SM Airport in the News – 2015
December 2015
“California-based flight-sharing firm must remain closed, federal court rules”
12/22/15 – Los Angeles Times — dan.weikel@latimes.com
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-flight-sharing-20151222-story.html
California-based flight-sharing company that offered an online service to connect private pilots with the traveling public must remain closed under a recent federal court decision that restricts Uber-like service in the skies.
Opinion: “Santa Monica Airport: the saga continues (and the struggle)” – Frank Gruber
12/21/15 – The Healthy City Local blog
http://thehealthycitylocal.com/2015/12/21/santa-monica-airport-the-saga-continues-and-the-struggle/
“Santa Monica Museum of Flying Hosting Rededication Ceremony for DC-3 Monument”
12/17/15 – Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Santa-Monica-Museum-Of-Flying-Hosting-Rededication-Ceremony-For-DC-3-Monument/44795
Opinion: “Stop Wasting Money, Start Embracing the Airport” – Chris Thrasher
12/11/15 – Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/letter-stop-wasting-money-start-embracing-airport/152586
Proteus Air Services — http://proteus.aero/learn-to-fly/
STOP DREAMING AND START FLYING!
Flying is freedom – the freedom to go where you want, when you want. How does flying up to Lake Tahoe to go skiing sound? A weekend in Las Vegas without the hassle of the airlines? Lunch with friends in Palm Springs? A flight to Catalina for a world-famous Buffalo Burger? A romantic dinner in San Diego? Or just jumping in the plane and flying simply for the fun of being aloft? These are just a few of the countless adventures waiting to be discovered for any pilot flying in Southern California.
Chris Thrasher
CFI-I, Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot, NAFI
Languages: English
“Aviation emissions deal expected next year, no matter the outcome of Paris talks”
12/10/15 — Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-climatechange-summit-airlines-idUSKBN0TT1NO20151210#TrtrqyjYycgQHZML.97
“Santa Monica Sued over Airport Landing Fees”
12/10/15 – Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/December-2015/12_10_2015_Santa_Monica_Sued_Over_Airport_Landing_Fees.html
“Santa Monica Warns Fuel Companies at Airport”
12/9/15 – Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/December-2015/12_09_2015_Santa_Monica_Warns_Fuel_Companies_at_Airport.html
“Santa Monica Hit with Airport Landing Fees Class Action”
12/8/15 – Law 360.com
http://www.law360.com/articles/735335/santa-monica-hit-with-airport-landing-fees-class-action
Santa Monica City Council
12/8/15 agenda item 1-F:
Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation – Litigation has been initiated formally pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1): National Business Aircraft Association, et al. v. City of Santa Monica, FAA Docket No. 16-14-04 – The Council voted unanimously to pursue the appeal.
“National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Applauds FAA Ruling Preserving Santa Monica Airport Access”
12/7/15 – NBAA.org
https://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2015/20151207-107.php
“FAA Rules that Santa Monica Airport Must Remain Open”
12/7/15 – Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/December-2015/12_07_2015_FAA_Rules_Santa_Monica_Airport_Must_Stay_Open.htm
“FAA Rules on Santa Monica Airport, Saying It Must Remain Open through 2023”
12/5/15 – Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/FAA-Rules-On-Santa-Monica-Airport-Saying-It-Must-Remain-Open-Through-2023/44713
“FAA says Santa Monica Airport must stay open until 2023” – Dan Weikel
12/5/15 – Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-airport-ruling-20151205-story.html
“FAA rules in favor of 2023 expiration date at Santa Monica Airport”
12/4/15 – Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/faa-rules-favor-2023-expiration-date-santa-monica-airport/152467
“The City of Santa Monica’s Response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Director’s Determination that Santa Monica Airport’s Grant Assurances Run until 2023”
The City of Santa Monica’s Response to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Director’s Determination that Santa Monica Airport’s Grant Assurances Run until 2023
December 4, 2015
SANTA MONICA, Calif., – From Paris, Mayor Kevin McKeown expressed his exasperation in response to the long awaited Director’s Determination by the Federal Aviation Administration on the Santa Monica Airport Part 16 Complaint. The FAA ruling finds that the City of Santa Monica is obligated by grant assurances to operate Santa Monica Airport until August 27, 2023.
“Unending bureaucratic review is no answer to Santa Monica’s immediate safety and pollution concerns regarding the airport and the land we own,” said Mayor McKeown. “The FAA cannot hide, in a tangle of red tape, the simple truth that Santa Monicans have voted to take control of our airport land, and we will not be stopped. It is highly unfortunate, though hardly surprising given its past actions, that yet again the FAA favors aviation interests to the detriment of the health and safety of the families that live near the Airport.”
The City of Santa Monica maintains that the City’s obligations expired June 29, 2014.
“The FAA’s decision is inconsistent with best grant management practices,” says Nelson Hernandez, Senior Advisor for Airport Affairs. “In the meantime, we will continue to take every action necessary to promote the health and safety of our residents.”
After the fourth extension the FAA filed in October, the City has been demanding the FAA do their job and expedite the release of their decision.
“The decision from the FAA is no surprise, particularly since the FAA gets to be essentially its own judge and jury”, said City Attorney Marsha Moutrie. “Once we have had time to carefully review the Director’s Determination, we will make recommendations to the City Council. This decision is not yet final. There are two more levels of appeal within the FAA, followed by judicial review in the federal court of appeals.”
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“FAA: Stop Your Stalling on Santa Monica Airport”
Sign the petition at www.FAADoYourJob.org
12/2/15 – Santa Monica Daily Press – full page ad on page 7 http://issuu.com/smdp/docs/120215
“After four unexplained delays, Friday, December 4, 2015 is the deadline for the Federal Aviation Administration to finally deliver an important ruling on Santa Monica Airport.
The question before the FAA is simple – what is the expiration date of grant agreements between the FAA and the City of Santa Monica? It has been our position that our federal obligation of=to operate Santa Monica Airport expired in 2014, while national aviation interests have tried to assert that they remain in effect until 2023. Why won’t the FAA release their ruling?
The Santa Monica Airport dates to 1919 and was never designed to handle today’s jet aircraft. Yet, every day, corporate and personal jets fly just above the rooftops of family homes that are just 300 feet from the end of the runway. There is no dispute that the City of Santa Monica owns the airport. Still, the FAA has repeatedly blocked the City from taking even the simplest and most sensible steps to protect the security, health and safety of thousands of nearby residents in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. There’s no excuse for the FAA’s repeated delays. It’s time for action. Our message to the FAA is simple: #FAADoYourJob. If you support the efforts of the City and Congressmembers Ted Lieu and Karen Bass to get a decision, go to www.FAADoYourJob.org to sign our petition to the FAA. Post on Facebook and Twitter. Join our email campaign! We all have jobs to do. It’s about time the FAA does theirs.
Paid for by the City of Santa Monica
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“FAA: Stop Your Stalling on Santa Monica Airport”
Sign the petition at www.FAADoYourJob.org
12/2/15 – Santa Monica Daily Press – full page ad on page 7 http://issuu.com/smdp/docs/120215
“Could U.S. Cities Gain Control over Airport Pollution?
12/2/15 – Next City
https://nextcity.org/daily/entry/santa-monica-plan-regulate-airport-emissions-legal
November 2015
“City Hires Santa Monica Airport Point Person”
11/30/15 – Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Nov-2015/11_30_2015_City_Hires_Santa_Monica_Airport_Point_Person.htm
“Nelson Hernandez Named Senior Advisor to Santa Monica City Manager on Airport Affairs”
11/25/15 – Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Nelson-Hernandez-Named-Senior-Advisor-To-Santa-Monica-City-Manager-On-Airport-Affairs/44637
“A Photo History of Nightmare LAX Travel, from 1928 onward”
11/25/15 – LA Curbed
http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/11/lax_los_angeles_airport_history.php
Video: “Is Massive Jetliner Noise Coming to Unsuspecting LA?”
