Making STEM Accessible and Fun for Everyone - Have you ever felt intimidated by science, technology, engineering, or math concepts? Well, you are not alone. Emily Calandrelli, aka ‘The Space Gal,’ is on a mission to make STEM easier to understand and fun for everyone! - In this episode, Emily shares how she went from shying away from science to excelling in it, the experience of a lifetime that kicked off her love for aerospace, and how she is making science accessible—especially for kids who don’t initially see themselves in STEM. Hear Emily’s personal stories and advice for finding the confidence to take on hard challenges.

Listen on FAA.gov, Apple Podcasts, or YouTube and share this episode with friends, family, and colleagues. With the right support, anyone can not only survive in STEM but thrive in STEM! - If your curiosity is ignited, check out all the programs, games, puzzles, and events available to K-12 students through the FAA’s STEM Aviation and Space Education (AVSED) program.

(KRAL) Riverside Municipal Airport - City Council issue - Zoning - Dear Mayor Dawson and Members of the Riverside City Council: The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and Vertical Aviation International (VAI) acknowledge the City’s efforts for continued growth and development.

However, we see that the latest rezoning proposal and subsequent development resulting from the change will have major negative impacts on the Riverside Municipal Airport (RAL) and the surrounding community members moving into close proximity to the airport. We respectfully submit these comments in response to Agenda Item #67, urging you not to rezone the property.  To Read the Joint Association letter addressed to the Council regarding their September 17, 2024, meeting agenda item, Click or Tap Here.  Unfortunately, the Council voted to rezone. Webmaster: Area Voters should take note.

Money And The Origins Of ADS-B - "Money and ADS-B are as intertwined as the system’s parts. - I get AOPA's point about the latest way enterprising folks are cashing in on the vast taxpayer-funded data stream that is ADS-B but the umbrage and high dudgeon being expressed is a layer too thick. - We all saw this coming and in fact the use of ADS-B as a billing tool has been around for a while. And it's not just hitting up the idle rich that we all know the GA crowd to be. A few months ago we had a story about a Colorado airport matching ADS-B tracks with decibel readings to nab noise violators. - But the latest kaffufle surrounds a company outside of aviation that has written some software which tracks aircraft movements and can punch out an invoice..."  Finish Reading Here.

WE NEED TO STOP MEASURE TC - 9/12/2024   Special to SCAUWG.ORG      by Jim Gates, Torrance, CA

The Torrance City Council has placed Measure TC on the ballot for November 5 which will make critical changes to the Torrance City Charter. 

Of course, the Torrance City Council supports Measure TC--it includes a 2,600% raise for what is their 2nd job (attending City Council meetings).

But, measure TC also contains a hidden secret poison pill--one that the Council will not talk about.  NOWHERE is there any disclosure that Measure TC will repeal Torrance City Charter Article 15 that defines the Airport Fund and specifies its sources and uses of money.

This is not just a simple accounting exercise, as the Council claims.  Doing so will remove current restrictions on the use of revenues derived from airport property.

That money can then be diverted to ANY City use (like raises for City Council members).  Repeal will mean that funds generated on airport property will no longer be dedicated to airport operation and maintenance--permitting de-funding of those activities and leading to further airport deterioration and eventual closure of our airport.  We all saw last Fall what the real estate interests on the Council plan to do with our airport.  Remember Councilman/developer Kaji's plan to "study" converting our airport into a "planned development?"

Voters previously defeated a similar measure to repeal the Airport Fund Article because they saw it, rightly, as big step toward closing our airport.  But back then, it was publicly advertised.  This time it is purposely hidden within a 49-page list of Charter revisions--some of which are truly needed.  They hope voters won't notice the poison pill.

We must convince Torrance Voters to VOTE NO ON MEASURE TC.  Can you help us again?  Mail-in ballots will be sent to voters about October 1 and voting will commence.

