Chart Supplement Bulletin dated Oct. 31, 2024

 

 

For March-April Newsletter - Click Here

 

Archived Editions:

February 2025

January 2025

December 2024

November 2024

October 2024

SUBCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER  HERE

 

News, Challenges & Correspondence:

03/08/2025   Sling Pilot Academy Debuts New Quieter Airplane - From AVweb - "The “Whisper Sling” is a new pilot-training aircraft designed to reduce noise and improve relationships with local communities. - Sling Pilot Academy has expanded its operations to Long Beach, California, unveiling the "Whisper Sling"—a new, noise-reducing pilot training aircraft. - The announcement was made during a ceremony on March 5 at the academy's newly established campus at Long Beach Airport. With this expansion, Sling now operates five training schools across Southern California. The Long Beach facility, which has been running for about a month, currently has about 50 students, with capacity to train hundreds more. - The Whisper Sling aircraft was specifically designed to minimize noise, with the goal of fostering better relationships with the communities surrounding the airports where its flight schools are located. The aircraft features..."   Read Full Article Here.   For More Info about Sling and their flight school locations, visit their Website:

01/03/2025   Program aimed at reducing general aviation noise pollution at LGB to launch this month - From LBPT - "The Long Beach Airport will soon launch a new program aimed at helping reduce noise pollution caused by general aviation operations, according to a recent city memo. Dubbed the Fly Friendly Program, or FFP, the initiative will track performance metrics for flight schools operating out of LGB, according to a recent city memo; it will also provide recognitions for pilots who abide by the FFP’s rules. - The FFP stems from residential concerns about noise pollution at Long Beach Airport, which came to a head in September after about 100 residents asked the City Council to address the issue. - After that protest at City Hall, the city manager’s office released two reports detailing general aviation operations at LGB, and what actions the city could take to fix the issue.

The reports found that general aviation — including smaller aircraft operations for any non-commercial purpose, such as flight-school training has increased at LGB, with a notable uptick in summer 2023, as the result of a nationwide pilot shortage. -

They also detailed several paths the city could pursue, while outlining jurisdictional issues limiting Long Beach’s authority over airspace regulations, which fall solely to the Federal Aviation Administration. - The Fly Friendly Program, meanwhile, is expected to launch sometime this month to measure noise-related metrics at LGB, the Dec. 20 city memo said. - “Key performance metrics will measure evening and nighttime departures, average noise levels and altitudes,” the memo said, “and are designed to recognize those flight schools that consistently meet voluntary goals.”  -   Continue Reading the Full Article and view some video HERE.

"But as of Nov. 20, according to the memo, Long Beach has received permission from the FAA Office of Chief Counsel to double the original fine amounts to adjust for inflation, and to allow Long Beach to automatically adjust penalty amounts moving forward."

 

12/10/2024   Letter of Determination   - Relativity Space Tower Project

Mail Processing Center
Federal Aviation Administration
Southwest Regional Office
Obstruction Evaluation Group
10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177
Aeronautical Study No.2024-AWP-241-OE

Page 1 of 8
Issued Date: 11/18/2024

Austin Shafer
Relativity Space
3500 E Burnett St.
Long Beach, CA 90815

** DETERMINATION OF NO HAZARD TO AIR NAVIGATION **
The Federal Aviation Administration has conducted an aeronautical study under the provisions of 49 U.S.C.,
Section 44718 and if applicable Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations, part 77, concerning:
Structure: Relativity Space Test Stand
Location: Long Beach, CA  -  Latitude: 33-49-01.81N NAD 83  -  Longitude: 118-09-38.53W  -  Heights: 49 feet site elevation (SE)
161 feet above ground level (AGL)
210 feet above mean sea level (AMSL)

This aeronautical study revealed that the structure would have no substantial adverse effect on the safe and efficient utilization of the navigable airspace by aircraft or on the operation of air navigation facilities. Therefore, pursuant to the authority delegated to me, it is hereby determined that the structure would not be a hazard to air navigation provided the following condition(s) is(are) met:
As a condition to this Determination, the structure is to be marked/lighted in accordance with FAA Advisory circular 70/7460-1 M Change 1, Obstruction Marking and Lighting, paint/red lights-Chapters 3(Marked),4,5(Red),&15.

