“Supporting Airports, Strengthening Communities”
NEWS, EVENTS, & CHALLENGES:
09/14/2025 Special to SCAUWG.ORG - Data from H.S. - Apparently there is not at present the appetite to apply for grants. The money needed to produce a grant application could be made available via the Airport Enterprise fund. There will continue to be an effort to elevate the thought. By report, the city is negotiating with Cal Fire for the airport's use. It is assumed that if such nan arrangement would be realized the airport would then remain open with the city's blessing.
08/17/2025 Special to SCAUWG.ORG - by H.S. - The city council has been dark since the end of July and the first of August. Currently Art Vela, who is the public works director, and who previously was involved in propelling airport closure has been appointed acting city manager. The current impression is that he was instructed not to move forward with airport closure, and to notify the FAA that the city at this time is not moving forward on airport closure. The believe is that that is true. The next council meeting is this coming Tuesday, and it will provide an opportunity to try and confirm this, as well as obtain any update on the Hillwood ENA,
06/30/2025 Evacuation orders remain as crews continue battling Wolf Fire near Banning - From KCAL 9
Firefighters in Riverside County are working to stop the forward progress of the Wolf Fire that erupted over the weekend, burning near Banning. Although crews have managed to gain 10% containment on the blaze, it has grown to 1,400 acres overnight, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. - The blaze was first reported on Sunday at 3 p.m. in the Wolfskill Truck Trail, near the Old Banning Idyllwild Road. - The county has sent multiple resources to help battle the fire, including about 300 firefighters, 70 engines and four water-dropping helicopters, according to Cal Fire.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. It is unclear if any structures have been damaged or destroyed. - No injuries have been reported.
Wolf Fire near Banning
Evacuation orders and warnings
As the fire began to spread, pushing towards Highway 243, getting closer to neighborhoods, officials issued evacuation orders and warnings that remain in place. - An evacuation shelter has been established at Hemet High School on 41701 E. Stetson Ave. An animal shelter has also been established for residents with pets at 581 S. Grand Avenue.
Brush fires spark across Inland Empire - Continue to Read More HERE.
06/29/2025 Wolf Fire: Blaze near Banning burns 1,165 acres; evacuations ordered - From Desert Sun - 7:25 pm - "A brush fire near Banning had grown to over 1,100 acres by Sunday evening, according to Cal Fire. - The Wolf Fire was first reported near Old Banning Idyllwild Road and Wolfskill Truck Trail, west of Highway 243. It was reported about 3:09 p.m." Full account of Fire Here
Photo Credit: Palm Springs Desert Sun
06/29/2025 Fires erupt across Inland Empire - From CBS NEWS - Evacuations ordered as firefighters battle 800-acre Wolf Fire near Banning
Multiple water-dropping aircraft were dispatched to assist with the battle.
Location: Old Banning Idyllwild Road X Wolfskill Truck Trail - The cause of the fire is unknown. No injuries have reported, and no structures are threatened by the blaze.
Evacuation orders and warnings
With the fire's rapid growth, pushing towards Highway 243, firefighters shared a series of evacuation orders and warnings for several zones in Riverside County. A full list of evacuation orders can be seen here
Several Fires @ Inland Empire
The blaze is one of many to break out across the Inland Empire over the weekend. On Saturday, the Lake Fire scorched nearly 500 acres of vegetation and forced evacuations near the Silverwood Lake recreational area close to Hesperia, while the Smiley Fire burned more than 80 acres before firefighters could gain the upper hand in San Bernardino County. The next day, more evacuations were ordered when the Mandalay Fire broke out near homes in Riverside, the Wolf Fire quickly torched more than 300 acres near Banning and the Mindy Fire burned in remote Riverside County.
06/29/2025 Banning Informed Source: Banning Airport is not known to have been utilized.
06/29/2025 Redlands Informed Source: 6:30 pm - "We have no helicopter tanker activity at REI. I am not sure if there is any tanker activity heading to the Lake Fire. There is considerable tanker activity at SBD. Mostly jets. Some tankers are out of Hemet Looks like they are heading to the Wolf fire. It is just south of Banning."
06/14/2025 SCAUWG.ORG PR: Response to Record Gazette on behalf of Banning Airport advocacy (also sent to the Banning City Councilmembers)
Christina Fuoco-Karasinski, Editor
Re: Letter to the editor concerning the Record Gazette cover story, "Council Hears Development Update" 6/13/25 - Alica Venter
I am sure that the proposed real estate developer featured has applauded this story, however suspecting that the Record Gazette wants to maintain a reputation for authenticity and community service, certain statements written by the reporter may be able to be made more accurate, and one would applaud the Record Gazette for the fact finding mission and doing so.
