Aviation Short Takes
Pertinent Comments about current events
Aviation Short Takes is designed as a comment area. The opinions about important aviation matters developing today can be read here.
The articles will find a home here temporarily; and depending upon the long-term relevance, the commentary may subsequently be republished on our INFO WAREHOUSE pages. Do you have relevant comments concerning Airspace Design and/or Aviation Safety that you feel others can benefit from? For instance, do you have a recommendation for us to link to? Please let me know! Use scauwg@earthlink.net and address your input to Ron Berinstein, webmaster. IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: Opinions and views expressed in the following commentary are those of the authors &/or publishers alone; and may or may not reflect SCAUWG.ORG or SCAUWG.
This page was added on 05/14/2022. It is PAGE 3. To view prior commentary please see "Short Takes" and "Short Takes Page 2."
Let's Begin:
Local Citizen Challenges Boston Herald on Op-ed’s Bizav Sustainability Claims - "The June 21 opinion piece (“Taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize billionaires’ jet fuel”) about the value of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) needlessly distorts the facts about the fuels’ potential, and vilifies an aviation sector that is essential to the nation’s economy and transportation system. - First, with regard to the fuels: SAF, which is made from renewable biomass, waste-based feedstocks, and other sources can be used today, and it reduces aviation lifecycle greenhouse gas emission by as much as 80%. The need to advance the production, availability and use of the fuel is a priority for the White House and Congress, not dissimilar from bipartisan efforts to..." Read the balance of the article Here.
Pilot/AI Expert in Congress Sees AI’s ‘Enormous Potential’ in Aviation - "Rep. Jay Obernolte (R-23-CA) is a GA pilot, certified flight instructor and the only current member of Congress with a graduate-level degree in AI.
He chairs the House Task Force on Artificial Intelligence. He also serves on the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, where he is a member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, the Subcommittee on Health, as well as the Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce. In addition, Rep. Obernolte serves on the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology as chair of the Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight." Read the article HERE.
Electric Air Taxis Are on the Way: Quiet eVTOLs May Be Flying Passengers as Early as 2025 - "This isn’t just science fiction. United Airlines has plans for these futuristic electric air taxis in Chicago and New York. The US military is already experimenting with them. And one company has a contract to launch an air taxi service in Dubai as early as 2025. Another company hopes to defy expectations and fly participants at the 2024 Paris Olympics. - Backed by billions of dollars in venture capital and established aerospace giants that include Boeing and Airbus, startups across the world such as Joby, Archer, Wisk, and Lilium are spearheading this technological revolution, developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft that could transform the way we travel." Continue Here.
ALPA President Blasts Airbus-Driven Single-Pilot Initiative - "Last week, Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) president Jason Ambrosi took on an Airbus-driven initiative to promote single-pilot operations. He addressed the International Aviation Club of Washington as leader of the organization that represents 78,000 pilots flying for 41 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. - In his address, reported by Forbes, Ambrosi noted the near-disaster in Austin, Texas, in which a landing FedEx crew narrowly avoided a collision with a Southwest Boeing 737 in foggy conditions. The FedEx first officer made the quick decision to..." Read ALPA's Position Here.
Lycoming Clarifies G100UL Warranty Impact - "The world’s largest piston aircraft engine manufacturer has confirmed it may not honor warranty claims on engines that have been run on GAMI G100UL unleaded fuel. In a statement to AVweb, Lycoming said that G100UL is not on its list of approved fuels and while warranty claims are assessed individually, the warranty “does not cover damage caused by operation outside of Lycoming’s published specifications or the use of non-approved fuels or lubricants. - The full statement is copied below. The company did not say what..." Finish Reading Here.
The First Air Force One - From Business Insider - "A historic Lockheed Constellation used by President Eisenhower was nearly abandoned and forgotten. Now, America’s business airplane is being restored as a flying museum." A wonderful piece of history! Read the Full Story Here.
Lawyer Pilot Says G100UL Does Not Void Engine Warranties - "G100UL ® Avgas: Does Its Use Void A Continental or Lycoming Engine Warranty? - “On September 1st , 2022, General Aviation Modifications, Inc. (GAMI) was granted an Approved Model List (AML) Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) by the FAA for its G100UL aviation fuel product for use in every spark ignition piston engine and every airplane using a spark ignition piston engine in the FAA’s Type Certificate database. - “Specifically, in the STC document, the FAA states that G100UL avgas ‘per GAMI Specification G100UL-12C-2 or later approved revision …’ is found to be an ‘approved fuel.’ See STCs SA01967WI and SE01966WI. The FAA also determined that..." Full Story Here.
