named
SAN BERNARDINO >> A federal audit manager has been tapped as the new finance director for the Inland Valley Development Agency and San Bernardino International Airport Authority.
William Garay, a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona and California State University San Bernardino, is set to begin his new post before Feb. 15, agency officials said Friday.
Read MoreTracy Airport – High fuel prices a puzzlement at airport
With all of the public interest generated in the past couple of months about the proposed Ellis residential development’s connections with Tracy Municipal Airport, local pilots have mentioned one vexing question about the airport to me.
And that question does not concern any charges of alleged illegalities in Surland’s payment of $50,000 in airport fuel sales fees owed to the city by Turlock Air Center, which has the fuel contract at the local airport. There is nothing illegal about the payments, an investigation by the city has concluded.
Read MoreCable Air Show Ending? Thank the FAA
FAA Control Tower Policy Could Force End Of The Event – The 2014 edition of the Cable Air Show at Cable Airport (KCCB) in Upland, CA may be the last, if the FAA does not reverse its policy of charging hefty fees for air traffic control tower services during such events.
Airport president Bob Cable said the airport has been billed $15,000 for air traffic control services for the 39th annual edition of the show. The event usually brings in about $30,000 to $40,000, which is all donated to aviation scholarships in the local community, according to a report in the Daily Bulletin.
Read MoreModesto Airport pledge drive about to take off
Businesses and other air travelers soon will be asked to show their support for restarting passenger service with Los Angeles. Modesto’s airport consultant is launching a drive Monday to collect pledges from companies, residents and others that they would spend $1 million on tickets for daily flights to and from Modesto and Los Angeles International airports. (CalPilots Editor’s Note: An intersting contrast of two cities. Modesto values its airport and the long term commerce it can bring them, while Santa Monica values the short term money they will get when they sell off the airport land to business).
Santa Monica – A battle GA must win
December 2013 – Santa Monica Airport’s fate has many implications – Once a key strategic asset for a nation at war, Santa Monica Municipal Airport has survived many attempts on its life over the years.
The latest threat is a lawsuit filed Oct. 31 by the city of Santa Monica, Calif., in an effort to take full control of theairport’s fate and release the city from its obligation to operate an airport on the 227 acres in question. A ruling on the lawsuit that will initially be made by a U.S. District Court judge could have implications for the long-term survival of hundreds of other airports across the country.
Read MoreHappy New Year
Happy New Year from the California Pilots Association. May 2014 provide blue skies and tailwinds in the coming year…….
Read MoreHappy Holidays from CalPilots
(With Apologies To Major Henry Livingston, Jr.) ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and out on the ramp, Not an airplane was stirring, not even a Champ.The aircraft were fastened to tiedowns with care, In hopes that come morning, they all would be there.
The fuel trucks were nestled, all snug in their spots, With gusts from two-forty at 39 knots. I slumped at the fuel desk, now finally caught up, And settled down comfortably, resting my butt.
When the radio lit up with noise and with chatter, I turned up the scanner to see what was the matter. A voice clearly heard over static and snow, Called for clearance to land at the airport below.
Read MoreSanta's Approach
Ever wonder how Santa gets back home… What if he needs an shoot a approach? Check it out…
Tree Trimming Trees by Helicopter
There are many unknown benefits of general aviation which need to be communicated. Here is an impressive video you may want to share. http://safeshare.tv/w/sOQkWdQUyp
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