On June 10. 2025, the Banning City Council met with the following published agenda item 3.1
Consequently, "..council recently heard from the developers of the industrial park replacing the municipal airport..." assumes a decision that has not yet been made. Furthermore, though the FAA will permit the City of Banning to close the airport, it will do so only upon the payment to the FAA of the fair market value of the land acquired via the 1983 grant, and the city does appear to have the potential to receive future grants, and is not bound to abide by the former council's decisions.
Though it is true the former city council and former airport manager were motivated to close the airport, not to make repairs, and even not renew a successful business's lease, the new city council may not be so inclined. Perhaps they may have a more creative mindset. Time will tell. However, should they study the successes of other airports like Whiteman, San Gabriel Valley Airport , Apple Valley, Cable in Upland, and Santa Paula Airport, etc. they will find thriving ventures that bring economic and beneficial services to their communities. Banning Airport and its capability as a needed staging area was a key ingredient that saved lives, homes, and businesses from being destroyed by the Apple & Fairview Fires. It also is important for life-saving mountain rescue teams.
The PR material published by Hillwood aka Industrial Enterprises, LLC quoted Banning government's financial reports. Evidence indicates that the new city administration found previous fiscal reporting flaws. Creating thousands of jobs and two trillion dollars of economic benefit and major infrastructure at no cost to the city are promised. If any of that is really the case, then one would expect the city shouldn't be in a rush to close the very valuable airport property and bet that the developer won't close the business if pie in sky quotas are not met, leaving the city with no airport, no close by firefighting capability, warehouses that can't be leased, and a mountain of debt. Other alleged possible misrepresentations exist and have been presented to council via citizen comment at meetings. History tells us that the grass is not always greener elsewhere, and that buying a lottery ticket might not always win the jackpot.
With regards,
Ron Berinstein
06/14/2025 Printed in the Record Gazette - the Banning Newspaper - (Published by Times Media Group - https://www.timeslocalmedia.com/)
The Banning City Council recently heard from the developers of the industrial park replacing the municipal airport, a project that has been in progress for several years.
The Banning council members were asked not to offer support or opposition to the project during the June 5 workshop session. It was an informational session only.
Banning committed to closing its airport nearly a decade ago, first completing an Airport Feasibility Study in 2016. In 2017, it adopted a resolution stating the closure of Banning Municipal Airport was a goal of the city, “as soon as legally permitted.”
It got that permission seven years later, when the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024,” in which the FAA approved the airport’s closure. Later that year, the city submitted its official closure report to the FAA. To function as an airport, it would need $8.1 million in capital investments. For the entire article Click Here.
06/10/2025 REPORT: RESULT (so far) Banning City Council Closed Session Re: Hillwood Development - a Ross Perot Company
The Goal was for Harry Sullivan, Local Resident and Premier Banning Airport Advocate, who spearheads the effort to keep Banning Airport open, appeared at the City of Banning City Council 6/10/25 meeting with the goal to address the council and present his compelling argument why Hillwood development should not be allowed to close and "develop" the airport property.
Speakers are allowed 5 minutes to address the council re agenda items even as this was to be discussed in closed session. SCAUWG.ORG has solicited support for Mr. Sullivan. Two letters addressed to the council appear below.
When asked how the meeting went, Harry replied:
"l got to put my two cents in at both the 2 pm closed session and at the regular council meeting at 5 pm, As far as the closed session, no action was taken on the ground lease of airport property with Industrial VI Enterprises LLC, aka Hillwood."
When further asked if he thought there was a sign of success, he replied:
"l don't know because they can't discuss what goes on in closed session other than if action was taken or if no action was taken, I guess that no action would be good,"
What are the next immediate steps: SCAUWG.ORG will continue to solicit support for the airport. Harry added:
"Ron, I guess it's just a wait and see what comes up on the agenda, I know that in the section of future agenda items, there is, discussion re: not closing the airport, so hopefully that gets on the agenda real soon. That's the best I can do for now."