------------END-------------- 

Per the Torrance Government Website https://www.torranceca.gov -  If you desire a copy of the ordinance or measure, please call the elections official’s office at 310-618-2872 and a copy will be mailed at no cost to you.-

ALERT:  Rory M. Shaw Wetlands Park Project - This is an LADPW project that may in itself superficially be a fine neighborhood project, but with regard to Whiteman and Burbank Airports may present a danger.  The project "is a collaborative effort by the Los Angeles County Flood Control District, the City of Los Angeles, and the Sun Valley Watershed Stakeholders Group to address major flooding in Sun Valley. The project’s objectives are to mitigate flood risk and reduce stormwater pollution while increasing water conservation, recreational opportunities, and wildlife habitat. This will be achieved by converting a 46-acre, engineered, inert landfill into a multi-purpose wetlands park. The park will feature a 21-acre detention pond that will provide the capacity to hold runoff collected from the upstream tributary area. The captured stormwater in the detention pond will then enter a 10-acre wetland that will act as a natural water treatment system by removing pollutants from the stormwater. In addition, the wetlands will form a sustainable habitat for various plant and animal species. Finally, the treated stormwater is to be pumped to the existing Sun Valley Park infiltration basins for groundwater recharge." The DANGER: The wetlands and pond might create bird strike potential for the nearby airports.  Departures from Whiteman (located 4NM Northwest) often transition through Burbank Class Charlie airspace, and the wetlands project sits NW of Burbank Airport (RNY 15/33 has a Right Traffic Pattern) and whereas airport remarks already include, "BIRD ACTIVITY NORTH END RY 15/33 AND WEST END RY 08/26.." Beyond the GA traffic risk with Whiteman traffic, additionally as Jet traffic is prevalent at Burbank, a resulting bird strike could result in an unnecessary disaster. More information about the project can be found Here.

Delaware Ag Airport Sets Eyes on Growing GA Future - "From mid-March to mid-November, the 3,585-foot-long paved runway at Chorman Airport is abuzz with activity from sunup to sundown. - The operation is an integral partner to farmers within roughly a 50 nm radius of D74. Typical crops in the region that the company tends to are wheat, barley, pumpkins, watermelons, cantaloupes, peas, sweet corn, and other vegetables, in addition to a strong emphasis in the fall on cover crop seeding."  Read More about One More Way How a Small Airport Can Be Successful Here.

Opinion: North Jersey Can’t Function Without Teterboro Airport - "In response to an article in NorthJersey.com, Michael Egenton from the NJ Chamber of Commerce says the piece failed to mention that TEB is vital for its economic impact on the region." - "Regarding “Airplane noise continues to wreak havoc on North Jersey residents. Can Bergen fight back?,” NorthJersey.com, Aug. 19:

Your recent piece overlooks the significant contributions that Teterboro Airport and the aircraft that utilize it provide to our community and local economy. General aviation, including business aviation, supports $247 billion in economic impact across the country and more than a million American jobs. In New Jersey alone, general aviation airports support more than $2.3 billion in economic activity, with Teterboro Airport accounting for nearly half of that impact. Additionally, the airport is essential for critical medical transport flights and the medical centers in the region. - Moreover, business aviation offers critical advantages to companies, including direct point-to-point transportation, flexible..." Read More Here.

(AOPA OPPOSED) - Florida Airports Lining Up To Impose New Fees - "New airport fees could be coming to several Florida airports, with invoices autogenerated using ADS-B data. - A new proposal to impose landing fees and use ADS-B data for invoicing operators at several Florida GA airports is drawing criticism from the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA). It’s unclear what the revenue from the fees, many tentatively set at $3 per 1,000 pounds of aircraft weight, would be used for. AOPA points out that local taxpayers pay a minimal amount to support airports that are largely federally funded. - The initiative is incentivized by new technological capability..." Finish Reading Here.

Replacing Airline Pilots With AI - Traditional cockpits are becoming transformational. - "Cessna aircraft equipped with Joby Aviation and Reliable Robotics’ autonomy systems fly more than 6,600 miles over the course of a five-day exercise. - The U.S. Air Force is eyeing defense applications for autonomous flight technology being developed by a pair of private companies.

Could you handle a P-47!? Learn to take-off and fly in this instructional video from 1943! - VIDEO - Thanks to Wayne for sending in this legacy story.- "The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt is a World War II-era fighter aircraft produced by the American company Republic Aviation from 1941 through 1945. It was a successful high-altitude fighter, and it also served as the foremost American fighter-bomber in the ground-attack role. Its primary armament was eight .50-caliber machine guns, and it could carry 5-inch rockets or a bomb load of 2,500 lb (1,100 kg). When fully loaded, the P-47 weighed up to 8 tons, making it one of the heaviest fighters of the war.

