FOSP Airport Update

FAA Proposed Flight Path Cuts Across Sunset Park Neighborhood

Beginning approximately Dec. 1, the FAA is starting a 180 day trial period relocating the instrument (radar not visual) departure path of piston powered aircraft. According to Airport staff this new procedure will affect around 20 departures a day during limited visibility weather (i.e. clouds, rain, etc.).

The FAA said the current SMO departure flight path has an intersecting trajectory with the LAX departure path.  Because the piston powered aircraft’s slower speed, there is concern regarding the ability to maintain compliance with the minimum 3 mile horizontal separation that is required between aircraft without causing delays of up to 15-20 minutes of jet departures from both SMO and LAX. The flight path of jets departing SMO will not be altered because of their similarity in speed to departing aircraft from LAX they are more easily integrated into LAX flight departures.

At reaching 400 feet elevation from mean sea level (approximately midway down the Penmar golf course), the piston powered IFR (instrument flight rules) aircraft will be directed to turn right on a 250 degree heading toward the Santa Monica Pier.

The FAA had agreed to make an informative presentation at the Oct. 26th Airport Commission Meeting for discussion and public comment.  They canceled at the 11th hour and replaced the public meeting with a private meeting (no public allowed) on Nov. 6 with airport staff and FAA representatives.  In other words NO public record, NO public comment.

A FOSP Airport Committee representative has voiced concerns to the City that the altered flight path will have significant noise impacts on the Sunset Park neighborhood.  As the aircraft make their way along the new flight path toward the Pier, the rising topography of the neighborhood north of Dewey and Marine would actually position the aircraft closer to the elevated ground level (and homes) than when they initiate their right turn over the golf course.

According to Airport Staff, any permanent change in flight paths will require the FAA to conduct an environmental review under the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA).  Staff plans on requesting that the FAA establish a dedicated phone line to field residents’ noise complaints.