Any failure or malfunction that lasts more than thirty (30) minutes and affects a top light or flashing obstruction light, regardless of its position, should be reported immediately to (877) 487-6867 so a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) can be issued. As soon as the normal operation is restored, notify the same number.  It is required that FAA Form 7460-2, Notice of Actual Construction or Alteration, be e-filed any time the
project is abandoned or:
_____ At least 10 days prior to start of construction (7460-2, Part 1)
__X__ Within 5 days after the construction reaches its greatest height (7460-2, Part 2)
See attachment for additional condition(s) or information.

Page 2 of 8
Any height exceeding 161 feet above ground level (210 feet above mean sea level), will result in a substantialadverse effect and would warrant a Determination of Hazard to Air Navigation. This determination expires on 05/18/2026 unless:
(a) the construction is started (not necessarily completed) and FAA Form 7460-2, Notice of Actual
Construction or Alteration, is received by this office.
(b) extended, revised, or terminated by the issuing office.
(c) the construction is subject to the licensing authority of the Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) and an application for a construction permit has been filed, as required by the FCC, within 6 months of the date of this determination. In such case, the determination expires on the date prescribed by the FCC for completion of construction, or the date the FCC denies the application.

NOTE: REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF THE EFFECTIVE PERIOD OF THIS DETERMINATION MUST
BE E-FILED AT LEAST 15 DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION DATE. AFTER RE-EVALUATION
OF CURRENT OPERATIONS IN THE AREA OF THE STRUCTURE TO DETERMINE THAT NO
SIGNIFICANT AERONAUTICAL CHANGES HAVE OCCURRED, YOUR DETERMINATION MAY BE
ELIGIBLE FOR ONE EXTENSION OF THE EFFECTIVE PERIOD.

This determination is subject to review if an interested party files a petition that is received by the FAA on or before December 18, 2024. In the event an interested party files a petition for review, it must contain a full statement of the basis upon which the petition is made. Petitions can be submitted to the Manager, Rules and Regulations Group via email at OEPetitions@faa.gov, or via mail to Federal Aviation Administration, Air
Traffic Organization, Rules and Regulations Group, 5th floor, 600 Independence Ave, SW., Washington, DC 20597. FAA encourages the use of email to ensure timely processing.

This determination becomes final on December 28, 2024 unless a petition is timely filed. In which case, this
determination will not become final pending disposition of the petition. Interested parties will be notified of the
grant of any review. Any questions regarding your petition, contact Rules and Regulations Group via telephone
(202) 267-8783.
This determination is based, in part, on the foregoing description which includes specific coordinates, heights frequency(ies) and power. Any changes in coordinates, heights and frequencies or use of greater power, except those frequencies specified in the Colo Void Clause Coalition; Antenna System Co-Location; Voluntary Best Practices, will void this determination. Any future construction or alteration, including increase to heights, power or the addition of other transmitters, requires separate notice to the FAA. This determination includes all previously filed frequencies and power for this structure.

Continue Reading Here

 

11/19/2024  -  City Attorney Response to Leech-Tishman Letter

To Read the Entire Text of this Letter CLICK HERE.

 

11/06/2024  -  Letter to the City Attorney

   Restricting Training Flight Operations During Curfew Hours at Long Beach Airport

Ms. Dawn McIntosh
City Attorney
City of Long Beach, California
411 West Ocean Boulevard, Ninth Floor
Long Beach, CA 90802
dawn.mcintosh@longbeach.gov
cityattorney@longbeach.gov

RE: Restricting Training Flight Operations During Curfew Hours at Long Beach Airport

Dear Ms. McIntosh:

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Vertical Aviation International (VAI) (collectively, “the Associations”) submit this response to a letter dated October 22, 2024, that was addressed to your attention, as captioned above.Our national associations represent pilots and aircraft owners, experimental aircraft builders, fixed base operators, charter service providers, individuals and businesses who use their aircraft in support of their business or are otherwise involved in the business aviation sector, as well as companies and individuals with a focus on vertical aviation. Collectively, we are strongly interested in the continued accessibility and viability of airports. In the October 22nd letter, the Long Beach Small Aircraft Noise Reduction Group (SANeR) urges the City to prohibit certain general aviation operations at Long Beach Airport (LGB or Airport) – specifically, to prohibit “taxi back” and certain other operations that are conducted at times during which a local ordinance nominally prohibits training operations at LGB (see Mun. Code § 16.43.030(A)).   For the text of the Entire Letter CLICK HERE.