Public ADS-B Tracking Should Be Optional - "Business jets have become the target of climate protesters, particularly in Europe, and when it was screaming kids locking hands to block maneuvering surfaces or mounting social media tirades against pop icons for their kerosene habits it was tolerable, maybe even useful to the whole discussion surrounding aviation sustainability.- Last week, though, a couple of twenty-somethings got on the ramp at Stansted Airport near London and doused a Gulfstream and..." Read the full opinion Here.
JUNE 2024 KWHP YOUNG EAGLES REPORT - These YE reports may be a bit repetitive, but the joy in so many faces is worth it—it’s not repetitive for the kids! One parent called at 4:30 to report that his son hadn’t yet stopped smiling! And I’m sure each of our pilots has received similar sincerest gratitude from both parents and kids for our flying efforts.
For the day we flew 93 kids, 18 of whom were girls and 79% were first-time fliers. Eight pilots flew today, one for the first time with us. It was gratifying to see the successful training being provided by the more senior Aviation Explorers as many of them prepared to leave us for college within a few weeks. We were also successful, because of the enthusiasm of everybody there, at starting the briefing and the flying about 15 minutes earlier than planned, so we could beat at least some of the heat—my car read 104 as I neared my home around 3:30.
It’s too hard to research whether they are repeaters, but we had 4 kids come from as far as Menifee—that’s 98 miles, from east of Lake Elsinore, and I know we’ve had people come from there in months past. The two from Las Vegas shouldn’t get special mention because of the likelihood they’re visiting grandparents, friends, or other family, but we all know the dangers of assumptions. 20 listed Los Angeles addresses, and 13 from Pacoima or surrounding communities.
The pilots get lots of thank-yous for these efforts and I don’t know how many of our ground crew hear such gratification from our YEs, but they deserve as much recognition as anyone because without them we could hardly be this successful.
We already have 60 kids registered for July 27, so we’ll see you all then as well! - Dave Kolstad, EAA Chapter 40 Young Eagle coordinator, 818-701-6801.
Webmaster: SCAUWG received the following Note from Dave: You have my blanket permission to republish anything I write. I tried to send this to Supervisor Horvath's assistant, but that email bounced. We really need to get this sort of thing to all the Sups.
NBAA Questions FAA’s Plan for New Rules on Flights Critical to Communities - From NBAA - "Washington, DC, June 18, 2024 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is questioning the rationale for a government plan to develop far-reaching new regulations, on alleged safety grounds, for certain on-demand public charter carriers that are often key to aviation service in small communities. - The plan, announced yesterday by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) officials, applies to public charter operators regulated under FAA Part 135 safety rules and Department of Transportation Part 380 economic requirements. - “Safety is the top priority for business aviation, and our sector has an impeccable record of leadership in working with government agencies and other stakeholders in the development of regulations that address safety concerns and put operational needs first. The FAA’s announcement suggests an intention to sidestep both considerations,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
“Specifically, the plan to impose new requirements on these carriers has been introduced without an apparent data-based safety rationale. Additionally, the FAA’s approach to developing the requirements has the potential to relegate to the sidelines the citizens in small communities and other important voices most impacted by this process. - “We call upon the FAA to step forward with a data-driven basis that explains the need for this change and detail its intended process for engaging with all voices in a meaningful dialogue about the agency’s approach to public charter policy.”
Colorado’s Centennial Airport Leads Unleaded Aviation Fuel Initiative with $300,000 Grant Approval - From AVweb -"Local officials and environmentalist groups applauded the decision. In a June 13 press release, Rep. Kyle Brown, who sponsored the bill enabling this funding, said, “With this grant, Centennial Airport and Arapahoe County will continue to lead the way in transitioning towards unleaded fuel. I encourage airports across Colorado to follow Centennial’s lead in applying for this new funding.” "In May 2023, Centennial Airport became the first in Colorado to offer unleaded aviation fuel. Stakeholders say..." Continue Here. - Webmaster: The lesson here might be that leaded fuel critics might serve the public better by following Colorado's lead and finding positive solutions that can ensure that General Aviation continues to support community economic and social development.
Column: The rise and stumbles of the San Fernando Valley Latino political machine - From LA Times - "PART II: THE SAN FERNANDO VALLEY MACHINE SPEAKS" - "Alex Padilla was a 22-year-old managing his first election campaign when advisors issued a challenge: Make sure the kickoff party for your guy has at least 100 guests. - The candidate in the 1995 assembly race: Tony Cárdenas, who had never run for office before. They seemed like a political odd couple. Cárdenas, 10 years Padilla’s senior, was a strapping real estate agent. The tall, deep-voiced Padilla wrote satellite software for Hughes Aircraft. - The two had known each other less than a year but hit it off immediately. They were the sons of Mexican immigrants who settled in Pacoima and attended Mary Immaculate Catholic Church. - Elementary school? Telfair. High school? San Fernando High, where white teachers and counselors told them they would never amount to anything." Read the full account Here.
