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