 

10/30/2024

   World Series Flyover F-18 ‘Conflicted’ With A Cessna - C-152 reportedly came close to stalling at low altitude.

 

10/22/2024  -  Letter to the City Attorney re: Training Flights

Training Flight Noise During Curfew Hours at Long Beach Airport

Ms. Dawn McIntosh,
City Attorney
City of Long Beach
411 West Ocean Boulevard – 9th Floor
Long Beach, California 90802

Re: Training Flight Noise During Curfew Hours at Long Beach Airport

Dear Ms. McIntosh:

Leech Tishman represents Long Beach Small Aircraft Noise Reduction Group (SANER). SANER, as you know, is a
group of Long Beach residents who are fighting back against the onslaught of small aircraft noise that has been
steadily increasing for several years. Their primary issue with small aircraft noise is well within the City’s authority to
stop. That problem is training operations at Long Beach Airport (Daugherty Field) (the “Airport”).

The City of Long Beach has something that many other municipalities across the country wish they had: a noise
ordinance restricting aircraft noise and operations that is not preempted by federal law. The City of Long Beach
Airport Noise Compatibility Ordinance (Long Beach Municipal Code Chapter 16.43). While SANER does not have any
issue with the commercial aircraft and their compliance with Chapter 16.43, it does have an issue with training
operations that take place at the Airport. Under Chapter 16.43, training operations are prohibited between 7:00p and
7:00a during the week and between 3:00p and 8:00a on Saturdays, Sundays, and major holidays. Mun. Code §
16.43.030.A. SANER’s demand is simple. The Airport should not grant permission to aircraft wishing to perform
training operations during the above-mentioned times.   Read the ENTIRE TEXT of the Letter HERE.

 

7/19/2024

   LBAA ASKS FAA Office of the Regional Administrator (AWP-1) For Assistance FOR BETTER FRIENDLY FLYING

The Goal: A Positive Contribution enabling positive Community Relations with the Airport. This transcript has been forwarded to the City of Long Beach in the interest of furthering cooperation.
These responses were received on July 19, 2024 LBAA Question 1: When is it best to use 26L vs 26R? Does it help the tower if we ask to
go to the right runway when the left is rather full?

FAA Response to Question 1: Runway assignments are based on a number of
considerations. A pilot can make a specific runway request, and the controller will make...      Continue Reading HERE

 

4/28/2024e

   NATA Challenges GAMI’s Assertion Of ‘Commercial Availability’ of G100UL

The National Air Transport Association (NATA) says General Aviation Modifications Inc.’s (GAMI) FAA-approved G100UL is not yet “commercially available” even though the licensed manufacturer of the unleaded avgas, Vitol Aviation,…   Read the Details HERE.

 

4/5/2024  -  SCAUWG.ORG / LGB graphic analysis of the Flight Tracks at LGB showing the proximity to the proposed Space Tower site. 

Proposed Location of the Relativity Space Tower is showed by the RED DOT.

 

4/5/2024  -  Joint National Association Comment on the proposed Relativity Space Tower

   Circularization Comments for ASN 2024-AWP-238-OE
On behalf of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), National Air Transportation Association (NATA), National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), and Vertical Aviation International (VAI), we would like to provide input and express our concerns regarding Relativity
Space's proposal for a 200'-foot tower at Long Beach Airport (LGB) for static testing   Continue HERE.

 

4/5/2024

   From NATA: Factors Affecting the Commercial Sale of Emerging Unleaded Aviation Fuels

Purpose:
To educate both aviation and community stakeholders interested in understanding or communicating the dynamics of the commercial availability of unleaded avgas, including considerations on the status of UL fuels, the paths to authorization, and safety concerns around the transition.