STRONG OPPOSITION TO POTENTIAL ‘ONEROUS’ AIRSTRIP CLOSURES IN UTAH - From AOPA - "AOPA submitted comments on June 11 to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) after a recent draft management plan detailed a concerning proposal in which aircraft access to 16 airstrips in a Utah national monument would be revoked." Read it Here.
CEO Of The Cockpit: The Enemies List (Corrected) "I am not immune to stupidity, missed cues, gaffes, faux pas, and having my head up and locked. Some of the goofy things I have done in and around airplanes would astound and vex you into wondering how I have lived this long. - I have been around flying for a very long time and have faux-pawed so many times I am tempted to write a biography titled “Two Hundred Stupid Things I Have Done in Airplanes and How I Survived Them.” - Still, even with my background in aviation Tomfoolery, I am stunned by the annoying, insipid and thoughtless things people do to their aircraft and the airports where they are based. - Take this morning. As I drove down the ramp..." Continue.
Bus, bike or...air taxi? US cities prep for road-free travel - From Context - "Cities strap in as air taxis ready for takeoff, perhaps as early as next year - WASHINGTON - It's a bird...it's a plane...no, it's an air taxi and it's coming in to land soon, prompting cities across the United States to get ready for airborne urban travel. - Nobody yet knows exactly what an air taxi even is, how it might look or who will get to use it, but cities know it's on the way and want to be ready for takeoff. - None of the small, electric aircraft in development has yet won full U.S. regulatory approval, but the process is underway, with some companies vying to fly as early as next year. - "This is coming sooner than a lot of people think," said Jacques Coulon, mobility innovation manager for the city of Orlando in Florida." Finish the story Here.
TAA SAYS: "Landing fees are being billed incorrectly." - TAA 6/11/2024 - So far, I have received 3 monthly bills from Vector for landing fees at the Torrance Airport. I found that I was being billed for missed approaches and "go-arounds." These are exempt from landing fees because they qualify for the "Robinson Exclusion" (the aircraft does not touch the runway). The error rate for my three bills ranged from 33% to 54%! - Also, the city ordinance that authorizes the landing fees is based on aircraft "weight"--not maximum take-off weight (which is used by Vector). The fee billed to you may..." Continue Here.
Unleaded Fuel Debate Reaches Alaska - "An effort to speed up the transition to unleaded avgas has emerged in a state where elected officials are on record as trying to delay it. In an op-ed published in the Anchorage Daily News, the Alaska Community Action on Toxics says a drop-in replacement for 100LL is available now (G100UL) and two others are pending (Swift and VP Aviation) and calls a recent statement by members of the Alaska House of Representatives “full of falsehoods.” - "The statement calls on House members to support a resolution giving..." Continue Here.
California Senator Stern - Conversation Notes recalled about SB 1139 (Fuel Bill) - Independent Commentary Received by SCAUWG.ORG
- I spoke to Stern's local district office in Calabasas; they referred me to Sacramento (specifically urging I talk to Stern's legislative director)
- I called into Sacramento and got a hold of the LD (Gil Topete)
- We had a roughly 20 minute conversation--while civil, we didn't exactly agree on everything
- I pointed out the potential for SB 1193 to incite CA general aviation pilots against Stern, his political allies and the CA government for no meaningful reason
- Interesting, Topete's first reaction to this observation was a chuckling remark that GA pilots are not viewed as a major political bloc to worry about. When I pointed out GA pilots are commonly former/future airline pilots and that good legislation requires serious facts to work upon, he stepped back a bit
- As I mentioned at the time, I was 'miffed' by his initial reaction but he did soften a bit with some conversation
- Interesting, Topete's first reaction to this observation was a chuckling remark that GA pilots are not viewed as a major political bloc to worry about. When I pointed out GA pilots are commonly former/future airline pilots and that good legislation requires serious facts to work upon, he stepped back a bit
- I did refer him to the data showing no lead crisis in Pacoima (as Menjivar chose her unveiling at WHP) and noted there is no reason to think trends elsewhere in CA are meaningfully different
- Although Sen. Stern is a co-sponsor of SB1193, Topete did hide behind Sen. Menjivar's skirt with many comments alluding to 1193 as though Stern isn't a co-signer...I reminded him that Stern cannot hitch his star to this wagon without taking on the baggage associated with it
- With time, Topete acknowledged this too, but maintained that Stern may change his mind on SB1193 in the future. Without attacking Topete or Stern, I expressed skepticism citing 'legislative inertia'--once pols sign onto something, they don't usually bail out on it.
