Dear Supervisor Horvath,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern about the potential closure of Whiteman Airport in Pacoima, California. As a Flight Instructor at Glendale Community College and a member of the aviation community, I would like to bring to your attention some additional critical points that highlight the significance of Whiteman Airport.

Emergency Operations:

·         The County Firebase Chief emphasized Whiteman Airport’s essential role in emergency operations during the recent CAC meeting.

·         The runway at KWHP is crucial for helicopter departures, especially in urgent situations, serving as a hub for equipment staging during emergencies.

Public Safety and National Security:

·         Whiteman Airport is vital for county-wide relief efforts, medical services, and law enforcement operations.

·         It is a designated home for press operations and utilized by the Secret Service during the President’s visits.

Community Support:

·         Every Neighborhood Council surrounding Whiteman Airport has voted to keep the airport open, reflecting strong community support.

·         Polls indicate a vast majority of residents want Whiteman Airport to remain operational.

City Council Dynamics:

·         Concerns about the impartiality of the decision-making process, with significant City Council and Pacoima Beautiful influence on the CAC.

·         The insistence on the County bearing 100% of sound remediation expenses raises questions about fairness.

Environmental Considerations:

·         Recent studies show lead levels below EPA acceptable levels, similar to other areas in Los Angeles.

·         The aviation industry’s ongoing transition to unleaded fuel addresses environmental concerns proactively.

Noise and Curfew Issues:

·         Disproportionate focus on noise and curfew issues with less than 340 possible incompatible units near the airport.

·         Lack of discussion on curfew for Union Pacific trains or trucks on San Fernando road, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Lack of Attention to Aviation Commissioners:

·         LA County Aviation Commissioners’ insights and recommendations seem overlooked in the decision-making process.

Economic Opportunities:

·         Closing Whiteman Airport could hinder economic benefits from emerging technologies like eVtol aircraft.

·         Whiteman Airport could serve as a natural springboard for air taxi services, fostering economic growth and technological advancement.

Reliever Airport Importance:

·         Whiteman Airport serves as a reliever airport, playing a critical role in alleviating air traffic congestion and promoting efficient airspace management.

Glendale Community College Legacy:

·         While GCC has not been at Whiteman Airport since the 1930s, its aviation program has operated there for over a decade.

·         The potential closure would profoundly impact GCC’s aviation program, jeopardizing student success and weakening the longstanding partnership with Whiteman Airport.

·         GCC serves as a vital contributor to the aviation industry by training pilots and aviation specialists, addressing the critical need for skilled professionals in the field. The closure of Whiteman Airport would impede the college’s ability to continue producing well-trained individuals essential to the industry’s growth and success.

In conclusion, I implore you to reconsider the decision to close Whiteman Airport. Its continued operation is crucial for the aviation community and local economy, as well as for emergency response, public safety, and national security. I believe that preserving Whiteman Airport aligns with the best interests of the community, the County, and the broader goals of sustainable aviation.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Edwin Sahakian

Certified Flight Instructor

Glendale Community College

About the author:

Ed Sahakian has dedicated a significant amount of his time to aiding Glendale College Students advance their aviation aspirations. Besides teaching courses at GCC, he was an early influence in shaping the Aviation and Space Club at the college, and regularly flew students, who did not have access to other planes for scheduled sponsored fly-ins, in his Cirrus, or his Cessna Citation Jet, so that every student interested could participate.  Additionally, he fully sponsored a FAASTeam (FAA WINGS) full-day Safety Standdown open to the public held at a well-known local hotel.