11/23/15 – LA Weekly
http://www.laweekly.com/news/is-massive-jetliner-noise-coming-to-unsuspecting-la-video-6305819
“Los Angeles Airport to Build Celebrity Terminal Just for Celebrities
11/19/15 – The Guardian
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/nov/19/los-angeles-airport-celebrity-terminal-lax
“Senate Unanimously Passes Amendment to Address NextGen’s CATEX Flaw”
11/19/15 – Air Impact Reform
http://aireform.com/senate-unanimously-passes-amendment-to-address-nextgens-catex-flaw/
“New Report Shows United States Must Support Strong Airplane Pollution Rules in Paris Climate Treaty”
11/18/15 – Center for Biological Diversity
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2015/airplane-emissions-11-18-2015.html
“Finally, a Fair Article about NextGen Impacts”
11/17/15 – Air Impact Reform
http://aireform.com/finally-a-fair-article-about-nextgen-impacts/
“Like a ‘stab in your brain’ – Complaints from Bay Area residents in noisy flight path spike 2,706%”
11/17/15 – Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/politics/la-pol-ca-california-noise-faa-html-20151117-htmlstory.html
“Surf Air co-founder sues the Santa Monica membership airline for $125 million”
11/13/15 – Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/business/technology/la-fi-tn-surf-air-cofounder-sues-20151113-story.html
“FAA: Laser Beams Hit More than 20 Aircraft Overnight”
11/13/15 – Washington Post
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/11/12/faa-lasers-beams-hit-more-than-20-aircraft-overnight/
“New Routes Mean More Noise for Some Homes near Airports”
11/11/15 – Wall Street Journal
http://www.wsj.com/article_email/new-routes-mean-more-noise-for-some-homes-near-airports-1447270823-lMyQjAxMTE1NjEyMjgxMzI0Wj
“Santa Monica Airport2Park Foundation to Host Fundraiser BBQ This Sunday”
11/8/15 – Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Santa-Monica-Airport2Park-Foundation-To-Host-Fundraiser-BBQ-This-Sunday/44527
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From: Stelios.Makrides@SMGOV.NET
Sent: 11/5/2015 2:28:29 P.M. Pacific Standard Time
Subj: RE: Airport: How Santa Ana winds affect SMO
On Thursday, October 29th, the Southern California region was subjected to strong northeasterly winds (a seasonal weather phenomenon known as Santa Ana winds). Normally, the prevailing winds in our area are from a westerly direction therefore aircraft depart (into the wind) to the west and land from the east (into the wind). When Santa Ana winds occur the winds shift from the normal westerly flow to a northeasterly direction which causes aircraft operations to shift to an easterly departures(into the wind) and westerly arrivals (into the wind). Aircraft arriving to Santa Monica Airport are directed by the FAA Procedures to fly north of the airport on a westbound direction that parallels the runway and turn south prior to the shoreline and turn in line with the runway to arrive at the Airport.
Although Santa Monica Airport’s aircraft were arriving from the west and departing to the east on that day, LAX aircraft operations were running on opposite direction. LAX aircraft were arriving from the east and departing to the west. The close proximity of the two airports requires that Santa Monica Airport and LAX air traffic controllers coordinate traffic to maintain proper separation and ensure safety. The decision to change the departure and arrival direction of aircraft at each airport is solely depended upon the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel who follow strict operational protocols established by the federal government at each location.
The City has no jurisdictional control over aircraft operations and the direction of travel that aircraft are instructed to follow. The FAA has exclusive jurisdiction over aircraft in the air, including aircraft arriving or departing the Santa Monica Airport.
As previously mentioned, some aircraft are able to depart with a tailwind and on October 29 these aircraft were able to depart to the west, hence the arrivals from the west and departures to the west that the community experienced in the late afternoon on October 29. According to information that our office ascertained from the FAA’s Air Traffic Control Manager at Santa Monica, the FAA has established separation criteria to ensure the operation of aircraft arrivals and departures occurring on opposite direction are done in accordance to strict safety requirements that are established by the federal government.
Stelios Makrides
Santa Monica Airport I Airport Manager
3223 Donald Douglas Loop South | Santa Monica, CA 90405
Office 310.458.8591 | Fax 310.572.4495 | Cell 310.570.5908
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“Rep. Ruben Gallegos Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Compel FAA to Reconsider Flight Routes and Address Flight Noise Problems”
11/5/15 – press release – Washington, D.C.
https://rubengallego.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/rep-ruben-gallego-introduces-bipartisan-bill-compel-faa-reconsider
“LAX air traffic controllers are exhausted; overtime’s up 2,000% in last decade”
11/4/15 – Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-lax-controllers-20151104-story.html
so bad even seasoned professionals seek reassignment to less stressful airports.”
“Aviators Buzz Council over New Santa Monica Airport Restrictions”
11/3/15 – Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Nov-2015/11_03_2015_Aviators_Warns_Council_Over_New_Santa_Monica_Airport_Restrictions.html
“NBAA Warns of ‘Severe Sanctions’ in Latest SMO Limits”
11/2/15 – Aviation International News
https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-11-02/nbaa-warns-severe-sanctions-latest-smo-limits
October 2015
“Harrison Ford Recalls His Plane Crash”
10/30/15 – YouTube excerpt from “Jimmy Kimmel Live”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-0FVm0tgUI&list=RDd-0FVm0tgUI
Opinion: “Waste of Money” – pilot Bill Worden from Venice
10/30/15 – Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/letter-editor-waste-money/151863
“City Council Cracks Down on Santa Monica Airport Pollution”
10/29/15 – Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/October-2015/10_29_2015_City_Council_Cracks_Down_on_Santa_Monica_Airport_Pollution.html
“Rick Cole: Santa Monica’s City Manager, Champions Innovation & Real Planning”
10/25/15 – Planning Report
http://www.planningreport.com/2015/10/25/rick-cole-santa-monicas-city-manager-champions-innovation-real-planning
“Growth isn’t the only contentious issue in Santa Monica. The long-running controversy over the Santa Monica Airport crosses borders and goes all the way to Washington, D.C. It’s both a great challenge and an opportunity. After three months on the job, I am not as versed in the history and complexity as those who’ve been fighting this battle for three decades. But one thing is clear: This tiny airport dating to 1919 is an unsafe and unhealthy venue for corporate and personal jet traffic. It’s surrounded on four sides by close-in residential neighborhoods. Some homes are just 300 feet beyond the runway.
Last fall, Santa Monica voters repudiated a clumsy attempt by aviation interests to block the Council from exercising local control. Instead, by a decisive 60-40 margin, they supported a rival measure aimed at protecting safety and health. So our Council is demanding the FAA stop stalling and issue an administrative ruling on our claim to local control. The FAA has delayed a decision four times. This isn’t a parochial issue. Quality of life on the Westside would be significantly improved if airport facilities were eventually converted to a combination of parkland and repurposed “creative tech” spaces.”
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JON RODGERS AVIATION CONSULTING
EXPERT WITNESS SERVICES
SPECIALIST IN NOISE MITIGATION
October 28, 2015
TO ALL PILOTS – BUT ESPECIALLY WARBIRD AND HELICOPTER PILOTS WHO ARE NOT BASED AT TORRANCE
The Tiger Squadron based at Torrance Municipal Airport (TOA) received the following e-mail from a neighbor: “I (would) like to invite you to fly somewhere other than South Torrance. Please put on your Tango Uniforms & move to another city or better yet, another planet. You are a nuisance to Torrance and unwanted here.”
Additionally, another complaining neighbor sent the following e-mail to several allies living near Torrance: “As most of you know, we have still not resolved our problem with the “Flying Tiger Squadron”– that group of loud low-flying foreign military planes that disturb most of our neighborhoods on too frequent a basis. As mentioned at last week’s meeting, continue to call TOA Noise Abatement at (310) 784-7950. They cannot cover for these people forever, and when they get enough complaints, we can have them grounded permanently (which is what we’re working toward!). Below are a list of these violators and their contacts. Please let them know how you feel about them personally, as well. I’ve left out their cute nicknames, which they all have names like (“Sparky”,”Spud,” etc.) The planes are mostly Russian YAKs and Asian Nanchang aircraft — go figure. In any case, it’s time to turn up the heat on these arrogant pilots.”
