01/15/2025   Today an email survey was launched addressed to local politicians who have been critical of the airport, and who have sided with organizations like Pacoima Beautiful, and have urged that Whiteman be closed, in favor of “reimagining.” Many of these folks have now praised the firefighting response lodged against the recent and ongoing LA fires.  Many structures were left to burn as the firemen stood by without water access from what appeared to be fire hydrants whose potential lack of service went unnoticed. 

Like those fire hydrants whose potential importance went ignored, the value of our airports has been subject to the same erroneous and foolish practice.  The thousands of destroyed structures stand as undeniable evidence that existing brush should have been cleared, water pressure should have been checked and maintained, and a reservoir that took two months to drain should have been repaired and operational. All represent that taking our valuable resources for granted, isn’t the best of policies.

Whiteman Airport has been taken for granted.  Important politicians, profiteers, and publications have cited noise, pollution, and a waste of land value that should be reimagined and developed by real estate interests.  The fact that LA County-sponsored studies proved that those claims were wrong has not overridden the potential for personal profit from the acreage.  

Now, Whiteman’s value, and the value of other local reliever airports as well, has been unleashed!  Now the press coverage is filled with comments referring to firefighting aircraft like: “We would not be successful without them.” “Aircraft can reach areas otherwise inaccessible,” “The biggest tool in our arsenal,” “…so effective in battling…,” and many other accolades.  The DC-10s in use had to fly to San Berardino to be resupplied with retardant, imagine if our helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft didn’t have local airports to use.  Imagine if the 40 aircraft in service had only one airport to access. Imagine if the tall Air Traffic Control Tower at Whiteman didn’t exist because the field was closed, and it was replaced with housing and tall office buildings.

So, will the profiteering critics and the politicians in charge support our infrastructure now? When the flames subside will our fire hydrants, and our airports, be again taken for granted?  Will the future potential risks for community safety be ignored? 

Those emailed have been asked to officially answer those questions.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AVIATION UNITED WORKING GROUP (SCAUWG.ORG)
We make Safety and Airport Advocacy Happen

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2025
Contact: Ron Berinstein CFII
Director/Webmaster
(323) 394-1331
ronberinstein@hotmail.com

Thousands of people have lost their homes. Firemen were stranded without water to fight structures that were ablaze. Orders were given for the fireman to stand down. The devastation could not be stopped.

Those assumed responsible have blamed wind and no permissible airborne firefighting, which has caused strain on public works resources rather than emergency planning. This speaks directly about how important our airports and our aircraft are. Now that the aircraft are in flight, firefighting has become successful. Pilot training and the availability of emergency services are unmistakably necessary!

Let this be a warning to all that the energized efforts of some City Councilmembers, and County Supervisors, to close airports that the “Good Times” might NOT always Roll! Those allegedly spreading information to the public determined to be false, and disputed by LA County noise, health, and AQMD studies should stop.

Unprecedented events need to be anticipated! Earthquakes, floods, landslides, road closures, weather concerns, drought, plus life-saving medical demands all present risks, and DO OCCUR.

Yet, some authorities allegedly appear to have fallen prey to real-estate interests who would profit from airport closures and do so at the public’s expense. Politicians act on noise complaints from those who have probably purchased discounted homes, and who have signed escrow documents that disclose their properties are near an airport.

Recently 1.3 million dollars was allocated for a Whiteman Airport Closure Study, even after proof was offered that Whiteman, under FAA grant regulation, is obligated to stay open into perpetuity!

An associated LA County firefighting helicopter base is located at the Whiteman Airport in Pacoima. The airport’s tower is necessary to allow for quick emergency helicopter departures, and the airport provides equipment staging potential, as well as many other community benefits.

Torrance, Long Beach, Van Nuys, Santa Monica, and even Los Alamitos Army Airbase are airports under attack. Building houses, parks, tall buildings, and increasing traffic congestion at these properties will not help to prevent the destruction and peril that LA City and County need to be prepared for.

Airports are community treasures and necessary for public benefit and emergency relief. A needed re-evaluation of our emergency response capability also needs to include how some politicians regard airports.
Thank you for your attention.

——————————–
Ron Berinstein CFII
Director/Webmaster scauwg.org website
Southern California Aviation United Working Group
We Make Safety and Airport Advocacy Happen

09/13/2024 Special to SCAUWG.ORG
by Curt Castagna, NATA, EAGLE, Airport Commissioner

“We understand this project may be proceeding at LGB. It would be beneficial for the community outside the airport to understand the approval by the City and FAA, so that when flight patterns change there is an understanding of those impacts. Over the last several years the helicopter operators at LGB have “brought in” their pattern work over the airport environment, and this could reverse that benefit due to the need to maintain safety away from the new tower.”