SCAUWG.ORG asks you to provide your ideas and support toward this effort! Input? Email: Contactus@scauwg.org
06/09/2025 GARY PALMER EMAIL (Airport Advocate and CFI from Torrance) to the MAYOR and COUNCIL MEMBEFRS- June 9, 2025
Webmaster Note: Gary Palmer is a safety advocate and active flight instructor from Torrance, CA. He supports the Torrance Airport Association (TAA) is a member of the Southern California Airspace Working Group (SCAUWG), is a Founding Member of the Southern California Aviation United Working Group website (SCAUWG.ORG) and contributes regularly to aviation safety as a FAASTeam representative.
06/09/2025 SCAUWG response to CalPilots: "Letter to the Editor"
"...currently the council has started dealing with Hillwood on the ENA which unfortunately is in closed session and the conversation is private, but on Thursday June 5th Hillwood at a special workshop at city hall gave a presentation of their purposed development of the Airport property, and gave me the opportunity to expose to the public and the council their mixed messaging and inaccurate and misleading facts about the airport, after the meeting a member of the Hillwood team approached me and asked if there was anything he could do for me, and I said yes, I have a question, scene in your presentation your Vice president stated Hillwood isn't in the business of closing airports, correct, he said yes, so you wouldn't have a problem if the current council decides not to close the airport, correct, and he replied forcefully, NO, they have to close it per the ENA with the city, so I, oh really, so I gave my copy of the ENA and said, show me where it states that the City of Banning has to close the airport per the ENA agreement, well he said, I'm not going to do that, and I said, I knew you weren't going to do that because it isn't in the Agreement, which ended our conversation, we have a upcoming council meeting on June 10th and at the 2pm close session Hillwood property lease is an agenda item which will give me 5 minutes before the meeting to address the council on the issues I have with Hillwood and there untrue and misleading information," Ron thanks again so much for what you're doing for aviation and Banning Airport, Harry"
I remind you that SCAUWG.ORG also has a strategic approach, and we are responsible for doing the important work as well. Our airport pages speak for themselves.
Our accomplishments speak for themselves.
With regard to the CalPilots website, it was noted that the only reference to Banning airport is an article from 2013.
With regard to Santa Monica airport, I stood down as recommended by your email some time ago inferring that all was in hand, and you had a strategic approach.
SCAUWG.ORG joined CalPilots, I support the premise of your mission. Should you visit SCAUWG.ORG you'll see I published your laudable recent joined association effort that you assisted with. I am looking forward to seeing your progress.
...SCAUWG.ORG has an effective reach, we are visited by thousands and host thousands of page visits weekly. Our outreach continues with additional influential efforts. One of those efforts was.ORG reaching out to you. Whether you decide to observe from the sidelines and claim you were at the game, or whether you pick up the ball and run for a touchdown is up to you. For my money, I would prefer a house united! "
06/09/2025 California Pilots Association (CalPilots) Response to SCAUWG.ORG's Email addressing Banning Council Members
Thank you for your [copy if the Banning Council] email. I’ve reviewed the agenda for tomorrow’s Banning City Council meetings (2 p.m., 4 p.m., and 5 p.m.) and did not see any items related to airport closure or Hillview. The only agenda item pertaining to the airport appears to be a ground lease negotiation with Industrial Enterprises, LLC. A highlighted screenshot of the agenda is copied below.
CalPilots has been advocating on behalf of general aviation airports for over 75 years. In that time, we’ve learned that strategic, well-informed advocacy is essential, especially when engaging with local government. Sending emails with less than a complete understanding of the context can sometimes do more harm than good.
We truly appreciate your passion and dedication. That said, CalPilots prefers to take a coordinated and collaborative approach whenever possible and, when that’s not feasible, to act through a structured and strategic plan rather than rushed singular responses based on less than a complete understanding of the circumstances.
Please understand this is not the first time the issue of Hillview and development of Banning Airport has surfaced. Several months ago, Alex Gersten of NBAA advised that Ross Perot, the CEO of Hillwood, is on the Board of NBAA and expressed surprise that Hillwood would be advocating for airport closure, commenting that Hillwood is an aviation friendly company, with Perot himself a pilot.
We will continue to keep an watchful eye and open ears on developments related to Banning airport.
Editor's note: It might appear that the author did not realize that "Industrial Enterprises, LLC" is also known as Hillwood.
06/08/2025 SCAUWG.ORG EMAIL to the MAYOR and COUNCIL MEMBERS -
June 8, 2025
Re: Hillwood Development Agenda Item - June 10, 2025, Mtg.