Since these arrogant neighbors obviously want the Tiger Squadron to solve their problem by rudely transferring the noise they don’t like to other neighborhoods, it’s time to show our support for the Tiger Squadron. Let’s turn the tables on these rude neighbors and the City of Torrance. Turnabout is indeed fair play.
If you are based at another airport, whenever the fancy strikes, make your way over to Torrance and fly over the South Torrance area just to make a lot of noise and disturb these people — even wake them up, so they’ll wear out the Torrance Noise Complaint line. And, for good measure, trip some of the infamous noise monitors.
Just remember to fly in full compliance with Federal Aviation Regulations. As far as I’m concerned this problem exists only because the City of Torrance refuses to run its airport correctly. Instead of hustling noise complaints and using them to harass and intimidate pilots, they need to manage their communities to take the noise and not bother pilots no matter how much noise they make.
I have the e-mail addresses of every arrogant and rude neighbor that is behind this garbage and they will receive a copy of this notice as will the Tiger Squadron, the City of Torrance and the FAA.
Have a blast,
Jon Rodgers
P. O. Box 1127 * Frazier Park, CA 93225 * Tel. (661) 245-1243 * E-mail: jonrodgers@earthlink.net
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“Culver City residents say noise from LAX flights is on the rise”
10/25/15 – Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/westside/la-me-noise-pollution-protest-20151025-story.html
“Los Angeles Residents Petition to Reduce Helicopter Noise”
10/21/15 – Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/los-angeles-residents-petition-reduce-helicopter-noise/151616
From the FAA:
“The FAA encourages interested parties to review the EA, and provide written comments during the public comment period no later than October 8, 2015….Comments can be emailed to: 9-ANM-SoCalOAPM@faa.gov
City’s Response & Airport Commission’s Recommendations to the FAA’s Draft Environmental Assessment of the So CA Metroplex Project:
Go to http://www.smgov.net/Departments/council/infoitems.aspx and click on: “City’s Response & Airport Commission’s Recommendations to the FAA’s Draft Environmental Assessment of the So CA Metroplex Project.”
“What’s the future of Santa Monica Airport?” — #FAADoYourJob
http://www.smgov.net/Departments/Airport/FAA_Do_Your_Job.aspx
http://www.smgov.net/FAADoYourJob/
City Council 10/27/15 agenda:
http://santamonicacityca.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_Meeting.aspx?ID=1046
Item 8-D: Potential Options for Reducing Emission
Staff recommends that the City Council direct staff to:
- Include provisions in Santa Monica Airport (“the Airport” or “SMO”) leases that limit the sale of aircraft fuels for piston-engine aircraft to low-lead or unleaded fuels and fuels for turbine-engine aircraft to biofuels or other sustainable fuels by a date or dates certain;
- Include provisions in flight schools leases prohibiting lessees from using leaded fuels for flight training;
- Require lessees who currently sell aircraft fuel at the Airport to begin remediation of any contamination of the premises they occupy;
- Assess and report back to Council on the possible termination of third party fuel sales at the Airport and on the feasibility of the City taking over that function to assure that, so long as aircraft fuel is sold at the Airport, it is the most environmentally sound fuel available; and
- Begin developing and report back on a cap on total emissions generated by the Airport.
Excerpt from staff report: In 2010, the AQMD study was augmented when the suspension of all Airport operations for runway repaving presented an unusual opportunity to assess SMO’s impacts.
The AQMD concluded that the suspension of Airport operations resulted in a “substantial decrease” in measured ultra-fine particles and black carbon pollution.
Measurements taken on the eastern tarmac showed that concentrations of ultra-fine particles were 12 to 17 times higher when the Airport was operating.
Measurements taken at the closest home showed that levels were four to seven times higher when the Airport was operating.
Additionally, the AQMD reported that aircraft idling near the runway before
and during departure generated very high concentrations of ultra-fine particles over short time periods. These concentrations were as high as 600 times background levels. (scroll down)
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Airport Commission 10/26/15 meeting agenda:
http://www.smgov.net/departments/airport/agendas/2015/20151026/a20151026.pdf
A. Jacqueline A. Seabrooks, Chief of Police, re security at Santa Monica Airport.
B. Annual Noise & Operations Report Workshop
Reports: http://www.smgov.net/departments/airport/commission/default.aspx?folder=20151026#reports
“Why is the FAA dragging its feet when our security, health, and safety are at stake?”
10/22/15 – Santa Monica Daily Press – page 16 – full-page ad
http://smdp_backissues.s3.amazonaws.com/102215.pdf
“What’s the future of Santa Monica Airport?”
#FAADoYourJob
http://www.smgov.net/Departments/Airport/FAA_Do_Your_Job.aspx
http://www.smgov.net/FAADoYourJob/
“Council to Consider New Pollution Restrictions for Santa Monica Airport”
10/22/15 – Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/October-2015/10_22_2015_Council_to_Consider_New_Pollution_Restrictions_for_Santa_Monica_Airport.html
“Deadly Airport Toxins”
New Jersey Institute of Technology
http://graduatedegrees.online.njit.edu/msce-resources/msce-infographics/deadly-airport-toxins/
“According to the New Jersey Institute of Technology, more than 8.5 million flights departed from US airports in 2014 alone. In addition, the number of airports increased from 15,161 in 1980 to 19,453 in 2013….Although the aviation industry plays an important role in transport, it is a leading source of toxic emissions. These include lead, carbon dioxide, sulfur oxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds.”
“Santa Monica Mayor Vows More Assertive Role in Battle with FAA”
10/20/15 – Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/October-2015/10_20_2015_Santa_Monica_Mayor_Vows_More_Assertive_Role_%20in_Battle_with_the_FAA.html
Opinion: “Santa Monica Mayor Kevin McKeown FAA Delays on SMO Again”
10/17/15 – Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/Opinion/Santa-Monica-Mayor-Kevin-McKeown-FAA-Delays-On-SMO-Again/44360#comments
“Police Arrest Two Armed Robbery Suspects at Santa Monica Airport”
10/13/15 – CBS Local
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/10/13/police-arrest-two-armed-robbery-suspects-at-santa-monica-airport/#.Vh0NNwdfjeQ.tw
“More drones fly into LAX airspace, endangering aircraft”
10/12/15 – 89.3 KPCC
http://www.scpr.org/news/2015/10/12/54984/more-drones-fly-into-lax-airspace-endangering-airc/
“Santa Monica Mayor Asks Congressman’s Help in FAA Stalemate”
10/9/25 – Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/October-2015/10_09_2015_Santa_Monica_Mayor_Asks_Congressmans_Help_in_FAA_Stalemate.html
Letter from Rep. Ted Lieu to the EPA – signed by 22 members of Congress
Letter from Congressional Representatives Ted Lieu and Karen Bass to the FAA
September 2015
Opinion: “Why the Santa Monica Airport Should Become a Park”
9/23/15 – Michael Feinstein – Zocalo Public Square, KCRW
http://www.zocalopublicsquare.org/2015/09/28/why-the-santa-monica-airport-should-become-a-park/ideas/nexus/
“The Airport in My Garden”
9/27/15 — Change.org
https://www.change.org/p/members-of-congress-urge-congress-to-adopt-regulations-to-reduce-airplane-noise/u/13556604?tk=RrvpDcpnIpLUq4dnoA58nR82S3MyKRAIR9_aEpG90Ik&utm_source=petition_update&utm_medium=email
“FAA Again Postpones Decision on Issue Relating to Santa Monica Airport Closure”
9/23/15 – Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Sept-2015/09_23_2015_FAA_Again_Postpones_Decision_on_Issue_Relating_to_Santa_Monica_Airport_Closure.html
“Young Pilot Looks to Fly High in Santa Monica”
9/21/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Young-Pilot-Looks-To-Fly-High-In-Santa-Monica-Sky/44207
August 2015
“Santa Monica Mayor Angered over FAA Delay”
8/25/15 — Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Aug-2015/08_25_2015_Santa_Monica_Mayor_Angered_Over_FAA_Delay.html
“FAA Delays Part 16 Ruling”
8/24/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/faa-delays-part-16-ruling/150167
“Fifteen Ways to Quiet the Skies”
8/22/15 — Air Impact Reform
http://aireform.com/airport-noise-fifteen-ways-to-quiet-the-skies/
“Company, FAA Working on Gulfstream IV Jet Fail-Safe Problem”
8/1/15 – Associated Press – Salon.com
http://www.salon.com/2015/08/01/company_faa_working_on_gulfstream_iv_jet_fail_safe_problem/
“No evasive action by planes seen: NTSB report cites witness to midair collision over San Diego County that killed five people”
8/28/15 – Los Angeles Times
http://www.pressreader.com/usa/los-angeles-times/20150828/281857232293075/TextView
“5 dead after executive jet and single-engine Cessna collide near San Diego’s Brown Field”
8/17/15 – Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-small-planes-collide-20150816-story.html
The planes — a twin-engine Sabreliner jet and a single-engine Cessna 172 – collided about two miles northeast of Brown Field Municipal Airport about 11 a.m., according to the Federal Aviation Administration. There were no survivors, officials said. Both planes were attempting to land at Brown Field, the FAA said. The cause of the collision has not been determined….