Also, as published in “THEREGISTRY:”

Relativity Space To Build 131-foot Test Stand at Goodman Commerce Center in Long Beach
“Aerospace innovator Relativity Space plans to build a 131-foot-tall test stand at its Long Beach headquarters in the Goodman Commerce Center.
This new structure will play a pivotal role in the static testing of aerospace vehicles and systems, according to a report from Urbanize. According to an environmental notice, the stand will be used to test aerospace vehicles and systems, but no engine test-firing will occur.
The new test stand was scaled back from an earlier 200-foot design, but the shorter tower will still boost Relativity Space’s testing capabilities. According to the report, this adjustment came amidst concerns from local pilots and businesses at nearby Long Beach Airport, which raised objections to the original taller structure” Finish Reading Here.

4/06/2024

Filed Electronically via https://oeaaa.faa.gov
Re: Circularization Comments for ASN 2024-AWP-238-OE

The Southern California Airspace Users Working Group (SCAUWG) was formed under the aegis of the Southern California Association 0f Governments (SCAG) after the 1986 Cerritos Aircraft Crash disaster. The original Charter still adhered to can be viewed accessed at:
https://scauwg.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/SCAUWG-Written-Charter.pdf

Though now operating independently as a group of dedicated aviation professionals, SCAUWG has provided the FAA the input necessary that has made the LA TAC the best of the best.

SCAUWG.ORG visited by thousands monthly, is an independent website that on behalf of SCAUWG and the aviation community is dedicated to publishing Aviation Education, Airspace Safety Data, Pilot resources, and pertinent Community Information.

On behalf of SCAUWG.ORG I urge the consideration of the observations filed with the FAA by AOPA, NATA, NBAA, and VAI, as requested community input regarding the proposed Relativity Space 200’ Static Tower near the runway environment at KLGB. Those comments can be viewed at:
https://scauwg.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/FINAL-Coalition-Comments-Relativity-LGB.pdf

SCAUWG.ORG Contributing Editor Professional Cartographer Mike Carson (government employed) documented via data sourced from ADSBexchange.com the Feb 29-3/1/24 flight track data depicting a 10-mile area around Long Beach Airport. The proposed location of the 200’ Relativity Space tower is shown by a red dot. You can view a graphic application that illustrates the current actual flight tracks and their proximity to the proposed tower at:

https://canyon.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=58ac1132577a438f9d6280c1ab27a11a

As a CFII and a veteran Aviation Safety Seminar presenter in the Los Angeles and San Diego, CA Aeras, as the publisher and director of SCAUWG.ORG specifically designed to address the FAA Western Region Aviation community, I feel that the application above visually documents the need for very careful assessment of the possible risk to flight and ground safety.

Thank you for your attention,

Ron Berinstein CFII
SCAUWG.ORG

SCAUWG.ORG
associated with
 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AIRSPACE USERS WORKING GROUP

NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2024

Contact: Ron Berinstein CFII
Director/Webmaster
(323) 394-1331
ronberinstein@hotmail.com

_{Good News for Pacoima – Bad News for Disinformation Campaigners}

LOS ANGELES, CA – New Data from the LA County Department of Public Works and the County Department of Public Health in addition to data from the South Coast AQMD discredit the often-reiterated criticism that might propel certain “Shutdown Whiteman” Campaigners.

LA County Board of Supervisors as a matter of due diligence on Nov.7, 2023, directed the Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Branch (CLPPB) to perform an analysis of blood lead levels around the Whiteman Airport.  Critics of the airport might suggest that children are endangered because of existing lead levels. The following official reports are meant to document certain Whiteman Airport highlights and discount bogus negative imaging.

REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC HEALTH    DATED FEB.5, 2024

Based on the analysis completed by CLPPB, the percentage of children under 6 years old with a blood lead level equal to or greater than the CDC Blood Lead Reference Value (BLRV) of 3.5 mcg/dL within 1.5 miles of Whiteman Airport is 1.75% compared to 2.26% for rest of Los Angeles County.” RESULT: Children’s endangerment messaging should cease immediately, and valid information should be substituted.

REPORTS FROM SOUTH COAST AQMD    – We believe these studies are overlooked.

The Multiple Air Toxics Exposure Study V (MATES V – 2018-2019 – Whiteman Airport Results were substantially lower than the U.S. EPA Lead National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) – similar to lead concentrations found in other parts of the South Coast Air Basin

2022 – Ten 24-hour samples were collected at Whiteman airport and analyzed for lead at South Coast AQMD’s laboratory.  Results were substantially lower than U.S. EPA’s national standard (150 ng/m³) – RESULT: Skewed Whiteman Airport lead messaging should cease immediately. Valid information should be substituted.