Dear Mayor Flynn and Council Members,
The City of Banning has a positive opportunity ahead. You have the opportunity to focus attention on what so many neighborhoods would love to have as a resource, your airport.
It would appear that past councils have squandered their potential to grow your community and drive it toward the spirited public benefit and economic development that exists now at your fingertips. Apple Valley Airport, Cable Airport, Santa Paula Airport, among so many privately owned airports, or those located in remote communities, prove that they can not only promote commerce, provide jobs, serve the community with public services, but also provide a useful staging area for emergency services as well.
Once even a temporary tower was installed during firefighting at Banning Airport. Thirteen (13) helicopters were stationed there during the Fairview fire in Sept. 2022. Over 28,000 acres were burned, and the catastrophe would have been even larger had rainy weather not materialized. Mountain rescue teams find Banning a great resource as well.
The Apple Fire was a wildfire that burned during the 2020 California wildfire season in Cherry Valley south of Oak Glen and north of Beaumont and Banning in Riverside County, California in the United States. The fire ignited on Friday, July 31, 2020, as three separate smaller blazes within the rural canyons along Oak Glen Road before merging and rapidly expanded to 1,900 acres (769 ha) and destroyed at least one home and two outbuildings in the Cherry Valley area. It now covers at least 33,424 acres (13,526 ha) and created "a plume of smoke so massive that it generated its own winds. Helicopters battled those flames
One Cal Fire veteran I interviewed proclaimed Banning as indispensable because of the size and available features, and its preferred location making logistics favorable. Another, whose position was not able to be discerned, reported that Banning was not a necessary airport as at Hemet there is a Cal Fire base. He reasoned that Cal Fire could use any of the many vacant properties near Banning if the location was important for operations.
Harry Sullivan begs to differ. Forrest service staging requires a lot of space, plus facilities are required, none the least of which, fueling capability and rest rooms, etc. Banning airport has both and more. Additionally, helicopters require paved surfaces like asphalt. Rotor wash is very powerful, and when helicopters are operated upon sand or dirt, not only are those nearby blinded, but the helicopters nearby become susceptible to expensive maintenance issues (engine ingested dirt) and the resulting safety issues.
SCAUWG.ORG suggests that many people are too quick to think that the grass is greener somewhere else and they ignore the potential they already own. History tells us that the grass is rarely greener. We encourage the council to truly explore the `potential that your airport provides, for you have a valuable entity that once closed, it would cost a fortune to rebuild, and when the next fire rages, it won't be there to save lives, homes, businesses, and even the proposed development being discussed. The vast range of economic opportunities, like the very successful parachute jumping school forced to leave, and the potential for numerous public services do exist.
Our website is visited by thousands of aviation minded people monthly . We hosted over 9500-page sessions just last week. We are visited by folks that login from over 50 countries. We and our guests care about Banning. As director of the Southern California Aviation United Working Group, I have copied this email to the Airplane Owners and Pilot's Association (AOPA), California Pilots Association (CalPilots) and the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) as well.
We urge you to not be fooled by promises of gold at the end of a rainbow made by those who might have only their interests at heart, and not those of the City of Banning's, and to take the additional time necessary to explore your options.
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The Southern California Aviation United Working Group promotes Aviation & Airspace Safety. We provide pilot resources & GA Airport Advocacy.
www.scauwg.org
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06/07/2025 Update: City Council Mtg. & Hillwood - Report from Harry Sullivan - "...currently the council has started dealing with Hillwood on the ENA which unfortunately is in closed session and the conversation is private, but on Thursday June 5th Hillwood at a special workshop at city hall gave a presentation of their purposed development of the Airport property, and gave me the opportunity to expose to the public and the council their mixed messaging and inaccurate and misleading facts about the airport, after the meeting a member of the Hillwood team approached me and asked if there was anything he could do for me, and I said yes, I have a question, scene in your presentation your Vice president stated Hillwood isn't in the business of closing airports, correct, he said yes, so you wouldn't have a problem if the current council decides not to close the airport, correct, and he replied forcefully, NO, they have to close it per the ENA with the city, so I, oh really, so I gave my copy of the ENA and said, show me where it states that the City of Banning has to close the airport per the ENA agreement, well he said, I'm not going to do that, and I said, I knew you weren't going to do that because it isn't in the Agreement, which ended our conversation," " l forgot to add in my conversation with the Hillwood rep, I asked, would Hillwood be interested in building something on the airport that is Aviation related, and he said no,"
"We have a upcoming council meeting on June 10th and at the 2pm close session Hillwood property lease is an agenda item which will give me 5 minutes before the meeting to address the council on the issues I have with Hillwood and there untrue and misleading information,"
Editorial Comment: It is such a shame that no matter what the subject matter might be, there are those that automatically assume the grass is greener somewhere else, and maybe because it is easier, they disregard the potential that they already have.
