Submitted feedback for the KTLA 5 Programming Department
re: Pacoima residents call for Whiteman Airport closure following small plane crash - Here
RE: Pacoima Aircraft Accident - 4/21/2026
1. Charged: Residents want it closed – The truth: EVERY nearby Neighborhood council has voted to support the airport by a very wide margin. The representation that RESIDENTS want it closed is flawed. Neighborhood surveys overwhelmingly confirm the pro-airport sentiment.
2. Charged: Monica Rodriquez was reported to claim the LA County airport is mismanaged (by LA County) inferring that a federally certificated accident pilot who intended to land there was the airport’s fault, and the airport should be closed. Yet, the thousands of car accidents in LA City don’t suggest that nearby freeways and streets should be closed. Blaming the airport is like blaming the big box store should it be robbed.
3. Charged: LA County mismanages the FEDERALLY REGULATED airport and Airspace operations. Truth: LA County manages the facilities and should do a better job, but they are not responsible for approving certificated pilots.
4. City Councilmember Monica Rodriquez represents the city whose zoning dept. allowed development near the airport, there since the forties. Also, true – Property owners and residents chose to reside near the airport.
5. Whiteman airport played an important role saving lives and property during the LA Fires. Barton Heliport’s Chief is on record saying that efficient operation depends upon the airport being open supporting the airport tower’s role.
6. Besides the emergency services offered, Angel Flight, the CAP Search and Rescue Ops, Air Explorers, EAA & many other community services also find their home at Whiteman. KTLA’s helicopter I believe find its home is Whiteman as well!
7. Whiteman Airport provides revenue that keeps two other L A County airports open that otherwise would have to close.
8. Whiteman Airport is a FEDERAL RELIEVER AIRPORT and plays an important role in the National Airspace System (NAS).
9. Whiteman Airport should not have to endure closure demands allegedly motivated by those with the desire for fiscally profitable redevelopment interests. KTLA should not be a pawn in that game!
10. Whiteman Airport benefits from FEDERAL PERPETUITY that regulates the airport’s undisturbed longevity into the future because of an LA County real estate purchase in 1998. 11. There is much more that can be said…e.g. The recent FAA letter to LA County OED confirming “Perpetuity” and regardless of that advice the OED has allocated a reported 1.5 million dollars for use for a land use study. Redevelopment Interests exist on both the City’s and on the County’s part.
Bottom line: Should the airport close, apx. 400 aircraft would have to relocate. Van Nuys general aviation airport is nearby. Monica Rodriquez would be happy, but Councilmember Imelda Padilla, whose district includes VAN NUYS Airport, would not be! Whereas the very vast majority of Pacoima Residents support the airport that even provides free airplane rides for kids monthly, the residents of Van Nuys area (who also support Whiteman) definitely do not support expanding Van Nuys Airport and would be up in arms!
Respectfully,
Ron Berinstein, Director, The Southern California Aviation United Working Group (SCAUWG.ORG)