REPORT FROM LA COUNTY DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS    DATED FEB 5, 2024

UNLEADED FUEL IS ON THE WAY-    Public Works will provide Swift Fuels UL94 unleaded aviation gasoline. All LA COUNTY AIRPORTS WILL BE SERVED once the master agreement is finalized and the needed equipment is installed.

The LA County Department of Public Works Report and the LA County Public Health Report are available at https://scauwg.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/LACDPW-DIRECTOR-REPORT-FEB1.pdf    The AQMD reports can be accessed at Whiteman Airport Lead Monitoring (aqmd.gov)

SCAUWG.ORG believes that good people armed with good information will make good decisions. Those truly interested in the welfare of the Pacoima community should be truly interested in ceasing any possible false statement of facts and instead embrace the opportunities that a local airport important for the National Airspace System, for community emergency services, for pilot safety, and for community economic vitality has to offer.   For additional airport information and aviation safety education, you are invited to visit www.scauwg.org

 You have been busy all year, making deadlines, getting physicals, meeting currency requirements, flying somewhere for sim work, making go/no go decisions with the client watching closely by, company expectations, a schedule that varies, time away from home, and maybe the need to decide if a student is ready to solo or take a practical test.  Plus, perhaps you volunteer your time to assist with pro-aviation safety organizations, maybe you fly Young Eagles or Air Explorers, and maybe you take time to advocate for your local airport’s survival when it is presented with challenges levied by city councils that may be friendly with real estate developers.

For all you pilots out there who truly deserve a personal gift for your year-round efforts to maintain a professional level that definitely demands being the best one can be, you might like to consider the gift I logged for myself and Margo last Christmas. I scheduled a return trip for this Christmas.

There was little time wasted when I asked friends during a business trip to San Diego last year to recommend the best possible spot for a truly wonderful Christmas celebration.  Instantly, the hands-down response was the historic Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island.

So, take a moment to close ForeFlight and tap, “Hoteldel.com/holidays” on your iPad.  A living legend for more than 130 years, the Del celebrates its rich history as the proud host to celebrities, royalty, U.S. Presidents, and beach-loving guests for generations. Built in 1888 by Elisha Babcock, Jr., and Hampton L. Story and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, this historic beach resort is a San Diego icon.

It would appear that no one does Christmas better! Seemingly unlimited Decorations and Christmas Trees everywhere. Don’t miss the light show at the grove of towering pine trees orchestrated to music with a finale of snow flurries. The Holiday events begin weeks in advance, and I am told those have been even more expanded this year.

The Victorian section of the hotel remains historic.  A recent partnership with the Hilton group has expanded the property, the available adventures, and the many new room accommodations, that truly allow for an exceptional experience. Skating by the sea, Beachside Igloos, Elf deliveries, Photos with Santa, the Spa and Salon, Specialty Restaurants, including those with oceanside views, Pools and Cabanas, Shopping, the Fitness Center, the Music Playing, and People Watching all are yours!

Last year we booked a beach-level Cabana designed with a patio and a firepit. It allowed for beach access. We were welcomed there by Manny from Housekeeping who brought us some specially requested items that needed some special care. Manny provided it. Hearing the waves and enjoying the panorama and the sunset evaporated all distractions.  The Christmas Eve Buffet in a ballroom with Glorious Chandeliers was incredible.  The Beachside dining for breakfast Christmas morning with our friends at Sheerwater, made the holiday very special. My guests last year are professional area restaurant folks and having a skillful waiter like Gary made for a memorable occasion. I, as a guy who made a living for some time traveling a lot, found it was a pleasure to observe that the entire hotel staff from the valet, like Burton, the desk staff, and the concierge team were all not only efficient but also helpful, friendly and accommodating. The resort concierge and reservation manager, Nicholas, is to be complimented.

You’ll find the details on the various pages of their website.  One important suggestion though. Do not fall prey to the third-party reservation folks who claim discounts. Because of the vast expanded property and electives, there are just too many options at the Del for a third party to adequately interpret and for the first-time guest to be properly informed of.  Book directly with Hotel Del Coronado personnel! Ask about any promotional options that might apply. Be curious. Furthermore, ask to speak to the concierge, and ask their opinion as to how your stay might be enhanced. They will be happy to fully explain everything. The “beach view” may be different than a “full beach view,” which may be different from a “beach-level view.” Do not be afraid to fully preflight your vacation stay!  One hint: Bring along some snacks that you might keep in the room’s refrigerator. No one will invite you to a FSDO afterwards to explore what your 91.103 obligations were but pretend that reg applies, and your stay at the Del will no doubt keep your family and you very, very happy.  – Besides Lindbergh Field (stay on the glideslope!) now San Diego International Airport, Montgomery-Gibbs is a reasonable choice.  – RB – Webmaster SCAUWG.ORG

Skaters at the Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego, CA

Chef Lucio (Sorrento) & Margo at Sheerwater.