05/23/2025 Update:
Per Harry Sullivan there is a letter that will be sent to the FAA. The City of Banning is hoping to get $585,000 for improvements through the BIL Act (Infrastructure Act).
There is one building that is open and Harry hopes to get a flight school to use it.
Hillwood apparently still wants to take over the airport as developable land, i.e. close it. This, despite the fact that Hillwood is related to Ross Perot’s Texas operations, and Perot is actively involved with aviation, he flew a helicopter around the world, etc.
Harry is attempting to use social media to persuade the local folk on the importance of the airport. He has identified 40 acres adjacent to the airport that could be developed.
04/27/2025 Update:
Current City Councilmembers:
- Leroy Miller
- lmiller@Banningca.gov
- Cindy Barrington
- cbarrington@Banningca.gov
- Sheri Flynn
- sflynn@Banningca.gov * Mayor
- Richard Royce
- rroyce@Banningca.gov * Mayor Pro Tem
- Colleen Wallace
- cwallace@Banningca.gov
* = Originally thought to be pro-airport
The above officials' contact information is provided as a convenance for those wishing to provide input regarding Banning Airport's future.
It has been reported that the previous City of Banning manager, Doug Schultz, was inclined to promote airport closure. Both the Morongo Indian reservation and Hillwood - a Ross Perot Company would like to see the airport close. It is thought that the Morongo Indians would be motivated to build a casino, and Hillwood, who has at least five industrial complexes located in the nearby communities of San Bernardino, Rialto, Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga would like another. It is ironical as Hillwood, a Ross Perot Company, has headquarters located at Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport in Texas, termed as an industrial airport. Other associations with aviation companies include Aircraft Spruce, yet Hillwood seeks to have Banning Airport closed.
It is important to note that the "ENA" (as mentioned in an update below) is NOT an agreement to develop. The ENA ONLY takes effect should the Airport close.
It appears that the former city manager (Doug Schultz) now removed was very motivated toward closure, and Banning Airport opportunities were bypassed. Hillwood has written that the airport loses the City of Banning $143,000 per year, and that the cost of repairs to the airport for safety would require $8.1 million. Harry Sullivan, longtime Banning resident and a former Chairman of the City's Airport Commission prior to the Commission being disbanded by an anti-airport City Council, disagrees. There is no question that the airport facilities are in disrepair, but that begs the question, if the city has ignored the airport to the extent requiring that sum to repair, why it would lose so much if they in fact never spent huge sums toward the airport in the first place. Harry Sullivan added some insight. His understanding is that when supported by Sheri Flynn, Sue Savage ran for city treasurer and upon her taking office, it was revealed that the City's books needed adjustments. He alleges that Hillwoods monetary number is false, and that the airport is operated in the "black." Furthermore, though there is a need for hangar repair, a smaller amount is a more realistic sum to consider. He suggests $585,000 is available via an FAA Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) grant program. The BIL Grant program is designed to accelerate the replacement of aging facilities and improve safety and efficiency at our nation's airports. Added to the revenue mix is that a Cal Trans grant in the amount of about $60,000 has not been applied for either.
Very Important: Banning might also apply for additional federal funding meant to finance needed infrastructure and regulation compliance. FAA Airport Improvement Program Grants (AIP) if approved for the intended project, will cover 90% of the development cost, and recently, there has been a program available that would cover 95%. FAA Funding grants increase the airport's overall value.
Additionally, it is noted that small airports located away from large metropolitan areas seem to be able to operate successfully. Cable Airport in Upland, and Apple Valley Airport in Apple Valley are two examples.
Regarding the closure capability granted by the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, proposed by Senator Alex Padilla, the city in order to close the airport, should it qualify to do so, and the newly composed city council decided to proceed, the City of Banning would be required to reimburse the FAA for the total market value of the airport property. (A seven-figure number)
Should the City accept FAA Airport Improvement Program funds, Padilla's revision would be VOIDED and upon accepting the grant the city would be required to keep the airport open for twenty (20) years. Proponents of the airport recommend that the city immediately notify the FAA that the airport will remain open, and that an application for funding is intended to be completed soon. It remains unclear just why the three newly elected councilmembers initially thought to be pro-airport have not already done so.
One former Cal Fire helicopter pilot interviewed by the Southern California Aviation United Working Group (SCAUWG.ORG) enthusiastically touted the importance of Banning Airport for its valuable location enabling more timely and efficient flight capability for both Firefighting and High Mountain Rescue teams charged with daring missions. Additionally, the airport size allows for the "tent cities" necessary for accommodating firefighting personnel, plus there is nearby inexpensive lodging for pilots.
Cal Fire has certainly used Banning Airport. Thirteen (13) helicopters were stationed there during the Fairview fire in Sept. 2022. Over 28,000 acres were burned, and the catastrophe would have been even larger had rainy weather not materialized.
"Thursday night firefighters assisted by night-flying helicopters were dealing with flare ups on the west and northwest side of the Fairview Fire. There was a report of structures burning near Mento Way."
Helicopter fighting the Apple Fire - credit ABC7 -
The Apple Fire was a wildfire that burned during the 2020 California wildfire season in Cherry Valley south of Oak Glen and north of Beaumont and Banning in Riverside County, California in the United States. The fire ignited on Friday, July 31, 2020 as three separate smaller blazes within the rural canyons along Oak Glen Road before merging and rapidly expanded to 1,900 acres (769 ha) and destroyed at least one home and two outbuildings in the Cherry Valley area. It now covers at least 33,424 acres (13,526 ha) and created "a plume of smoke so massive that it generated its own winds. - Wikipedia
One Cal Fire veteran reported to a SCAUWG.ORG source that Banning was not a necessary airport as at Hemet there is a Cal Fire base. He reasoned that Cal Fire could use any of the many vacant properties near Banning if the location was important for operations. Harry Sullivan begs to differ. Forrest service staging requires a lot of space, plus facilities are required, none the least of which, fueling capability and rest rooms, etc. Banning airport has both and more. Additionally, helicopters require paved surfaces like asphalt. Rotor wash is very powerful, and when helicopters are operated upon sand or dirt, not only are those nearby blinded, but the helicopters nearby become susceptible to expensive maintenance issues (engine ingested dirt) and the resulting safety issues. For additional safety during the Fairview fire a temporary air traffic control tower was accommodated at Banning.
Last year (2024) Sue Savage ran for treasurer of the City of Banning and backed by Sheri Flynn, she won. Hillwood has published that the city airport has a loss of $143,000 yearly based on a financial report. However, those "numbers" may not be correct, Under Sue Savage and Sheri Lynn's supervision an audit was ordered, and large figure adjustments had to be made. One can reference adjustments for fiscal year 2023 here. Commenting on the financial status of the airport, Harry Sullivan feels clearly that the airport is run profitably. Additionally, Hillwood's $8.1 Million estimate for repairs per his opinion is also way out of line. There is no doubt that Banning Airport facilities need repair. However, SCAUWG.ORG asks that if the airport actually needed $8.1 Millon to make safe, and it is still a functioning airport at present, and per Hillwood it loses $143,000 yearly, just what did the money lost get spent on? Certainly, it wasn't for maintenance, or new hangars, or a large number of employees. Harry suggests there is $2.2 Million presently in the airport fund, and that monies are available for repairs. Additionally, Harry Sullivan feels that aforementioned grant monies should be added to the mix.
It would appear that small airports that are not located in large metropolitan locations can be operated successfully. Cable Airport in Upland, Apple Valley Airport in Apple Valley, Redlands Airport in Redlands, and how about Flabob Airport near Riverside, it just celebrated its 100th anniversary!
Banning Airport was the home of Skydive West Coast. Skydive West Coast was a thriving business that hosted over 3000 jumps a year. Their fuel purchases were substantial. However, when then City Manager Doug Shultz discovered the interest San Diego based developer Grandave Capital, LLC had to assume a master lease for the airport property the lease with Skydive West Coast was not renewed. Subsequently Skydive West Coast moved to Arizona. The story can be found by accessing the November 2, 2020, edition of the Record Gazette Here.
Reported to SCAUWG.ORG is that the City has been in financial straits. Part of the reason allegedly is that the now former city manager was able to spend up to $25,000 with no need for council approval, as many times as needed.