Astronaut Isaacman: We Need a ‘True Space Economy’ - Before the commander of the world’s first all-civilian mission to orbit leads another astronaut crew into space, pilot and entrepreneur Jared Isaacman shares his vision about building an economy for the commercial space industry. - Read His Vision Here.

Drones in Construction Transforming Site Management and Beyond - "Drones have rapidly evolved from niche technology into essential tools within the construction industry. Their ability to provide aerial perspectives and gather critical data has revolutionised how construction projects are planned, monitored, and executed. - With the capacity to survey large areas in a fraction of the time traditional..."  Finish Here.

GAMI Answers G100UL Criticisms Point By Point - "GAMI founder George Braly offers responses to a series of criticisms and questions about G100UL, his company’s unleaded replacement for 100LL. - Last week's blog was more of an update on progress so far on the replacement of 100LL with unleaded high-octane aviation fuels. In the comments section a reader who uses the title BestGlideSpeed gave a long list of questions and criticisms of General Aviation Modifications Inc.'s (GAMI's) G100UL." - Read full story Here.

Unleaded Fuel Process Needs A Reboot (Revised) - From AVweb - Russ Niles - "The fuel replacement process needs leadership and direction from you-know-who. - So, after a blissfully uneventful week in fuel news here is where we're at. The only candidate trying to develop an alternative to 100LL that's following the clearly preferred method of obtaining approval says it's impossible to make a "drop-in replacement."

Strategies for Solving ‘Checkride-itis’ - "No matter your aviation career goal, every pilot must pass a series of checkrides to earn their stripes. And sooner or later, you may experience what is often referred to as “checkride-itis” – an informal term describing minor fears or nervousness surrounding the testing process that could affect the outcome of a regulatory checkride. - NBAA’s Business Aviation Insider asked three flight training experts to share their thoughts "  Read them Here.

Congressman Flood introduces SAF Information Act - "A Bipartisan bill has been introduced directing the Energy Information Administration to include sustainable aviation fuels in published data sets. - U.S Representative Mike Flood (R) of Nebraska joined Louisiana’s Troy Carter (D) Friday in support of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Information Act. They say it’s designed to give stakeholders more clarity into how production is developing. - Several industry leaders have expressed support of the legislation."   Finish Reading Here.

Archer Bringing Electric Air Taxis to Los Angeles by 2026 - "The manufacturer also has plans to fly in New York, Chicago, and the San Francisco Bay Area in partnership with United Airlines and Southwest Airlines. - “We’re excited to be confirming New York as the first of many routes we’ll be announcing alongside United as we work to build out our national UAM network,” said Adam Goldstein, Archer’s founder and CEO. “We look forward to..." Read Morre Here.

Report: Horvath, NGOs, and Whiteman Airport - By SCAUWG.ORG Guest Reporting - The Sun Valley Area Neighborhood Council (SVANC) hosted Supervisor Lindsey Horvath for a Q&A event with the public on 8/1 from 6-7 pm. Arriving 21 minutes late, Horvath tardily joined the crowd at 6:21 pm to respond to public inquiries, centered mostly on three local topics (one being Whiteman Airport).

Horvath was witnessed as notably evasive on Whiteman amid several attendees' questions about the airport:

• Horvath stated she has ordered Public Works to not take FAA funding, attributing this move to the County's noncommittal about Whiteman Airport's future
  • The Supervisor remained adamant that her funding freeze directive is 'not a final judgment' on the airport from the BOS or herself
    • Reaction to that point among the airport-related attendees was observed to be extreme skepticism.
• Horvath acknowledged the recent LA County Department of Public Health, and also the South Coast AQMD studies that were conducted regarding lead near WHP which concluded that levels found were well below safe allowable standards.
  • Horvath did not concede lead pollution hysteria is baseless; instead, she signaled an interest in more studies—Critics interviewed felt she seemingly wanted to “shop” for a particular study result.
• Although the Supervisor briefly spoke about the County Advisory Committee and its vote, she spoke more about pursuing further studies on 'what the community wants'
  • Horvath's insistence about this was made despite the observed unanimous expression of support for the airport from public speakers at the event.

A common theme throughout the event was Angelenos' frustration with festering issues such as homelessness, crime, and NGOs, which seemingly boast lavish sums of taxpayer dollars with alleged little accountability. A desire for governmental change was palpable while support for the airport remaining operational was also consistent and strong.