Beach front view from our cabana patio.

Margo relaxing on the cabana patio.

City Councils – Should We Save Time and Replace Them? – Santa Monica, Torrance, Whiteman, Banning. and now Long Beach and Los Alamitos Army Airfield, not to mention attacks on Hawthorne, Van Nuys, and others. These locations all have airports that are under attack from City Councils that seem to favor land developers over the very possible greater public good that airports provide.

            Do City Councils foresee emergencies?

Who predicted the huge snowfall that Big Bear endured and the airlift that assisted the community? Who predicted the soon-to-arrive hurricane “Hillary,” projected to make landfall? Will flooding stop transportation? Will wind create damaging effects? Will airlift relievers be necessary? Medivac potential? Food shortages? Elder adults trapped? How about the earthquakes that destroy our normal way of life and the wildfire disasters that require air support from Cal-Fire, and the airports necessary to stage necessary equipment? One neighborhood advocate at KWHP cited on record the County Fire Helicopters as responsible for saving his home, and then voted in the “CAC” process to close the airport, even after being told on record by the residing fire chief that KWHP remaining open is needed.

          Easy Targets.

I suspect many folks who haven’t had the time to detail the facts, believe the negative assertions that include leaded fuel talk, noise, lack of area benefit for those non-pilots who live nearby, and other criticisms that can be spun by publicists as far-reaching and dangerous.  They overlook recent surveys, noise mitigation and community benefits (monetary, community safety, and educational) that airports offer.  They overlook the importance of the airports themselves as traffic relievers and that the National Airspace System requires them for optimal performance.

One can easily cite examples of these misgivings. At Whiteman Airport the recent modeled noise report revealed there really isn’t any significant airplane noise, and that the “incompatibilities” present were only with those residences permitted by City Zoning as safe but are located only yards away from the runway. No noise study was conducted that measured decibel levels created by the Union Pacific train whose tracks parallel the runway nearby. Nor was there a pollution study done that would reveal a comparison between the greater amount of pollution that the heavy diesel trucks that travel on San Fernando Road emit when compared to the significantly much lesser amount emitted by small general aviation planes. Some will denounce the airport because many who live nearby aren’t pilots, but few City Councils criticize bowling alleys because nearby residents might not be bowlers, or golf courses, as many nearby residents might not be golfers, not to mention the private courses that require huge membership fees that many neighbors probably don’t belong to.

           Why Waste Time? – Replace City Council members with Real Estate Developers. – Eliminate the middle people.

If City Council members persist and refuse to innovate and properly assess the economic, public safety potential, and community value of our valuable resources, and prefer a development much like that on the land that was once Howard Hughes Airport, then save time, replace the Council Members with developers, and after all of our current public use airports are closed and are replaced with real estate developments that don’t provide for community safety benefit, then when disaster surfaces, the developers can be blamed more readily for irresponsible government decisions, and voted out of office, and replaced with folks who are of a different mindset. But, disaster relief, ignored transportation necessity, community benefit, and needed economic potential, as well as infrastructure systems will all have to be recreated. Perhaps it will be too late, What scary thoughts!  – Webmaster

“Hawaii-based general aviation pilots organized an airlift that provided survivors with some of the first supplies of food, water, and medicine to Lahaina, the fire-ravaged community on Maui, Hawaii, at the epicenter of one of the deadliest wildfire disasters in U.S. history.

Communicating through text messages and social media, pilots also had to enlist the support of the management of Kapalua Airport, a private airfield on the west side of the island long off-limits to GA, a single 3,000-foot paved runway that offered access to the disaster area. Approval was received within 24 hours to operate relief flights. On August 12, the operation’s second day, the group made 57 airlifts, delivering thousands of pounds of critical supplies. A GoFundMe page was established for donations to help cover fuel expenses and was collecting fuel receipts from participating pilots for reimbursement from the fund. Donors had pledged nearly $32,000 toward the $50,000 goal by August 14.

“This is the message that if Santa Monica can hear, and all these other airports around the country, the communities and municipalities there that want to shut down airports: GA, we’re out there, we’re willing to help,” Laurence Balter, owner of Maui Flight Academy, said. “Cutting us off and closing down airports? Bad idea.” Reprinted from the Long Beach Flying Club, Long Beach Airport Newsletter.