Brown Field, located 1.5 miles north of the Mexican border and 13 miles southeast of downtown San Diego, is a general aviation airport, heavily used by private, corporate, charter and government aircraft. With its two runways, it is considered a “reliever” facility to reduce usage of Lindbergh Field, the region’s international airport shared by commercial airliners and private aircraft.
“FAA Delays Part 16 Ruling”
8/24/15 – Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/faa-delays-part-16-ruling/150167
“This unexplained further delay has no apparent excuse, and just underscores the difficulty we have had in getting the FAA to work with us in good faith to determine when Santa Monica can take back legitimate control of land we unarguably own,” said Mayor Kevin McKeown in a statement.
“General Aviation Accident Rate Refuses to Shrink”
8/23/15 – AV Web
http://www.avweb.com/blogs/insider/GAs-Accident-Rate-Refuses-to-Shrink-224737-1.html
“While the airlines have made great strides in reducing the system fatal accident rate to near zero, GA has been stuck hovering between 1.1 and 1.5/100,000 hours….Even as the total hours flown have declined during the past two decades from an estimated 24.9 million in 1995 to 18.1 million in 2014—a 27 percent decline—the fatal rate has decreased by only about half that percentage.”
“5 dead after executive jet and single-engine Cessna collide near San Diego’s Brown Field”
8/17/15 – Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-small-planes-collide-20150816-story.html
“Pilot in fatal plane crash had a long disciplinary history with the FAA”
8/15/15 — Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-adv-santa-barbara-crash-2022150816-story.html
The pilot of a small plane that crashed earlier this month in Santa Barbara County, killing him and his passenger, had a long history of discipline by the Federal Aviation Administration and lacked the medical clearances required to fly. Government records show that David K. Martz, 58, of San Diego lost his pilot’s license three times over the years — the latest revocation occurring in 2009 after he had oral sex with an adult film actress while flying a helicopter.
Before the crash Aug. 6, Martz was facing a fourth revocation proceeding on allegations that he falsified his FAA medical certificate related to two drunken driving convictions in 2013 and 2014….Though Martz had a lengthy disciplinary record, it can be difficult for the FAA to keep reckless, incompetent or rogue pilots out of the cockpit permanently. Under federal regulations, pilots can lose their licenses for a year and get them back by successfully re-testing after the revocation period expires.
There are exceptions, however. Air transport, commercial and private pilot licenses as well as medical certificates can be revoked permanently because of drug or alcohol dependencies, serious health issues, psychological problems, lack of good moral character, criminal convictions for narcotics trafficking or knowingly installing parts in aircraft that are not FAA-certified.
According to FAA records, Martz first lost his commercial pilot’s license for a year in 1986 for flying an aircraft without a valid registration and possessing a false medical certificate — the same charge he was facing before the Santa Barbara crash.
His flight privileges were revoked again in 2004 for operating an aircraft while his pilot’s license was suspended and flying within 50 feet of people and property at the Miramar Marine Corps Air Station in San Diego.
The third revocation occurred in 2009 for recklessly operating a four-passenger Bell helicopter Martz had lent to an adult film company. While at the controls and hovering over San Diego, he was captured on videotape receiving oral sex from a Swedish porn star.
The FAA also has suspended Martz’s license several times starting in 2002, when he lost his flight privileges for 30 days for performing aerobatics below an altitude of 1,500 feet over a populated area. A 230-day suspension followed in 2005 after he flew passengers in a helicopter he knew was damaged.
The FAA also investigated Martz in 2006 for landing a helicopter on Wattles Drive in the Hollywood Hills to pick up Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, who wanted to go to a Nine Inch Nails concert. No disciplinary action resulted, but the Los Angeles city attorney’s office charged Martz with reckless operation of an aircraft, landing an aircraft on a public road and landing an aircraft without a permit, all misdemeanors. Frank Mateljan, a city attorney spokesman, said Martz was placed on 36 months’ probation and fined $1,000 after pleading guilty to a lesser charge.
Three years later while transporting Lee again, Martz was forced to land his helicopter at Van Nuys Airport after he reportedly flew very close to a Los Angeles police chopper. Authorities said Martz took a Breathalyzer test to determine if he was intoxicated, but it was inconclusive.
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“Bin Laden relatives killed in Hampshire plane crash”
8/15/15 – Telegraph
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/aviation/11776505/Private-plane-crashes-into-a-car-auction-warehouse-at-Blackbushe-Airport.html
“The aircraft, which was understood to be flying from Milan-Malpensa Airport in Italy to Blackbushe airfield in Hampshire, came down after overshooting the runway and clipping a fence… The Embraer Phenom 300 jet then flipped over and landed on a number of cars in an adjacent auction site, sparking a huge blaze. Around 20 cars were completely destroyed.”
“Embraer Phenom 300 taking off from SMO” — Netjets
2/11/15 — YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0xnMHdga38
“Embraer Phenom 100 take-off from Santa Monica airport” – Fast Forward
2/10/15 — YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfCdSV5WAlY
“Embraer EMB 500 Phenom 100 crash”
12/8/14 – 6 fatalities – http://www.planecrashinfo.com/recent.htm
The plane was on approach to Montgomery County Airport when it crashed a mile north of the airport into a house. All three aboard the jet were killed, as well as a mother and her children in a house the aircraft impacted.
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“Air Controller Study Shows Chronic Fatigue”
8/11/15 — Associated Press
http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_FAA_SECRET_STUDY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2015-08-10-17-32-24
“Controllers Complain Errors Caused by Tiring Work Schedules”
8/10/15 — New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2015/08/10/us/ap-us-travel-faa-secret-study-glance.html?_r=3
“Pilot Makes Emergency Landing in Dry Area of Los Angeles River in Vernon”
8/10/15 — KTLA 5
http://ktla.com/2015/08/07/pilot-makes-emergency-landing-in-dry-area-of-los-angeles-river-in-vernon/
“The Piper PA25, a banner-towing style aircraft, made the landing about 1:10 p.m., according to Ian Gregor of the FAA Pacific Division.”
