California Airports

The number of passengers and flights at John Wayne Airport would gradually increase starting in seven years under a noise agreement proposed Thursday by the city of Newport Beach and local airport-noise groups. The early morning and late night curfew on operations would remain in effect until 2035.

Thursday’s announcement marked the beginning of a process to modify and extend the existing airport-noise agreement that is due to expire in 2015.

Newport Beach Mayor Keith Curry said the proposal struck a balance between the needs of the communities surrounding the airport and federal law, which restricts the local limits that can be placed on airports.

Grand jury finds lack of funds at Yuba County Airport – Yuba County is being asked by a grand jury committee to put more money into the airport to fix conditions it describes as “unsafe and very unsightly.”

In a letter to the Board of Supervisors, the county committee of the grand jury notes deficiencies at the 600-acre Olivehurst facility. They include signs missing or in poor repair, erased lines for taxiways and locations covered with tall grass and weeds.

Guest Commentary: Airport compatibility and seat belts – Most all auto accidents (95 percent) are caused by driver error. Nevertheless and regardless of who is at fault, the State of California requires that you always wear your seat belt. If you choose not to wear your seat belt, you get stopped by the police, you should expect to pay a $200 fine. Wearing your seat belt is the law because statistics show that you really don’t know when an accident may happen and who may be at fault. Because of those unknowns, State intervention was needed to protect life and limb. Seat belts do save lives.

North County Regional Vision Takes Flight At Palomar Airport – North County leaders marveled at the expansion that has taken place recently at Palomar Airport in Carlsbad, as they mingled before County Supervisor Bill Horn’s “State of North County” address.

Supervisor Bill Horn delivers his “State of North County” address at Palomar Airport, March 2013 The airport hangar was a fitting venue for Horn’s remarks, since he has encouraged the growth of the regional airport. Olivier Brackett, a manager at the airport, said it is now the 4th busiest single runway airport in the nation; Lindbergh Field is first.

(CalPilots Editor’s Note: We posted this article because this happens more often than people realize) – A Federal Aviation Administration audit that accused the city of San Jose of illegally redirecting funds from the Mineta San Jose International Airport languished for years after it was written, the Investigative Unit has learned.

What can you do to make yourself heard on the Sequester Issue regarding airports? Call your State Senators today. It is easy. Make the call and:
1. Identify yourself name, address,
2. Tell the operator that you are against the closing of the FAA Towers due to major safety concerns.

Click Read More for their contact information.

An important issue for flight safety has arisen at the REI airport in Redlands, CA. Dirt for a water project is being piled within the #1 (A) Zone which requires a 20:1 safety limit and is located south just off the centerline for runway 26. The height of the pile (last measured by GPS) a few weeks ago is 79 ft. above the landing zone for 26. Another 13 ft. is to be added under an excavation project for a water holding pond east of the runway. The distance from the runway is about 800-900 feet. Coordinates are W 117.5.100 and N 34.5.100

Work plan for Chico airport in progress; meeting on Tuesday the 12th – An update on the Chico Municipal Airport and its work plan is on the agenda for the next Chico Airport Commission meeting. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the Old Municipal Building, East Fifth and Main streets. The meeting will be held in the second floor conference room.

AOPA to FAA: Halt sequestration cuts targeting GA – AOPA is urging FAA Administrator Michael Huerta to halt cuts that will disproportionately affect the safety and integrity of general aviation operations. “The recommended cuts will have unacceptable consequences for the nation and the flying community,” AOPA President Craig Fuller said in a March 12 letter…

County airport could be getting a face lift – FAA has found that the existing terminal violates its standards and is “anxious” for a new terminal to be built

A skittish Board of Supervisors moved its county airport restructuring proposal forward slightly last week, but board members said they want
reassurances that the investment will bring a measurable return.

“I’d like to see more information on whether and how expenditures improve service,” Supervisor Adam Hill told Richard Howell, manager of the San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport.