Andy Wilson, Author at CalPilots

Santa Monica versus the FAA over airport

By Andy Wilson | November 11, 2014

The Santa Monica Airport has long been embattled. City officials and nearby residents have made no secret of the fact that they are weary of it, especially as larger and larger private jets take off from and land on its single runway. Neighbors, some living no more than 300 feet from the runway, worry over safety, noise, and air pollution. The city has been in and out of court for decades, dueling with the Federal Aviation Administration — which oversees the city’s compliance with federal rules on aircraft and airport operations — for the right to close the airport or curtail its activities.

Now, the City Council has bypassed the courts and gone to its voters. Measure LC, which asserts that it is up to the City Council to decide how to manage the airport and whether to close all or part of it, passed decisively on Tuesday.
lRelated Your 405 exit is closed, but will Metro or Caltrans tell you?

Google to take over much of Moffett Field

By Andy Wilson | November 11, 2014

Mountain View, CA – In a deal that promises to restore Moffett Field’s beloved Hangar One, Google on Monday said it would spend more than $200 million to rehab that and two other hangars, create an educational center and assume management for much of the historic air base, drawing cheers from preservationists.

Saying it will use the airfield to conduct research in space exploration, aviation, robotics and other emerging technologies, Google’s subsidiary, Planetary Ventures, also agreed to pay NASA $1.16 billion to rent about 1,000 acres on the site from the federal agency over the next 60 years.

SMO vote disappointing to GA advocates

By Andy Wilson | November 6, 2014

A city sponsored ballot initiative — Measure LC — has passed in Santa Monica, Calif., leaving the future of Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) in the hands of the City Council. The measure passed with 59% of voters saying “yes” with 90% of precincts reporting Tuesday. At the same time, voters rejected a separate measure…

Crosswind Landings

By Andy Wilson | November 6, 2014

Get It Straight: Got WX? Campaign Focuses on Crosswind Landings
The Got Weather? campaign aims to help general aviation pilots prepare for potential weather challenges they may encounter during the 2014 flying season. For November, the campaign is focused on crosswinds. Check out a new video featuring FAA Administrator Michael Huerta discussing crosswinds with pilot Ty Chaudhry. There is also an assortment of helpful resources available on FAA’s Got WX web page at: www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/got_weather/.

SMO – Measure D Loses Pro Aviation Will Continue the Fight

By Andy Wilson | November 6, 2014

Voters agree to leave fate of Santa Monica Airport to City Council Westside Today

In a step that could move Santa Monica Airport closer to closure, voters agreed to allow the City Council to make decisions regarding the fate of the airfield and rejected an effort by aviation groups to require a public vote on any effort to shutter the facility or restrict aviation activity.

Although city officials are still in a power struggle with the federal government over the future of the 227-acre airport, passage of Measure LC on Tuesday’s ballot gave the City Council a vote of confidence from residents.

Advocacy groups donate to save SMO

By Andy Wilson | November 4, 2014

(CalPilot’s Editor’s Note: Ever wonder where your membership fees go – this is an excellent example) Two of GA’s top advocacy groups, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) have contributed more than $540,000 to support a ballot measure in Santa Monica, Calif.,, that would halt efforts…

Airport Encroachment is a Problem Everywhere

By Andy Wilson | November 1, 2014

Opinion Why airport manager was fired

“Hell Bent For Election” describes many politicians as election day looms, but city planners could likewise be described as Hell Bent for Tax Revenues as they rush to approve growth projects and developers as Hell Bent for Profits as they push for zoning changes to build their developments as densely as allowed. That arm-in-arm relationship is considered a win-win for city planners and for developers in cahoots, but each with his own self-interest in mind.

Surf Air To Expand Service

By Andy Wilson | October 31, 2014

Surf Air , which calls itself an “all-you-can-fly private membership airline,” is expanding its service from its base in Santa Monica, California, to include Carlsbad and Oakland, the company has announced. The added service coincides with the arrival of three new Pilatus PC-12NG aircraft, the first in an order of 65 airplanes to be delivered over the next five years. “Both markets are largely underserved by commercial carriers and hot spots for California-based business and leisure travelers,” said Jeff Potter, CEO of Surf Air. “We intend to continue to expand to new markets with similar characteristics that benefit our existing membership base and introduce our innovative travel experience to new members.” Service to Carlsbad will start Nov. 18 and Oakland launches on Dec. 15.

Flying Expo In Palm Springs

By Andy Wilson | October 30, 2014

Aircraft filled one of the main streets of Palm Springs, Calif. Thursday as a new aviation show revived a tradition started by AOPA with its Expos and Summits. The Parade of Planes returned to the desert resort city as a prelude to the Flying Aviation Expo, which officially starts Friday. The show features an exhibitor area at the Palm Springs Convention Center and there will be a program of forums and speakers through the weekend.

Thursday, October 30, 2014; 8:00 AM – Sunday, November 2, 2014 7:00 PM