“One Killed in Banner-Towing Plane Crash at Compton Airport: The fiery single-engine plane crash at the airport southwest of downtown Compton occurred during takeoff”
8/9/15 — KNBC News
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Compton-Airport-Plane-Crash-321181411.html
VIDEO: “Tracking 24 Hours of U.S. Air Traffic”
8/6/15 — Flying
http://www.flyingmag.com/pilots-places/pilots-adventures-more/video-tracking-24-hours-us-air-traffic
“Harrison Ford Crash near Santa Monica Airport Caused by Loose Carburetor Jet”
8/6/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Harrison-Ford-Crash-Near-Santa-Monica-Airport-Caused-By-Loose-Carburetor-Jet/43926
“Feds Cite Carburetor Problem in Harrison Ford Plane Crash”
8/6/15 — Yahoo News (AP)
https://celebrity.yahoo.com/news/feds-cite-carburetor-problem-harrison-ford-plane-crash-175032044.html
“Lieu Urges Prompt FAA Action on Santa Monica Airport”
8/5/15 — Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/Aug-2015/08_05_2015_Lieu_Urges_Prompt_FAA_Action_On_Santa_Monica_Airport.html
Opinion: “Bass and Lieu Seek Response from FAA” — Rep. Ted Lieu and Rep. Karen Bass
8/2/15 — Santa Monica Dispatch
http://www.santamonicadispatch.com/2015/08/bass-and-lieu-seek-response-from-faa/
Opinion: “Seeking FAA Update on Santa Monica Airport” — Ted W. Lieu and Karen Bass
8/2/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/letter-seeking-faa-update-santa-monica-airport/149693
“Saudi official says bin Ladens killed in England plane crash”
8/1/15 — AOL (AP)
http://www.aol.com/article/2015/08/01/saudi-official-says-bin-ladens-killed-in-england-plane-crash/21216850/?icid=maing-grid7%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl5%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D1973655558
“Blackbushe Airport said the Embraer Phenom 300 jet crashed near the end of the runway while trying to land at the airfield about 40 miles (65 kilometers) southwest of London, which is used by private planes and flying clubs.”
July 2015
“Sounds of War: Navy warplanes producing deadly noise around U.S. bases” (Whidbey Island)
7/27/15 — Truthout
http://www.truth-out.org/news/item/32045-sounds-of-war-navy-warplanes-producing-deadly-noise-around-us-bases — “To provide an idea of relative loudness of sounds: A vacuum cleaner is 70 decibels, heavy truck traffic is around 80 decibels, a chainsaw is 90 decibels, and being within approximately 100 feet of a jet engine is 140 decibels. Exposure to 140 decibels may cause immediate and permanent hearing damage or loss, as well as bleeding from the ears….’If you are exposed to below-audible levels – very low [frequency] levels but at 140 decibels – sound waves can actually fracture the liver,’ Dahlgren said. ‘If you look at their [sound level] studies from Whidbey, these jets generate sub-auditory effects that were also reaching 140 decibels. People describe that their internal organs are vibrating as these planes fly over their homes, and that is exactly what is happening.’ The low rumblings that accompany the loud jet noises are basically lower-frequency sound waves that actually cause internal organs to vibrate, causing the damage Dahlgren is speaking of, even if the rumblings don’t sound loud. “
“LAX could see more than 100 million travelers a year by 2040”
7/26/15 — Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-adv-air-travel-forecast-20150726-story.html
“Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Aircraft Endanger Public Health and Welfare”
7/23/15 – Oregon Aviation Watch
http://www.oregonaviationwatch.org/
“Council postpones decision on aviation leases at SMO”
7/20/15 – Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/council-postpones-decision-aviation-leases-smo/149375
“Swift Fuels Launches Unleaded Avgas”
7/19/15 – General Aviation News
http://generalaviationnews.com/2015/07/19/swift-fuels-launches-unleaded-avgas/
“Santa Monica Denies Four SMO Aviation Tenants 3-Year Leases”
7/17/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Santa-Monica-Denies-Four-SMO-Aviation-Tenants-Three-Year-Leases/43774
“Fractional Operators Face Sunset of Tax Relief”
7/16/15 — AIN Online
http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-07-16/fractional-operators-face-sunset-tax-relief
“Santa Monica Officials Call FAA ‘Frustrating’ “
7/16/15 — Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.santamonicalookout.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/July-2015/07_16_2015_Santa_Monica_Officials_Call_FAA_Frustrating.html
“Santa Monica Council Tackles Airport Leases”
7/16/15 — Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.santamonicalookout.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/July-2015/07_16_2015_Santa_Monica_Council_Tackles_Airport_Leases.html
“City Council to Tackle Lobbying, Santa Monica Airport Leases”
7/13/15 – Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/city-council-tackle-lobbying-santa-monica-airport-leases/149245
“Santa Monica Officials Meet with FAA as City Considers New SMO Leases”
7/10/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Santa-Monica-Officials-Residents-Meet-With-FAA-As-City-Considers-New-SMO-Leases/43729
“How to fly on a private jet for under $150 per person”
7/10/15 — Market Watch
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/story?guid=dee0d5dc-011a-11e4-a0f2-00212803fad6&storyguid=dee0d5dc-011a-11e4-a0f2-00212803fad6&siteid=nwtpf
“City officials lobby FAA to close Santa Monica Airport”
7/9/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/city-officials-lobby-faa-to-close-santa-monica-airport/149184
“Local Officials Meet with FAA on Santa Monica Airport”
7/9/15 — Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/July-2015/07_09_2015_Local_Officials_Meet_With_FAA_On_Santa_Monica_Airport.html
“Mayor McKeown letter to Congressman Ted Lieu”
7/9/15 — City of Santa Monica web site
http://www.smgov.net/departments/airport/reports/2015/Mayor-McKeown-letter-to-Congressman-Ted-Lieu.pdf
Transcript of remarks from Mayor Kevin McKeown and Councilmember Sue Himmelrich to the FAA in Washington, D.C., on July 8, 2015
7/8/15 — City of Santa Monica web site
http://www.smgov.net/Departments/Airport/About/Remarks_of_Mayor_Kevin_McKeown_to_the_FAA_July_8,_2015.aspx
“FAA Agreement with the City Finally Expires, City Leaders to Go to Washington, D.C.”
7/3/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/FAA-Agreement-With-City-Finally-Expires-City-Leaders-To-Go-To-Washington-DC/43676
“Airport Debate Takes Flight in D.C.”
7/1/15 — The Argonaut
http://argonautnews.com/airport-debate-takes-flight-in-d-c/
“Celebrating the Start of the Park”
7/1/15 — Airport2Park.org
http://airport2park.org/celebrating-the-start-of-the-park/
“At the event Mayor McKeown spoke about the…official ending of the 1984 agreement that has thus far constrained the ability of the City to make changes at the airport. The Mayor reaffirmed Council and staff’s 100% commitment to fast tracking the creation of additional park and playing field space on the 12 acres of land currently allocated to aircraft tie downs. He pointed out…that the budget for the planning process has already been allocated. The Mayor also spoke of the upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., to talk with the FAA, noting that it will be attended not only by himself, but also Council members Vazquez and Himmelrich, as well as the City Attorney and other members of City staff. This meeting was organized by our congressional representatives Ted Lieu and Karen Bass to provide a forum for the City and community members to express concerns regarding the current situation at Santa Monica Airport.”
June 2015
“What’s next for Santa Monica Airport”
6/30/15 – Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/santa-monica-airport-2/148984
“FAA to meet with lawmakers, activists over SMO fate”
6/25/15 — AIN Online
http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/business-aviation/2015-06-25/faa-meet-lawmakers-activists-over-smo-fate
“SMO Countdown Begins”
6/24/15 – The Argonaut
http://argonautnews.com/smo-countdown-begins/
“Private Jets Take Off for Business Travelers”
6/22/15 — USA Today
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2015/06/21/uber-private-jets-business-travelers/28969817/
“Attention! All Concerned Residents!”