- I pointed out the potential for SB 1193 to incite CA general aviation pilots against Stern, his political allies and the CA government for no meaningful reason
- We had a roughly 20 minute conversation--while civil, we didn't exactly agree on everything
During that call, I emphasized two points about SB1193 to Topete several times for clarity:
- I favor the phaseout of leaded fuel--my critique of and skepticism about SB1193 is almost entirely its poor and unrealistic time frame...not any fondness for LL AvGas
- My concerns about SB 1193 bubble up because I am familiar with the relevant topic and its implications--it is troubling that Senator Stern seems unaware of many of the facts and chain reaction effects SB 1193 could initiate due to its faulty terms
- This raises a very troubling question for a pol seeking reelection: what else has he signed onto that is flawed?
Webmaster Comment: A very reliable source has informed SCAUWG.ORG that Senator Stern is very cognizant of the pertinent aviation fuel facts, and that he has repeatedly voted against General Aviation interests.
KTOA "THE AIRPORT REPORT - By Jim Gates (TAA)
There was only one item on the agenda: a motion to “cure and correct” the Commission’s vote in the April 11 meeting to have the Commission Chairperson inquire of the City Manager about the reasons for airport closure at night for four months. The Commission voted 4 to 1 to approve the “cure and correct” motion. One commissioner voted not to approve and provided a well-researched opinion why there was not a violation of the Brown Act and thus no need to “cure and correct.”
Following is the e-mail I sent this morning to the City Council and Airport Commission about the meeting. —Jim Gates
"5/30/2024
Hon Mayor and Members of the City Council:
Now that the charade about the Brown Act violation is behind us, airport users continue to ask about the airfield lighting repair contract awarded to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. in the amount of $427,888 plus a 5% contingency of $21,394 for one year beginning April 11, 2023 and ending April 10, 2024 (recently extended by City Council to the end of 2024):
- Why was the work not authorized to begin immediately after contract award--during the dry season--so it could be completed by end of July 2023 (as the bid required)?
- Why was the authority to proceed delayed for 8 months until after11/25/2023?
- Most important: Who authorized the delay?
- Why, as of 5/29/2024 (13 months after contract award) are all of the airport's taxiway lights and the south runway lights still dark?
- Why has there been NO repair work done in the past 3 weeks? There has been no rain.
The failure by the City of Torrance to maintain the airport (as it had agreed to do) is very concerning to us all.
Please don't throw up the flimsy excuse that you cannot respond because of the TAA litigation over landing fees. This issue is about airport SAFETY and has nothing to do with the illegal landing fees. If the City Council and City Staff listened to their customers, treated them honestly and fairly, and followed the law, there would be no need for litigation in the first place.
At the Special Airport Commission meeting last night, one of the commissioners presented a well-researched argument about why there had been NO VIOLATION of the Brown Act and that the actions taken by the Commission were fully within the powers and duties of the Airport Commission as defined in TMC 13.1.7(a)3: to ". . .make recommendations to the City Council on . . .[t]he operation and administration of the airport." How can the Commission make recommendations unless they ask questions and obtain information about these issues? He did not vote for the "cure and correct" motion.
After the meeting, three additional commissioners said they agreed but they were afraid of legal action if they did not vote for the motion.
Mr. Sullivan, Ms. Ramirez and Mr. Megerdichian were all present at the meeting and made no comment about the commissioner's presentation. If you are interested in what the commissioner said, I strongly recommend that you talk to that commissioner directly and not rely on the information filtered through your staff and City Attorney.
Finally, just about every person who spoke at the meeting, which included commissioners, the leaders of COTAR and members of TAA, commended Anne Minder for her fairness, leadership, and for sharing her aviation experience as Chairperson of the Commission over the years. They also strongly recommended that the Airport Commission NOT be disbanded, but that it be strengthened with members having experience with aviation and that it resume monthly meetings right away.
Respectfully always ready to talk,
Jim Gates"
Webmaster Note: The Vote MAY have been: 3 to 2, (as reported to SCAUWG.ORG)
KTOA AIRPORT COMMISSION LAST MINUTE MTG 5/29 - RE: TAXIWAY LIGHTS NOT WORKING:
Looking at the Physics of STOL Drag - "Racing circuit’s airplanes requires starting and stopping twice while flying less than a mile.- Slowing down matters as much as accelerating in most auto racing, and the same is true of STOL Drag racing. Unlike traditional Reno-style pylon racing, which involves no slowing down whatsoever, STOL Drag requires starting and stopping twice while flying less than a mile.- Since it’s a time trial, the race rewards acceleration, speed on the airborne segment, and deceleration after each landing. But the equation is complicated by the need to begin to slow down long before reaching the far pylon. Pilots accomplish this by..." From FLYING - Read the full story Here.