Current goal to be investigated: A trip made to Washington D.C. December 5-6, 2023, to lobby for airport closure. Alleged participants: Art Vella, Director of Public Works, Alberto Sanchez, then Mayor of City of Banning, Doug Schultz, then Banning City Manager, and a representative from Morongo reservation. Payment for the trip is alleged to have been made with city funds self-authorized by city manager Doug Schultz. There is evidence of two days wherein seven (7) meetings were attended. Copies of the City of Banning meeting agendas (December 5-6) follow. One of the four (4) meetings attended on December 5 included Representative Raul Ruiz and three meetings (3) were attended on December 6, one of which included Senator Alex Padilla. The purpose of all of the meetings is described in red ink on each agenda page: "The closure of Banning airport" The meeting agendas and a record of those present are listed below:
City of Banning Meeting Agenda 12.05.23
City of Banning Meeting Agenda 12.06.23
On May 14, 2024, an airport closure announcement was made at the City Council meeting held that day and subsequently published. At this moment (4/26/2025) you can still view a VIDEO of the announcement Here.
There is plenty of property available for sale in Banning. The previous Sketchers' Warehouse project sits at the east end of the runway on the north side and is 1 million square feet in size. - Just one example.
As an aside, Hillwood also lobbied to close Rialto Airport. They promised to build an industrial center and 400 homes. The project failed.
Speaking to Mayor Pro-Tem Richard Royce today Harry Sulivan ascertained that "nothing will be approved by the three (pro-airport) councilmembers to comply with the FAA's process to close the airport..." Hesitation exists until any/all implications regarding the ENA signed with Hillwood are resolved, per the city attorney. Harry Sullivan will continue to push for sending the letter as well as applying for the two grants.
Editorial: SCAUWG.ORG encourages aviation supporters send input to the City Council. Banning does not have to be lost, nor should it be. Our advice would be to consider if anything sounds too good to be true, it may well not be. And furthermore, there are several small airports that are not as necessary to serve the public with their potential to offer emergency services to the public that can be used as role models with successful business plans. Building homes and office buildings won't aid folks snowed in at Big Bear, nor will they help rescue folks from the mountain environment or get fire retardment to dangerous burns that cause massive evacuations, loss of property and loss of life.
04/06/2025 ENA (Exclusive Negotiating Agreement) Signed with a Development Company -
Hillwood Culture as described on their website: "Hillwood is defined by its people. Our unwavering commitment to integrity drives every decision we make, and our forward-thinking approach keeps our teams focused on new opportunities that build along the path of progress. Our culture is also rooted in caring. Continuing the Perot Family legacy of service, our teams support organizations and activities that honor first responders, assist military families and wounded veterans, and support the underserved in our communities. It’s how we foster an environment that is diverse, inclusive and brimming with ideas that balance business with community."
01/15/2025 Update:
Recently:
- The City Councilmembers have changed due to the recent election.
- 3 new Councilmembers elected now make the New City Council more pro-airport.
- New energy has arisen that is looking to improve the airport
- Banning/Beaumont was reported by Governor Newsom to be used as a training location for visiting air crews prior to them seeing action.
- A lot of flight schools from San Diego and LA use the airport - it is used a lot more than people realize.
- This will be a challenge to monitor. Making a successful airport where a loss once stood will be the stuff that future textbooks will be able to highlight!
12/25/2024 Update - From RAA December Newsletter - Ted Gablin
Banning Municipal Airport (KBNG)
As we shared in May of this year, US Senator Alex Padilla submitted an amendment to the FAA Reauthorization bill at the last minute. The amendment, which was adopted, allows the city to close Banning with some conditions. Two of the most impactful conditions are the city must repay the US government for any unamortized grants and for 20 acres of land they gave to the city for the airport in 1983 at current market prices. So, what has happened since? It does not appear the City of Banning has taken any action to follow through on the conditions for airport closure. Perhaps it is because 2024 was a big election year for the City of Banning. There were 4 members of the 5-member council up for reelection.
A Banning pilot and staunch airport advocate, Harry Sullivan is a long time Banning resident. He saw an opportunity to run for city council and stop the closure attempt. He filed candidate papers with the hope of getting on the council. He teamed up with three other airport friendly candidates with the hope that if three of them were elected they would be a majority on the council and change the course of not only the airport closure, but other issues requiring attention in the city.