As local San Fernando Valley NGOs Pacoima Beautiful and ICONCDC have spent considerable time and taxpayer-funded resources proposing the shutdown of Whiteman Airport some observers alleged they have done so whilst turning a blind eye to homelessness, crime, and other issues, causing neighborhood anger at current conditions, and NGO activities, and the perceived direct ties to Whiteman politics.

Comments in the form of Letters to the Editor are always invited. Send responses to contactus@scauwg.org

Forget about closure, instead reinvest - As the town of Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, considers the closure and sale of Bloomsburg Municipal Airport, AOPA is offering alternative development options that would instead preserve the airport.- Read it Here.

Business Aviation SAF Coalition Urges Consistency, Flexibility in USDA Rules for Biofuel Feedstocks - "Home » Business Aviation SAF Coalition Urges Consistency, Flexibility in USDA Rules for Biofuel Feedstocks » Press Releases - Business Aviation SAF Coalition Urges Consistency, Flexibility in USDA Rules for Biofuel Feedstocks - Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-431-5970, dhubbard@nbaa.org -  Washington, DC, Aug. 1, 2024 – A business aviation coalition has called on the Biden administration to follow the approach the government uses for existing biofuel programs when it develops rules to quantify and verify greenhouse gas emissions from various feedstocks for producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Those rules will determine the level of Inflation Reduction Act tax incentives available to SAF producers. - The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is seeking comments as it tries to encourage the use of climate-friendly farming practices to develop SAF feedstocks. The Biden administration’s SAF Grand Challenge aims to have the U.S. producing 3 billion gallons of SAF by 2030."  Continue Here.

NBAA Supports New Rule Providing Relief from Medical Certificate Requirements for Check Pilots, Flight Instructors - "Part 135 operators may soon find obtaining check pilot and flight instructor services easier, thanks to a final rule recently published by the FAA. - The final rule, Removal of Check Pilot Medical Certificate Requirement, removes inconsistencies in qualification requirements for check pilots so they may continue to perform functions in aircraft without a medical certificate unless they are serving as required flightcrew members. The rule similarly removes the medical certificate requirement for flight instructors in Part 135 commuter and on-demand operations who perform their functions in aircraft and are not serving as required flightcrew members. - The rule went into effect July 18."  More Here,

Samson Switchblade flying car gets new look - "Samson Sky, maker of the experimental Switchblade flying sports car, announced design updates that the company says will improve the vehicle’s thrust/drag issues -The company announced the successful first flight of the Switchblade in November and immediately began refining the design of the original rear, single-ducted fan, and fuselage. These redesigns allowed the company to keep what worked well in the original design but include additional protection for the flight components when in ground mode, and improve performance. - Sam Bousfield, Samson Sky founder and CEO, said, “We validated many parameters during flight testing including stability in all three [axes], positive control authority, balanced control feel, and effectiveness of the flaps for descent and landing. We also validated that we needed more thrust and less drag.” - The new design was showcased with a..." Continue Here

FAA Addresses Air Traffic Controller Fatigue With Updated Protocols - "The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has partnered with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) to ensure controllers receive enough rest in between their shifts. The aviation industry has grappled with a string of safety-related incidents involving pilots and air traffic controllers.

Under a new agreement, controllers will have a turnaround time of as much as 12 hours, and will have limitations on how many overtime assignments they can be scheduled for consecutively. Additionally, the FAA is actively working on growing its controller workforce by nearly 2,000 this year.  - “A public safety issue” - Both agencies announced..."  Continue Here.

Fuel Fight Heats Up A Little - "

Tensions flared briefly at a forum on progress toward an unleaded replacement for avgas on Monday. During the public comment period after formal presentations, Tim Roehl, president of General Aviation Modifications Inc., challenged a couple of points made during the presentations of members and support staff from the End Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions and told the crowd, smaller than in previous years, that contrary to assertions made during the formal part of the forum, GAMI’s G100UL is indeed ready for distribution and sale. EAGLE member Pete Bunce, president of the General Aviation Manufacturers’ Association, stood up and dismissed Roehl’s assertion. “I totally disagree but that’s a discussion for another day,” said Bunce. - In earlier comments, Bunce said his organization is adamant that any new fuel will be approved through “transparency and a peer reviewed process” which has traditionally been done through..."  Continue Here.

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.

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

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