CURT CASTAGNA, FORMER PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE AEROLEASE GROUP ENTITIES, ANNOUNCES PLANS TO FOCUS EXCLUSIVELY ON AVIATION CONSULTING PROJECTS AND INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION WORK - Personal Statement from Curt Castagna, Longtime LA Area Airport and Aviation Safety Advocate:
Dear City Officials -
I want to make you aware of a situation with my personal business. After over 30 years of working with the family members that make up the Aerolease entities – of which I have had an ownership interest – we are parting ways. This represents the management of LGB and VNY leaseholds for which I continue to have an ownership interest. We have been working on the terms of a separation for some time, but in the midst of these conversations the Aerolease entities family members unfortunately made the situation public with a press release of their legal claims and suit. Below is a statement specific to my continued role as the managing partner of Aeroplex Group Partners. This is a business divorce that needs to be unwound in a rationale reasonable manner for which I am committed. I have no intention of stepping aside from my leadership roles locally and nationally on airport related issues. While some in the industry..." Read the Full Statement and accompanying exhibits Here.
EAGLE Co-Chair Castagna Sued By Former Employer - "National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President and co-chair of the End Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions (EAGLE) Curt Castagna has allegedly been fired by his former employer and is being sued for damages related to his longtime employment there. According to court documents filed in California earlier this month by his employer, Aerolease Associates LLC, Castagna was fired on April 30. The court filing includes a long list of allegations regarding Castagna’s operation of a business of his own while he was working for Aerolease." Full article and lawsuit Here.
VP Racing Responds To Fuel Suitability Comments - "VP Aviation is discounting discussion on forums and comments that its proposed unleaded fuel won’t be suitable for big displacement engines, particularly radials. VP Aviation’s fuel, which is being developed in partnership with Lyondell/Basell, is the last one going through the FAA’s Piston Aviation Fuel Initiative (PAFI) which, if successful, will lead to a “fleet authorization” permitting its use in all gasoline-powered engines. - In a detailed explanation issued to AVweb (copied in full below) VP Aviation..." Finish Reading Here.
Fly A Friendly Pattern Program
These procedures are voluntary, and not mandatory. Do not attempt to follow any of these voluntary noise abatement procedures if any procedure compromises safety and performance of your aircraft.
Use Best Efforts to Maximize Climb after takeoff.
Fly appropriate pattern altitudes.
OLD
When able, implement crosswind turns at 500’ MSL on departure.
NEW (1)
Fly the upwind leg to 1000’ MSL on departure before turning crosswind/downwind, depending on ATC instructions.
Limit the width of the downwind leg to no more than ½ to one mile from runway centerlines of Runway 08L/26R and Runway 08R/26L use visual cues
Aligning Downwind to Carson St., to north on Runway 08L/26R
Aligning Downwind to Willow St. to the south on Runway 08R/26L
(2) MOVED UP FROM BOTTOM
Aircraft should try to touch down in normal touchdown zone to
maximize the usable distance of the runway with appropriate
flight profiles. (2) If a touch and go is attempted, and the landing is made further down the runway, please use full stop taxi back procedures to minimize noise.
Distribute flight activity based on demand and optimize the use of
both 26L and 26R as the prevailing runways to best avoid residential
areas. (3) This is dependent on ATC instructions/ operations.
Adhere to all Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Chapter 16.43
(Airport Noise Ordinance) regulations and Long Beach Airport
recommended noise abatement procedures related to pattern
and flight training:
OLD
Reminder – Touch and Go operations are not permitted after 7 pm
weekly and 3 pm on the weekends and Holidays.
NEW (4)
Touch and Go, Stop and Go, Practice Low Approach, and VFR Practice
Missed Approach can be conducted at the Airport between 7am and 7pm on weekdays and between 8am and 3pm on Saturdays, Sundays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If any such holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday and, as a result, a holiday is observed on the preceding Friday or succeeding Monday, then such Friday or Monday, as the case may be, shall be considered to be a holiday for that purpose.
As a recommendation- No pattern work on any runway after
10 pm- including required full stop and taxi back operations.
(5)
For any pattern work necessary after 10 pm, use a right hand pattern
on the only active runway (30/12) so to mitigate impacts to residential
(2). This statement was moved up from the bottom to create the orderly continuity from “takeoff to landing”.