6/20/15 — Santa Monica Dispatch
http://www.santamonicadispatch.com/2015/06/attention-all-concerned-residents/
” ‘Start the Park,’ Celebration of New Era at Airport, on July 1″
6/18/15 — Santa Monica Dispatch
http://www.santamonicadispatch.com/2015/06/start-the-park-celebration-of-new-era-at-airport-on-july-1/
“FAA Says Plan for Santa Monica Airport Flight Paths Won’t Revive Rejected Route”
6/16/15 — Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/June-2015/06_16_2015_FAA_Says_Plan_For_Santa_Monica_Airport_Wont_Revive_R.html
“FAA proposes state-of-art traffic control system for L.A.’s crowded skies”
6/16/15 — Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/california/la-me-air-traffic-control-20150616-story.html#page=1
Opinion: “Screaming jets and squeaky wheels” — Alan Levenson
6/16/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/screaming-jets-squeaky-wheels/148702
“NBAA Concerned About EPA’s Plans for Aircraft-Emission Regulations”
6/10/15 — National Business Aviation Association
http://www.nbaa.org/news/pr/2015/20150610-057.php
“The EPA’s Significant yet Totally Insufficient Approach to Plane Emissions”
6/10/15 — FiveThirtyEight
http://fivethirtyeight.com/datalab/the-epas-significant-yet-totally-insufficient-approach-to-plane-emissions/
“EPA says it intends to regulate aircraft emissions”
6/10/15 — FoxNews.com
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2015/06/10/epa-says-it-intends-to-regulate-aircraft-emissions/?icid=maing-grid7%7Chtmlws-main-bb%7Cdl6%7Csec3_lnk3%26pLid%3D-1923943758
“Will FAA plan impact flights over Santa Monica?”
6/8/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/faa-plan-impact-flights-santa-monica/148541
“Library Meeting Will Discuss Possible FAA Changes for Santa Monica Airport”
6/8/15 — Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/June-2015/06_08_2015_Library_Meeting_Will_Discuss_Possible_FAA_Changes_For_Santa_Monica_Airport.html
“Here’s Why Obama Is Cracking Down on Airplane Pollution”
6/5/15 — Mother Jones
http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2015/06/aviation-charts
“Phoenix sues FAA over flight path changes”
6/1/15 — The Arizona Republic
http://www.azcentral.com/story/news/local/phoenix/2015/06/01/phoenix-sues-faa-flight-path-changes/28328657/
May 2015
“A Matter of Trust”
5/24/15 — Aviation Impact Reform
http://aireform.com/a-matter-of-trust/
“NetJets Trounces Rivals”
5/16/15 — Barron’s
http://online.barrons.com/articles/netjets-trounces-rivals-1431737039
“Have Talks to Reduce Helicopter Noise in Los Angeles County Hit a Wall?”
5/16/15 – Daily Breeze
http://www.dailybreeze.com/environment-and-nature/20150516/have-talks-to-reduce-helicopter-noise-in-los-angeles-county-hit-a-wall
“Ordinance to Limit Santa Monica Airport Pollutants?”
5/15/15 – Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Ordinance-To-Limit-Santa-Monica-Airport-Pollutants/43316#comments — “I’ll point out – I think it was five years ago – we had to close the runway for a few days to do some repaving and we asked the Air Quality Management District to do some air quality studies,” said Mayor McKeown. “We found during the few days that the runway was shut down that particulate matter in the immediate vicinity was reduced by a factor of 12 to 17 times. “
“More People Die on Private or Charter Jets than Flying Commercial”
5/15/15 — Bloomberg
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-05-15/more-people-die-on-private-or-charter-jets-than-flying-commercial
“Santa Monica Airport emission standards to be reviewed”
5/14/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/santa-monica-airport-emission-standards-reviewed/148009
“Airport emissions, Zoning Ordinance Come before Council”
5/12/15 – Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/airport-emissions-zoning-ordinance-council/147910
“FAA to Re-Evaluate Method for Measuring Effects of Aircraft Noise”
5/7/15 – FAA press release — laura.j.brown@faa.gov
“Private jets shut down Las Vegas Airport before Saturday’s big fight”
5/3/15 – People magazine
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20920316,00.html
“Santa Monica City Council Votes on Plan to Restrict Aviation at SMO”
5/1/14 — AIN Online
http://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/aviation-international-news/2014-05-01/santa-monica-city-council-votes-plan-restrict-aviation-smo
April 2015
“USC Researchers to Do a Pilot Study on LAX Air Pollution and Asthma”
4/30/15 – USC Environmental Health Centers
http://usceh.blogspot.com/2015/04/LAX-UFP-Study.html
“Mayor willing to meet with FAA about Airport”
4/14/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/mayor-meet-faa-airport/147156
Opinion: “Clearing the Air around Santa Monica Airport” – Martin Rubin
4/13/15 – Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Op-Ed-Clearing-The-Air-Around-Santa-Monica-Airport/43092
Email from Mayor Kevin McKeown on April 11, 2015:
Many of you have inquired, some repeatedly, about the City’s reasons for the decision of March 24th, which included leasing choices which some of you found confusing or even inexplicable. Because I must be careful to preserve the attorney-client privilege existing between the City Attorney and the City Council on matters on pending or threatened litigation, I have undoubtedly disappointed some of you with my unwillingness to share details from discussions held in closed session. Much to my relief, the City Attorney has herself late yesterday sent out an email to one resident which I can now share, as it automatically becomes a public record. Email from City Attorney Marsha Moutrie on April 10, 2015:
You inquired about the rationale for staff’s recommendation to Council that it approve 3 year leases with specified non-aviation and aviation tenants at the Airport. Staff’s thinking is explained in the staff report for the 3/24 meeting. Basically, there are two presently pending cases about the City’s ability to control Airport operations and use of the land presently occupied by the Airport.
One is a Part 16 administrative proceeding before the FAA. It will eventually settle the question of whether the federal grant assurances
expired last year or whether they will remain in effect until 2023. Those assurances severely limit the City’s ability to regulate
Airport operations. The duration of that proceeding is uncertain. I anticipate that the FAA will proceed very deliberately.
Perhaps there will be a final administrative decision this year; Perhaps not. And, an appeal to the 9th or the D.C. Circuit is certain.
The other case is the City’s lawsuit against the FAA, which outside counsel filed in the fall of 2013. It is presently in the 9th Circuit on appeal of order granting the federal government’s motion to dismiss. Briefing is complete, but no hearing date set. If the City prevails, the case will go back to the trial court. So, it is difficult to predict the case’s duration. If the City ultimately loses, I expect that other litigation will be instituted to assert the City’s rights as property owner.
So, as explained in the 3/24 staff report, both this office and outside counsel assume that the litigation over control of the land will be ongoing for the next three years. Meanwhile, the FAA takes the position that the City must continue to operate the Airport. Should the City attempt to close all or part of the Airport or even to “starve” the Airport during this interim period, past experience shows that the FAA will obtain a federal court order maintaining the status quo, as it did in the litigation over the C&D jet ban. Because the City is involved in a legal battle over control of the Airport and the land it now occupies and that battle will go on for the next few years, and because closing all or part of the Airport is not realistically possible while that litigation remains pending, staff recommended 3 year leases for both non-aviation and aviation tenants.
Among other things, and as the staff report explains, this approach maintains the revenue stream which supports Airport operations (so that resident taxpayers do not have to subsidize the Airport). This approach also preserves the cultural uses that the City values which cannot survive on month to month leases. As I am sure you know from your communications with the Mayor, the Council is acutely aware of the fact that many community members favor the swiftest possible closure of the Airport. This office’s and outside counsel’s considered opinion is that granting only month to month tenancies to all tenants would not have hastened any closure of all or part of the Airport which may occur in the future.
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“Surf Air, the members-only airline, is poised for a growth spurt”
4/10/15 – Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-0410-surf-air-20150410-story.html#page=1 — Pay $1,750 a month. Fly as much as you want. Arrive a few minutes before takeoff. Park for free. Forget TSA security; you don’t even need an ID to board. And then get comfortable — on this fast-rising California airline, every seat is both a window and an aisle.