Harry Sullivan was not elected to Banning City Council, but the three airport friendly candidates were elected. Harry has said they will stop working on closing Banning airport. Jol Silversmith, a contract attorney that does work for NBAA has shared that if Banning applies for an FAA airport improvement grant it will nullify the language in the FAA Reauthorization bill that allows Banning to close the airport. This was confirmed by Jared Yoshiki, AOPA Vice President Airports and State Advocacy. AOPA is following up with the candidates on next steps.
5/16/2024 From Patch
Banning Municipal Airport Receives Federal OK To Close Reprinted from Banning-Beaumont Patch
Legislation that paves the way for the long-desired shutdown is now awaiting President Joe Biden’s signature.
BANNING, CA — After a years-long effort to close the city-owned Banning Municipal Airport, it is finally happening.
On Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024. The federal legislation now headed to President Joe Biden’s desk for signature includes an amendment introduced last week by U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla (D) that paves the way for the shutdown. Democratic Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) also authored language for the closure.
“I am proud to have successfully fought for legislation that will finally provide a pathway for the closure of the Banning Airport,” Padilla said in a released statement. “For too long, the Banning Municipal Airport has been a financial drain on the community, preventing redevelopment and economic growth. Now, after years of work, the City of Banning and Morongo Band of Mission Indians can finally unlock untapped economic opportunity blocked by the airport. This is a significant milestone for the City and Tribe — and a major step toward creating good new jobs for local residents.”
“This bipartisan bill represents a turning point for my constituents in the City of Banning that has the potential to create jobs and bring hundreds of millions of dollars in economic development to the City,” Ruiz’s released statement read. “The inclusion of my legislation,H.R. 8216, to close Banning Airport is a monumental win for the City of Banning and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. This closure will provide economic growth for the district by allowing the City to repurpose the airport property to bring in new investments and jobs to the region. I applaud Senator Alex Padilla for championing this effort, City of Banning Mayor Alberto Sanchez for his steadfast leadership, and Chairman Charles Martin of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians whose tireless advocacy helped make this effort a reality.”
Under the legislation, the city of Banning is released from all obligations to the FAA, and the airport at 200 S. Hathaway Street can close as long as the following conditions are met:
The city repays fair market value to the FAA for 20 acres of airport land received in a 1983 grant. This is the only airport land from the federal government.
- The city repays all unamortized federal airport grant money it has received.
- All salvageable airport and aviation equipment is redistributed to other airports.
The Banning Municipal Airport opened in 1945. In recent years, the approximately 250-acre site has seen declining operations that have made the facility a financial drain on the community. According to city and federal officials, flights have decreased by 68% since 2010, and 40% of the airport’s bays are unusable.
For more than seven years the city has attempted to close the airport, calling it inefficient and unsafe. After commissioning a feasibility study in 2016 to analyze the airport’s future, the city passed a resolution in 2017 to shutter the facility and upheld that document again on June 13, 2023.
The city cannot close the airport without federal approval, however, and the FAA was not keen on doing so.
Banning City Manager Doug Schulze worked with federal lawmakers and tribal leaders to find a solution, and on Wednesday those efforts paid off.
“We’ve had so much support from our congressional leaders,” Schulze said.
The Morongo Band of Mission Indians supports the airport closure because it wants to develop land adjacent to the airport. The tribal land is situated in the airport’s crash zone, which has significantly limited development in the area.
“On behalf of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, I want to thank Congressman Ruiz and U.S. Senator Padilla for their hard work to help close the Banning Municipal Airport so that both the Tribe and the City can pursue new economic development opportunities that will create jobs and support the regional economy as a whole,” read a statement from Vice Chairman James Siva, Morongo Band of Mission Indians.
The airport closure will not happen overnight — it will take months, maybe more. When it does, however, the city’s plans are already laid.
In December, Banning City Council approved an exclusive negotiating agreement with Texas-based Hillwood, a company experienced in airport redevelopment, including the Rialto Municipal Airport, which shuttered in 2014. The agreement lays out that Hillwood pays the city for exclusive negotiating rights to develop the airport property. The five-year ENA includes two optional one-year extensions.
According to Schulze, Grandave Studios is among the businesses looking to land at the airport property. The independent film studio wants to house offices, sound stages, outdoor filming facilities, rentable storage space, retail stores and parking.
Warehousing and manufacturing facilities are also planned on the airport property. The businesses are anticipated to lure additional support service industries to the site, Schulze explained.
Residential development is not planned on the property, but Schulze said the city has several housing projects in the works elsewhere, with about 15,000 new homes coming this year.
“Banning has an active housing market,” he said.