If a touch and go is attempted, and the landing is made further down the runway, please use full stop taxi back procedures to minimize noise.
This addresses the go/ no go decision to perform a full stop taxi back instead of creating a noise issue at lower altitude due to departing the runway further down. Based on sound decision making.
(3). This is dependent on ATC instructions/ operations.
(4). Touch and Go, Stop and Go, Practice Low Approach, and VFR Practice
Missed Approach can be conducted at the Airport between 7am and 7pm on weekdays and between 8am and 3pm on Saturdays, Sundays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If any such holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday and, as a result, a holiday is observed on the preceding Friday or succeeding Monday, then such Friday or Monday, as the case may be, shall be considered to be a holiday for that purpose. (This can be simplified as needed for clarity.)
This verbiage was taken from the KLGB airport noise ordinance
16.43.030, A. Prohibited activities.
A. Training Operations. No Touch and Go, Stop and Go, Practice Low Approach, or VFR Practice Missed Approach shall be conducted at the Airport except between seven a.m. and seven p.m. on weekdays and between eight a.m. and three p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, New Year’s Day,
(5). “As a recommendation- No pattern work on any runway after
10 pm- including required full stop and taxi back operations.”
For any pattern work necessary after 10 pm, use a right hand pattern
on the only active runway (30/12) so to mitigate impacts to residential
Neighborhoods.
When is pattern work deemed necessary after 10 pm In the above statement (5)?
“As a recommendation- No pattern work on any runway after 10 pm- including required full stop and taxi back operations.”
Doesn’t this contradict the “No pattern work on any runway after 10 pm- including required full stop and taxi back operations.”?
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++=
As seen currently on the website
Use full length of Runway, and full power on departure.
Use Best Efforts to Maximize Climb on departure.
Fly appropriate pattern altitudes.
When able, implement crosswind turns at 500’ MSL on departure.
Otherwise fly the upwind leg to 1000’ MSL on departure before
turning crosswind/downwind.
Limit the width of the downwind leg to no more than ½ to one mile
from runway centerlines of Runway 08L/26R and
Runway 08R/26L use visual cues
Runway 08L/26R
Aligning Downwind to Willow St. to the south on
Runway 08R/26L
Distribute flight activity based on demand and optimize the use of
both 26L and 26R as the prevailing runways to best avoid residential
areas
Adhere to all Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Chapter 16.43
(Airport Noise Ordinance) regulations and Long Beach Airport
recommended noise abatement procedures related to pattern
and flight training.
Reminder – Touch and Go operations are not permitted after 7 pm
weekly and 3 pm on the weekends and Holidays.
As a recommendation- No pattern work on any runway after
10 pm- including required full stop and taxi back operations.
For any pattern work necessary after 10 pm, use a right hand pattern
on the only active runway (30/12) so to mitigate impacts to residential
neighborhoods
Aircraft should try to touch down in normal touchdown zone to
maximize the usable distance of the runway with appropriate
flight profiles.
Limit the width of the downwind leg to no more than ½ to one mile
from runway centerlines of Runway 08L/26R and
Runway 08R/26L use visual cues
Aligning Downwind to Carson St., to north on
Runway 08L/26R
Aligning Downwind to Willow St. to the south on
Runway 08R/26L
Distribute flight activity based on demand and optimize the use of
both 26L and 26R as the prevailing runways to best avoid residential
areas.
Adhere to all Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Chapter 16.43
(Airport Noise Ordinance) regulations and Long Beach Airport
recommended noise abatement procedures related to pattern
and flight training.
Reminder – Touch and Go operations are not permitted after 7 pm
weekly and 3 pm on the weekends and Holidays.
As a recommendation: No pattern work on any runway after
10 pm- including required full stop and taxi back operations.
For any pattern work necessary after 10 pm, use a right hand pattern
on the only active runway (30/12) so to mitigate impacts to residential
Fly A Friendly Pattern Program
These procedures are voluntary, and not mandatory. Do not attempt to follow any of these voluntary noise abatement procedures if any procedure compromises safety and performance of your aircraft.
Use Best Efforts to Maximize Climb after takeoff.
Fly appropriate pattern altitudes.
When able, implement crosswind turns at the highest altitude possible on departure, using 700’ as a reference.
Ask for an early crosswind turn from the tower at a lower altitude if desired.
Fly the upwind leg to 1000’ MSL on departure before turning crosswind/downwind, depending on ATC instructions.
Limit the width of the downwind leg to no more than ½ to one mile from runway centerlines of Runway 08L/26R and Runway 08R/26L use visual cues
Aligning Downwind to Carson St., to north on Runway 08L/26R, Aligning Downwind to Willow St. to the south on Runway 08R/26L
Aircraft should try to touch down in the normal touchdown zone to
maximize the usable distance of the runway with appropriate
flight profiles. If a touch and go is attempted, and you land further down the runway, use full stop taxi back procedures to minimize noise.