Introduction:

NATA (National Air Transportation Association) is committed to advancing the national effort to reduce lead emissions from piston-engine aircraft through safe and effective unleaded avgas implementation. NATA, along with other industry and government stakeholders including the FAA, supports the Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) Initiative1 goal of a lead-free future for U.S. piston-engine aircraft by the end of 2030. EAGLE aims to eliminate the use of leaded avgas without compromising the safe and efficient operation of the existing general aviation (GA)
fleet and the economic contribution of general aviation – which includes maintaining 100 Low Lead (100LL) availability across the country during the transition. While EAGLE has targeted 2030 for the elimination of leaded avgas, NATA is optimistic that industry and government stakeholders can work together to achieve this goal sooner.

Read the FULL STORY HERE.

 

4/5/2024

   LGBAA Voluntary Fly Friendly Noise Abatement Procedures - Illustrated

View the very easy to read graphic map HERE

 

3/15/2024

   City of Long Beach Update to General Aviation operations at Long Beach Airport

View the Entire Letter HERE

 

March 2024   SoCal Fly Friendly Program:

   Aircraft Noise Abatement Procedures for Flying Friendly...

 

2/29/2024

FAA Public Notice Soliciting Comment re: Relativity Space Tower

Read it HERE

2/02/2024

LA County Airports Begin Change To Unleaded Avgas

Airport authorities in the most populous U.S. county are expediting the transition from leaded to unleaded aviation gasoline.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors late last year directed that UL94 unleaded avgas be made available at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima, California, which is facing calls for its closure due to lead emissions from piston-engine aircraft. The transition plan has been expanded to make UL94 available by June at four other county-owned airports. - Plans also call for supplying unleaded avgas at Brackett Field, Compton/Woodley, Gen. William J. Fox and San Gabriel Valley airports, according to the county’s Department of Public Works (DPW).

“The county will encourage the use of UL94 by helping aircraft operators obtain FAA certification, which enables certain airplanes to use the fuel, offsetting the higher cost of UL94,” a DPW spokesperson said in response to an inquiry. “The ultimate goal is..."   Continue Reading Here.

 

01/29/2024

Long Beach Subsidizes Unleaded Avgas

"The City of Long Beach, California, is offering to pay piston aircraft operators to switch to unleaded fuel. Last week the city council of the Los Angeles suburb voted to…

 

01/24/2024

Relativity Space wants to build 200-foot tower next to Long Beach Airport

January 21, 2024   -  From Long Beach Business Journal - Launch service provider Relativity Space has proposed the construction of a 200-foot-tall “test stand” at its headquarters adjacent to Long Beach Airport at the former C-17 site — something that’s been met with resistance from some aircraft operators.

It’s unclear exactly what the structure will look like or what tests will be conducted. Relativity did not respond to multiple requests for comment regarding the proposed project.

Based on coordinates submitted to the Federal Aviation Administration, the structure at its base will be roughly 41 feet by 79 feet between the airport property and the massive hangar that is now Relativity’s headquarters and manufacturing plant.

Staff from the city’s Economic Development, Community Development and airport departments are talking with Relativity about the project, but no formal building permit application has been submitted to the city, Economic Development Director Bo Martinez said Friday.

It is likely that the project will be a steel structure similar to stands seen on pads during rocket launches and used to test the company’s 270-foot-tall Terran R rocket, which is currently under development in Long Beach. Being completely 3D printed using the company’s patented printer, Stargate, Relativity will need to test the rocket’s structural integrity while holding payloads that weigh up to 73,855 pounds.

Under federal law, developers are required to submit proposals to the FAA if a project is in close proximity to an airport. The administration then conducts a survey to determine if the structure could pose a hazard to aircraft or interfere with navigation aids. There is no set time frame for how long FAA surveys take, according to spokesperson Ian Gregor.  FULL STORY HERE

 

Independent Comment:

It would seem the FAA does not have a final say on this. and since it’s off-airport the city can approve it. Because it may desire to support Relativity’s business needs, should the possible unintended consequences be discussed?

The community would no doubt appreciate understanding that the FAA would then have to adjust flight patterns to maintain safety distances. Those might then extend out into the community. Hence, should the city approve the project it would possibly force aircraft and helicopter operations elsewhere away from their current locations.

Over the last 5-plus years, the LGB helicopter community has worked hard to mitigate community impacts from helicopters. One might wonder if by approving the Relativity project new community impacts would be created.