Letter from Mayor McKeown to Representatives Ted Lieu and Karen Bass re SMO –
“Ted Lieu, Karen Bass Suggest Facilitating Meeting between City and FAA in Washington, DC”
4/5/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/Opinion/Ted-Lieu-Karen-Bass-Suggest-Facilitating-Meeting-Between-City-FAA-In-Washington-DC/43041
“Complaint system for helicopter noise begins operations countywide”
4/1/15 – Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-copter-complaint-system-20150401-story.html
March 2015
Opinion: “Council Session on Airport Future Is Productive” — John Fairweather
3/28/15 — Santa Monica Dispatch
http://www.santamonicadispatch.com/2015/03/council-session-on-airport-future-is-productive/
“Coexisting at Santa Monica Airport: Three-Year Aviation Leases, New Parks”
3/27/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Coexisting-At-Santa-Monica-Airport-Three-Year-Aviation-Leases-New-Parks/42962
“Santa Monica Council OKs New Lease Terms for Airport Tenants”
3/26/15 — Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/March-2015/03_26_2015_Santa_Monica_Council_OKs_New_Lease_Terms_for_Airport_Tenants.html
VIDEO: “Santa Monica Protestors Crowd City Hall Front Steps”
3/26/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/VIDEO-Santa-Monica-Protestors-Crowd-City-Halls-Front-Steps/42960
“Council to wait out SMO litigation”
3/26/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/council-wait-smo-litigation/146653
Video of 3/25/15 City Council hearing on the Airport:
http://santamonica.granicus.com/mediaplayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=3470
“Santa Monica City Council revises lease terms for airport tenants”
3/25/15 — Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-santa-monica-airport-20150325-story.html
“Air pollution takes a double toll on babies’ brains”
3/25/15 – Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-air-pollution-baby-brains-20150324-story.html
“Santa Monica Residents Attend City Council Meeting to Debate Future of Controversial Airport”
3/24/15 — KTLA News
http://ktlane.ws/19k2DVM
Opinion: “A Message from David Goddard, Airport Commission Chair”
3/23/15 — Santa Monica Dispatch
http://www.santamonicadispatch.com/2015/03/a-message-from-da-proposal-from-d-avid-goddard-airport-commission-chair/
“Step Forward or Backing Down: Council Debates Airport Plans”
3/23/15 — Santa Monica Next
http://www.santamonicanext.org/2015/03/step-forward-or-backing-down-council-debates-airport-plans/
Opinion: “When It Comes to Santa Monica Airport, It’s Hurry Up and Wait” — Frank Gruber
3/20/15 — The Healthy City Local blog
http://thehealthycitylocal.com/2015/03/20/when-it-comes-to-santa-monica-airport-its-hurry-up-and-wait/comment-page-1/#comment-2626
Opinion: “Harrison Ford Crashes into the Santa Monica Airport Issue” — Steve Stajich
3/21/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/Opinion/Harrison-Ford-Crashes-Into-Santa-Monica-Airport-Issue/42920
Opinion: “Plane Crash Is a Wake-Up Call” — Alan Levenson
3/20/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/letter-plane-crash-wake-up-call/146479
“Santa Monica Airport lawsuits abound”
3/20/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/santa-monica-airport-lawsuits-abound/146500
“City Hall Suggests Cautious Plans for Santa Monica Airport”
3/19/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/city-hall-suggests-cautious-plans-santa-monica-airport/146462
Opinion: “Former Airport Commissioner Offers Advice to Council” – Ofer Grossman
3/17/15 – Santa Monica Dispatch
http://www.santamonicadispatch.com/2015/03/former-airport-commissioner-offers-advice-to-council/
“FAA Would Likely Win Court Battle to Prevent Santa Monica Airport Closure”
3/19/15 – Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/March-2015/03_19_2015_FAA_Would_Likely_Win_Court_Battle_to_Prevent_Santa_Monica_Airport_Closure.html
Editorial: “Stronger ozone standards are more than a moral and legal imperative”
3/16/15 — Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-ozone-20150316-story.html
“La Vida So Cal: Keeping Up with the Indiana Joneses” — Tony Peyser cartoon
3/11/15 — The Argonaut
http://argonautnews.com/opinion-lavidasocal-keeping-up-with-the-indiana-joneses/
“Harrison Ford’s Plane Crash Stokes Calls for Airport Closure”
3/11/15 — The Argonaut
http://argonautnews.com/harrison-fords-plane-crash-stokes-calls-for-airport-closure/ — “For Carlos Gomez, actor Harrison Ford’s crash-landing in Venice was a little too close for comfort. A Dewey Street resident, 39-year-old Gomez lives less than 100 yards from Penmar Golf Course, where Ford brought down his vintage Ryan PT-22 airplane last Thursday. ‘This is the fifth time I’ve seen a plane crash here, and I’m afraid that someday some big jet is going to crash into my house or one of my neighbor’s houses. Just imagine if that happened,’ he said.”
“Harrison Ford’s Plane Lost Power following Santa Monica Airport Takeoff, NTSB Says”
3/11/15 — Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/March-2015/03_11_2015_Harrison_Ford_Plane_Lost_Power_Following_Santa_Monica_Airport_Takeoff.html
“Federal Authorities Confirm that Harrison Ford’s Aircraft Lost Power after Takeoff”
3/10/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Federal-Authorities-Confirm-Harrison-Fords-Aircraft-Lost-Power-After-Takeoff/42837
“Harrison Ford’s plane lost power before LA crash: investigators”
3/10/15 — Reuters
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/10/us-usa-harrisonford-idUSKBN0M61MC20150310
“$1.3 Million Spent to Support Ballot Measures”
3/10/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/1-3m-spent-support-ballot-measures/146215 — “Spending in support of ballot measures last year more than doubled the combined ballot measure spending in the previous two elections. Of the more than $1,315,000 that was spent on initiatives, most came from one pro-Santa Monica Airport group.
Santa Monicans for Open and Honest Development Decisions spent $872,593 to get Measure D on the ballot and then in support of the measure, which ultimately failed in a landslide at the polls.
“Measure D would have required a public vote on significant changes to the controversial airport and the political action committee, backed largely by out-of-state aviation groups, spent more to support the doomed measure than any group in recent Santa Monica history. Harrison Ford, who crashed his plane at the golf course just outside of the airport last week, contributed $25,000 to that campaign. Opponents of the measure and supporters of its counterpoint, Measure LC, spent $157,711. Measure LC passed.”
“Harrison Ford’s Plane Crash Brings International Attention to Santa Monica Airport”
3/9/15 — Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/March-2015/03_09_2015_Harrison_Fords_Plane_Crash_Brings_International_Attention_to_Santa_Monica_Airport.html
“Calista Flockhart Bedside Vigil: ‘Ally McBeal’ Bans Husband Harrison Ford from Flying After Crash”
3/8/15 — Inquisitr
http://www.inquisitr.com/1906244/calista-flockhart-harrison-flying-crash/
“Santa Monica Airport’s ‘Spotless Record’ Is a Myth”
3/8/15 — Santa Monica Dispatch
http://www.santamonicadispatch.com/2015/03/smos-spotless-record-is-a-myth/
Opinion: “Airport hardly seems unsafe” — Steve Roberts, Toluca Lake
3/8/15 — Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/opinion/readersreact/la-le-0308-sunday-harrison-ford-sm-airport-20150307-story.html
“A Look Back on 45 Years of Aviation Accidents/Incidents at Santa Monica Airport”
3/7/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/A-Look-Back-On-45-Years-Of-Aviation-AccidentsIncidents-At-Santa-Monica-Airport/42817
“Aviation Accidents/Incidents Connected with Santa Monica Airport (SMO)”
3/7/15 — Santa Monica Dispatch
http://www.santamonicadispatch.com/2015/03/aviation-accidentsincidents-connected-with-santa-monica-airport-smo/
“20 years of Santa Monica Airport planes crashes”
3/6/15 — Santa Monica Patch
http://patch.com/california/santamonica/20-years-santa-monica-airport-plane-crashes
“The Way the Other Side Thinks”
3/6/15 – CASMAT.org
http://casmat.org/2015/03/the-way-the-other-side-thinks.html
“Lost Engine Power May Be Cause of Harrison Ford’s Crash — His Third in 2 Decades”
3/6/15 — Venice/Mar Vista Patch
http://patch.com/california/venice/lost-engine-power-may-be-cause-harrison-ford-crash-his-third-2-decades
“Harrison Ford’s Plane Crash Draws Attention to Safety Concerns In Santa Monica”
3/6/15 — CBS Los Angeles
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2015/03/06/harrison-fords-plane-crash-draws-attention-to-safety-concerns-from-some-in-santa-monica/ — Interviews with Martin Rubin and Christian Fry
“Harrison Ford Crash Leaves Questions over Future of Santa Monica Airport”
3/6/15 – NBC Los Angeles
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/on-air/as-seen-on/Harrison-Ford-Crash-Leaves-Questions-Over-Future-of-Santa-Monica-Airport_Los-Angeles-295470591.html
“Will Harrison Ford Be the One to Shut Down SaMo Airport?”