Distribute flight activity based on demand and optimize the use of
both 26L and 26R as the prevailing runways to best avoid residential
areas. (3) This is dependent on ATC instructions/ operations.
Adhere to all Long Beach Municipal Code (LBMC) Chapter 16.43
(Airport Noise Ordinance) regulations and Long Beach Airport
recommended noise abatement procedures related to pattern
and flight training:
Touch and Go, Stop and Go, Practice Low Approach, and VFR Practice Missed Approach can be conducted at the Airport between 7am and 7pm on weekdays and between 8am and 3pm on Saturdays, Sundays, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. If any such holiday falls on Saturday or Sunday and, as a result, a holiday is observed on the preceding Friday or succeeding Monday, then such Friday or Monday, as the case may be, shall be considered to be a holiday for that purpose.
As a recommendation- No pattern work on any runway after
10 pm- including required full stop and taxi back operations.
Torrance Airport Update: Posted: 05/14/2024
- The Airport Commission (which is an advisory body for the city council) is being suspended due to a perceived breach of the brown act. Jim Gates asked the commission to aid his request for answers regarding the landing light outage. The commission had an agenda item to "accept and file" a report on the lights. The commission believed that trying to answer the questions posed was within the scope of the agenda and asked the city staff liaison (Gerry Pinela) for advice. That advice was to seek a meeting with the city council to request an answer. The commission then passed a motion to have a meeting with council members to seek answers. The city council saw that as passing a motion for a non-agendized item that violates the Brown Act.
- Because of that, the city council approved a motion to suspend the airport commission for 3 months, placing any necessary responsibilities under the transportation committee. The chair of the transport committee is a real estate developer and city council person, Mattucci.
- At the 7-May council meeting where this happened, the only new member voted in during the March election stated that he believed the airport commission chair (Anne Minder) being a pilot and member of TAA was biased and not operating in the best interest of the city, so while he was not sure of the Brown Act violation, he supported a suspension to determine the path forward.
- Interestingly, the leader of COTAR (the resident group seeking the reform of TOA and driving excuse for the city to take all the sanctions that have been taken), Chuck Costello, said that he wanted the airport commission to continue.
- Anne Minder has resigned as chair of the commission.
- On the brighter side we (TAA) are creating a community outreach pancake breakfast for local residents and pilots (not intended as a fly-in). On 15-June 8 am-noon.
- We have also begun to engage the Chamber of Commerce and are working on ideas of "how we can help businesses grow".
- Also contacted the city's economic development office to see how to advertise Torrance as a destination more accessible because of the airport.
- Discussing how to engage local hotels in a "come to Torrance" via GA campaign
- We seem to lack the power to affect more than ideas...
--
Blue Skies,
Gary Palmer, CFI-SEL, CPL-SEL, AGI, IGI
Torrance, CA
Webmaster Note: Gary is a talented instructor, a motivated airport advocate, and a fine pilot who is genuinely interested in his community for all the right reasons. Gary is a member of TAA and of SCAUWG.
G100UL Maker Refutes NATA Claim That It’s Not Ready To Sell - "Vitol Aviation, which has more than a million gallons of General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI) G100UL unleaded avgas for sale, is disputing claims by the National Air Transportation that the fuel is not ready to be sold. In a statement last week, NATA said that without a fuel specification from ASTM International, which GAMI has chosen not to pursue, fuel suppliers and retailers “lack assurances that the unleaded fuel they are selling will not expose them to liability” and the fuel therefore cannot be considered “commercially available.” But Vitol says it has had no problem getting insurance for its handling of G100UL, the fuel has been fully tested and vetted and it fully intends to bring it to market." Full Comment Here.
NATA’s Hard Line Complicates Fuel Quest - "The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has laid all its cards on the table. We now know why it thinks General Aviation Modifications Inc.’s G100UL unleaded fuel is clearly considered an outlier in the quest for a new drop-in replacement for 100LL even though it has been approved by the FAA via a universal STC for gas engines in certified airplanes (the helicopter process is underway). - According to a statement from NATA, the STC, which in FAA circles is an immensely powerful document, is nothing more than “a positive step” toward..." Full Article Here.
AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE: DO YOU REALLY NEED A COMPASS? - Federal Aviation Administration regulations state that an aircraft operated under visual flight rules must have a "magnetic direction indicator." Does that have to be a compass? - “For every complex problem there is an answer that is clear, simple, and wrong.” - H.L. Mencken. - That’s exactly where I found myself when pondering the question, “Do I need to put a compass in the Titan T-51D Mustang that I’m building?” - Full Story: AOPA Online
Common Scam Types - Useful Info for Pilots and Everyone reprinted here from Capitol One for a common Good -
Payment scams
Be wary if you are urged to make a purchase with the promise of compensation, or if someone offers to make a payment for you, or provides you with bank account info with which to make a payment. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you use a payment method you are not familiar with, you run the risk of ultimately being held responsible for the amount paid.
Employment scams
Be vigilant in validating employment opportunities, especially when exclusively online or working from home. Be suspicious if someone claims to have overpaid you for a job, promises to reimburse for equipment, or asks you to send equipment to an IT dept. The equipment may never be returned, and reimbursements or overpayments may be illegitimate, leaving you liable for the funds. Never divulge personal information online to an unreliable source or through deceptive job
Tech support scams
Tech support claims your computer has malware and requests payment to fix the defects or access your computer.
Impersonation scams
Scammers pose as a legitimate company (like Capital One) or a utility company and request personal information or a payment transfer in order to make things "right" on your account. They might also use a fake caller ID that could show up as a legit company's number and/ or request remote access to your device. Scammer posing as a utility company might warn you to pay your balance within a limited time or else the utility will be shut off.
Fake rental
A house is legitimately listed for sale online, but scammers have set up a fake website and listed the house as a rental. You send your first month’s deposit to a scammer pretending to be the landlord/owner.
Fake websites
Legitimate-looking websites are being created by scammers, and a quick Google search will lead you to a real-looking phone number. When you call, they’ll try to obtain your sign-in details or other information.
Overpayment scams
You receive an overpayment for an item you’re selling, immediately followed by a request to deposit the check (which turns out to be a bad check) and then send the difference via a wire or gift card.
Check cashing
You’re approached outside a bank branch and asked to cash a check for someone who claims they don’t have an account or left their ID home. The bad check will be held against your account when it doesn’t clear.
Romance scams
If you are asked for financial support from a new partner in a relationship that’s been exclusively online, you’re likely a target of this elaborate scheme.
Charity scams
You receive a request to donate to a charity that you've never heard of and for which you can’t find an official website.
Debt relief
You receive a request for payment in order to establish a service relationship to pay, settle or get rid of debt.
FTC / IRS scams
Scam artists are pretending to be IRS officials to get your money. They'll call, email, or text you claiming you owe back taxes or there's a problem with your tax return. They even rig caller ID to make their call look official. They play on your fears.
Investment scams
You receive a request to invest in a business opportunity with promises of high returns and/or getting rich quickly.
Lottery scams
You receive a request to prepay fees or taxes in order to receive a large prize you supposedly won.
Grandparent scam
You receive a call or text message from someone claiming to be a grandchild or loved one asking for money to help with an emergency, plus instructions on where to send the funds.
Puppy scam
Scammers post fake litters online or pretend to be someone they're not (usually an existing breeder) to take advantage of puppy sales (sans the puppies.)
Online Merchant/Marketplace Scams
When responding to ads or interacting in marketplaces on social media, research sellers and products independently to ensure legitimacy. Notice the red flags like a high-ticket item for a price too-good-to-be-true or a buyer who “accidentally” overpaid you for an item or someone asking for personal information or redirecting to an unfamiliar/strange looking URL.
Mortgage closing
You receive an email or text message that looks similar to your real estate agent’s contact info that indicates there is a last minute change to the wiring instructions, and tells you to wire closing costs to a different account.
Business email compromise scams
You receive an email from your supplier/vendor requesting to send money to a different account. The supplier/vendor email appears to be familiar. But this could be a fraudster who obtained access to the network of your supplier/vendor
Flying Through Political Headwinds by Mike Jones - An Excerpt from Cessna Pilots Magazine June 2023 - "Which is exactly the relationship between our local airports and the governments that own them. Airports and politicians are symbiotes in the convoluted process of governance. Every airplane needs an airport. If you recall from Doug Tilghman’s epistles on airports published in this magazine at the beginning of this year, there are about 20,000 airports in the FAA registry. Only about 5,000 are public access airports, and 83% of those are owned by towns, cities or counties. As public facilities, those airports depend upon the largess of city managers, county commissioners and state representatives to deliver funding and grants, which are the “scraps of food” airports need to prosper and grow. Which leads to two very important questions for pilots like you and me. First, how does anybody get the attention of those busy decision makers? Second, lacking a suction cup on the top of my head, what does it take to get them to scatter some greenbacks in the direction of my airport? " Read the Full Mike Jones Commentary Here.