 

01/02/2024

City can’t force regulation changes at Long Beach Airport; will look for voluntary solutions to noise and pollution

"The Long Beach City Council has instructed two of the City’s committees to study noise and air pollution stemming from operations at the Long Beach Airport.

The Housing and Public Health Committee and the Mobility, Ports, and Infrastructure Committee will now discuss the issue, and return to the City Council with potential solutions.

Over the last year, District 5 residents who live under the airport’s flight path have been saying that the noise from small airplanes has recently significantly increased. They’ve also expressed concern over the use of leaded gas by the airplanes that fly over their homes.

Residents have formed the Small Aircraft Noise Reduction (SANeR) group to advocate for a change in the policies that have allowed for these increases, but Long Beach city council said those changes may be harder than previously expected. The group has over 700 members as of Dec. 21.

When the United States Congress passed the Airport Noise and Capacity Act (ANCA) in 1990, it restricted cities from implementing their own airport codes. Long Beach is one of the few cities that had their noise ordinance “grandfathered in,” and there has been no updates to that ordinance since 1995.  -   Cities who were able to keep their own ordinance must appeal to ANCA and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to make changes, and City staff said that no city has successfully passed the appeal process.  -  Gasoline used in cars once contained lead, until legislation banned leaded gasoline once it became apparent that..."   Continue Reading Here.

 

October 31, 2023     LETTER

Subject: General Aviation Operations at Long Beach Airport
To: Thomas B. Modica, City Manager
From: Cynthia Guidry, Director, Long Beach Airport
For: Mayor and Members of the City Council

On September 12, 2023, the City Council requested a comprehensive report, in response to community concerns over increased General Aviation (GA) activity, detailing the GA operations at Long Beach Airport (Airport or LGB), including its ties to the City of Long Beach (City), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and privately-owned flight schools. As California’s oldest municipally owned airport, LGB has a long history of serving travel demand, providing economic benefit and being part of the nation’s network of critical aviation infrastructure. The FAA has jurisdiction over airspace, aircraft safety and regulates airports and much of our local control is limited by federal law. The Airport recognizes the recent significant increase in GA activity and sees this report as an opportunity to explain the complexity of Airport operations, answer community questions, share updated GA voluntary measures and provide seven specific recommendations that we believe are within our authority to address community concerns.

Long Beach Airport
The Airport operates as a department of the City of Long Beach (City) and is governed by the Long Beach City Council. The Airport Department reports directly to the Office of the City Manager. Founded on November 26, 1923, the Airport operates as an enterprise-fund department and is responsible for ensuring a sufficient generation of revenues to cover its expenses. The Airport will operate with an estimated budget of $65.88 million for Fiscal Year2024 with approximately 135 full-time City employees. The Airport Department was established in 2009, formerly existing as the Airport Bureau of the Department of Public Works.

The Airport is a significant City and regional economic driver providing travel opportunities, connectivity, movement of goods and services, and thousands of well-paying jobs to the local economy. The Airport is also a valuable national asset and is classified as a small hub airport as part of the FAA National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). Airspace is under the sole jurisdiction of the FAA. The Airport is appealing for its centralized location within the greater Los Angeles metropolitan area, number and length of runways, and operational diversity with its ability to support commercial passenger and cargo aircraft, GA aircraft from business jets and training aircraft to helicopters and banner-tow aircraft, military aircraft from large transports supporting manufacturing industries to tactical jets and even commercial airship operations. The Airport also has aeronautical support activities including aircraft maintenance and repair. A key goal of the Airport is to maximize the economic benefits while minimizing potential adverse effects. The Airport encompasses 1,166 acres of land (approximately 1.8 square miles) and is generally located east of Cherry Avenue, west of Lakewood Boulevard, south of Cover Street, and north of Spring Street. The Airport, north of Spring Street, is in Council District Five and south of Spring Street is in Council District Four.

LGB Operations and Flight Patterns
LGB has three runways, Runway 12-30, Runway 8L-26R and Runway 8R-26L. Runway 12-30 is 10,000 feet in length and is the primary runway for commercial and business jet operations. LGB also has two parallel runways that are primarily used for GA operations.

Continue Reading this descriptive letter concerning General Operations at Long Beach including Noise Movement and Regulations by CLICKING HERE