3/6/15 — LA Curbed
http://la.curbed.com/archives/2015/03/will_harrison_ford_be_the_one_to_shut_down_samo_airport.php
“Harrison Ford Plane Crash Becomes Rallying Cry for Airport Neighbors”
3/6/15 — The Guardian
http://www.theguardian.com/film/2015/mar/06/harrison-ford-plane-crash-rallying-cry-airport-neighbors
“Santa Monica Residents React to Ford’s Crash in Neighborhood” — video
3/6/15 – Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-me-santa-monica-residents-react-to-fords-crash-in-neighborhood-video-20150306-premiumvideo.html
“Harrison Ford’s plane crash could spur efforts to close Santa Monica Airport”
3/6/15 — Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/westside/la-me-0306-harrison-ford-crash-20150306-story.html
“Harrison Ford Recovering after Plane Crash Next to Santa Monica Airport”
3/6/15 – Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Harrison-Ford-Recovering-After-Plane-Crash-Next-To-Santa-Monica-Airport/42806
“Small Plane Crashes at Penmar Golf Course in Venice”
3/5/15 — KTLA News
http://ktla.com/2015/03/05/small-plane-crashes-at-penmar-golf-course-in-venice/ — If you watch the video news report, near the end it appears from the aerial view that the plane ended up at the NE corner of Penmar Golf Course, across the street from homes on the north side of Dewey, and a few houses west of 23rd St. — “Harrison Ford was the pilot who was injured after a small World War II-era plane he was flying crashed at a city golf course in Venice Thursday afternoon, a source close to the Ford family told KTLA.
Ford, a 72-year-old longtime aviator, was going into surgery for broken bones in his ankle and pelvis, the source said about four hours after the crash was reported — shortly before 2:30 p.m.”
“Harrison Ford crash-lands at Penmar Golf Course”
3/5/15 — The Argonaut
http://argonautnews.com/plane-crash-lands-at-penmar-golf-course/
“Harrison Ford injured in golf course plane crash”
3/5/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/plane-crashes-golf-smo/146091
“Harrison Ford Crashes Plane in Golf Course”
3/5/15 — Santa Monica Dispatch
http://www.santamonicadispatch.com/2015/03/harrison-ford-crashes-plane-in-golf-course/
“Harrison Ford in Single Engine Plane Crash at Penmar Golf Course”
3/5/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Harrison-Ford-In-Single-Engine-Plane-Crash-At-Penmar-Golf-Course-Next-To-Santa-Monica-Airport/42805
“Harrison Ford ‘battered but OK’ after crashing plane into Venice golf course”
3/5/15 — Venice/Mar Vista Patch
http://patch.com/california/venice/pilot-critical-condition-after-plane-crashes-venice-near-santa-monica-airport
“Harrison Ford Crash Heightens Airport Safety Debate”
3/5/15 — Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-harrison-ford-crash-heightens-airport-safety-debate-20150305-story.html
“Harrison Ford, hurt in plane crash, had earlier aviation misadventures”
3/5/15 — Los Angeles Times
http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/la-et-mn-harrison-ford-history-of-plane-misadventures-20150305-story.html
“Santa Monica Airport Records 2.62 Inches of Rain from Two Storms”
3/3/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Santa-Monica-Airport-Records-262-Inches-Of-Rain-From-Two-Storms/42787
“Map: California Neighborhoods Affected by Lead from Aviation Fuel”
March 2015 — Center for Environmental Health
http://www.ceh.org/avgas/
February 2015
“Anti-Airport Activists Footed with $31,525 Anti-SLAPP Legal Bill”
2/27/15 — Santa Monica Mirror
http://www.smmirror.com/articles/News/Anti-Airport-Activists-Footed-With-31525-Anti-SLAPP-Legal-Bill/42764
Opinion: “New fuels on the horizon will help clear the air at Santa Monica Airport” — Joe Bates
2/28/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/fuels-horizon-clear-air-santa-monica-airport/145968
“Santa Monica Airport2Park Foundation Formed”
2/26/15 — Santa Monica Dispatch
http://www.santamonicadispatch.com/2015/02/santa-monica-airport2park-foundation-formed/
“New Foundation Aims to Bring a Park to Santa Monica Airport Property”
2/25/15 – Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/February-2015/02_25_2015_New_Foundation_Aims_to_Bring_a_Park_to_Santa_Monica_Airport_Property.html
“Commission Seeks Market Rates for Santa Monica Airport Leases”
2/25/15 — Santa Monica Daily Press
http://smdp.com/commission-seeks-market-rates-santa-monica-airport-leases/145876
“Getting the Lead Out” — Environmentalists score a victory against toxic airplane exhaust in Westchester and Santa Monica
2/18/15 — The Argonaut
http://argonautnews.com/getting-the-lead-out/
“Big Money Spent on Santa Monica’s November Ballot Measures”
2/4/15 — Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/February-2015/02_04_2015_Big_Money_Spent_on_Santa_Monicas_November_Ballot_Measures..html
January 2015
“Bay Area techies take to the sky”
1/31/15 — San Jose Mercury News
http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27432989?source=inthenews
“EPA denies petition to change Avgas decision”
1/29/15 — AOPA News
http://www.aopa.org/News-and-Video/All-News/2015/January/29/EPA-denies-petition-to-change-avgas-decision
“Aviation Advocacy Group Files Brief in Santa Monica Lawsuit”
1/27/15 — Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/January-2015/01_27_2015_Aviation_Advocay_Group_Files_Brief_in_Santa_Monica_Lawsuit.html
“NBAA, AOPA Support FAA Effort to Deny Appeal to Curtail Operations at Santa Monica Airport”
1/26/15 — National Business Aviaton Association
http://www.nbaa.org/ops/airports/smo/20150126-nbaa-aopa-support-federal-aviation-administration-effort-to-deny-appeal-to-curtail-operations-at-santa-monica-airport.php — “The brief, filed Jan. 22, also restates the position held by AOPA and NBAA that SMO is an important airfield within the Los Angeles basin, representing a vital link to the national transportation system. Furthermore, the brief notes the ominous precedent that could be set for airports across the country should Santa Monica be allowed to take control of the airport property in this manner.
“NBAA Western Regional Representative Stacy Howard noted the city has repeatedly attempted over the past 50 years to restrict operations at SMO, with each prior case determined in favor of the federal government. ‘The city’s arguments in this latest appeal are much the same as before,’ she concluded. “We feel strongly that the court’s initial ruling will be upheld.’ “
“Top General Aviation Airport Advocate Goes Solo”
1/7/15 — Aero News Network
http://www.aero-news.net/ANNTicker.cfm?do=main.textpost&id=ddaf664b-2c3e-4921-a4d3-2708a9158b6e — “Retiring From AOPA, V.P. Of Airport Advocacy, Bill Dunn Launches New Company….Dunn is perhaps best known for his hands-on efforts to keep the airports open, including his 2003 orchestration of local GA interests to keep developers from closing historic Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 2006 and again in 2008, he worked with local advocates in Oceanside, Calif., to elect pro-airport members of the city council and head off closure of that airport.”
“Santa Monica Airport Commissioners, Attorney Spar on Legality of Emission Regulations”
1/6/15 — Santa Monica Lookout
http://www.surfsantamonica.com/ssm_site/the_lookout/news/News-2015/January-2015/01_06_2015_Santa_Monica_Airport_Commissioner_and_Attorney_Spar_on_Emission.html
“As Din of Aircraft Grows, East Hampton Reclaims Power to Regulate Airport”
1/4/15 — New York Times
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/01/05/nyregion/as-din-of-aircraft-grows-east-hampton-reclaims-power-to-regulate-airport.html?_r=2&referrer
