So Cal Airports and the Challenges to Flight
are intended to be detailed herein! - With selected FAA Western Region Airports
CLASS C CONFLICT with CHINO Traffic Pattern
Airports each are unique; each has a different set of individual factors that drive the operations to/from and at the airport.
Our goal is to publish that data often known only by the local pilots, so that visitors can be equally informed and plan their flights more effectively. Certainly, there is a plethora of standardized information available, but most publications often don't paint the "rest of the story."
Included also, are some destination airports that So Cal flyers my want info about.
What are the common mistakes pilots often make? Is there a noise abatement policy? Where is the best place to land if one experiences an engine failure during take off, or near the airport? From which direction do most arrivals come from? What are the common aircraft position reporting points? Transient parking? Where is the airport management office? Are there particular airport "hot spots" that have been causing troublesome incursions? Is airport signage and runway/taxiway marking up to date? Are there local pilot associations and/or events that pilots might find attractive? Do airport FBOs offer unique and specialized types of flight instruction? How about seasonal weather conditions?
Do you have the answers to these and other questions with regard to your favorite airport? Are you willing to write a few paragraphs and share your tips and suggestions?
4/17/2018 We are currently building this page. YOU are invited to help us grow this section! Experienced folks that have insightful info about their favorite airports, particularly if it might not be available via the regular sources, are invited to contribute here! Send what you would like to share to: scauwg@earthlink.net Thanks!
We will include Destination Airports that So Cal pilots might well be expected to fly to.
NOTE: FAA.Gov has an Airport Data & Contact Info page. Up to date Access to Airport Data Importer Tools, Airport Data Dictionaries, Airport Data Query Sites, FAA Form 5010 - Airport Master Record and Modification Reports are made available. This page also allows you to select view many other airport information categories e.g. airshows, ARFF Airport Rescue and Firefighting and other pertinent topics. A LINK to the AIRPORT DATA & CONTACT INFO PAGE follows: FAA AIRPORT DATA & CONTACT INFO PAGE
Another WONDERFUL RESOURCE - In 2012 the FAA published, GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORTS: A NATIONAL ASSET. "A fresh look at the many roles General Aviation Plays in the National Airspace System" This is a detailed description of the benefits that GA Airports offer, and a compliment to the communities that support them. You can view this .pdf file HERE.
As members of the pilot community, we all need to help ensure the safety and security of our airports and aircraft. You can read more about just how to do that in the TSA SECURITY GUIDELINES for GENERAL AVIATION AIRPORT OPERATORS & USERS .pdf file. READ IT HERE.
Are you planning a FLIGHT to ARIZONA? Visit this Vital RESOURCE FIRST! Arrival/Departure Info, Airport Info, Practice Area Overlays for ForeFlight and Garmin Pilot, New ATC Procedures, and safety training material as well. CLICK HERE for the Arizona Flight Training Workgroup site powered by their FAASTeam.
Aviation Safety Advisory Group of Arizona, Inc. ASAG is made up of volunteers working to educate and promote safe aviation practices. Pilots, Aviation Maintenance Technicians, Airport Managers, Air Traffic Controllers etc. are members 2/07/22 - The New just published ASAG brochure is available - Click Here
MEXICO ?? Are you planning a trip to Baja or MEXICO? - READ THIS REPORT FROM BAJA BUSH PILOTS - RE: MEXICO REGULATIONS BEING ENFORCED!! AIRPORTS NEED CURRENT MEXICO LICENSING!! ESTABLISHED RULES + NOW + BEING ENFORCED - a link to the Baja Bush Pilots Website where you can access Flight Plan and Mexico WebCam info is HERE More Info about the CURRENT Airport Regulations Click: READ MORE HERE For a list of registered airports and a lot of other Mexican Airport information from (IN SPANISH) Click Here.
Historical Aircraft Owners Affected by COVID-19 that Need Airport Display Days:
A link has been added to the State Board of Equalization’s website on the home page https://boe.ca.gov/ under the IMPORTANT banner area that links to the California Assessors’ Association’s letter regarding the historical aircraft exemption. Refer to the screen shot below – the link is from “Historical Aircraft Owners Affected by COVID-19”. Placing this information on our agency’s website will provide additional exposure beyond the California Assessors’ Association (CAA) website, and the CAA letter that was distributed electronically to each of the 58 California County Assessors from the President of the CAA. - Lisa Thompson, Chief, Taxpayers’ Rights Advocate Office, State Board of Equalization - Use the following link to access the 2020-11-02 CAA Letter Regarding Historic Aircraft Exemption: https://calassessor.org/index.php/component/edocman/2020-11-02-caa-letter-regarding-historic-aircraft-exemption?Itemid=0 -This information was provided by SCAUWG member Captain John Ringel.
Las Vegas Metroplex began in February 2021:
"Implementation of the Las Vegas Metroplex initiative, including 45 new or changed procedures, will begin... ...creating efficiencies and deconflicting airspace around McCarran International Airport (LAS), Henderson Executive Airport (HND) and North Las Vegas Airport (VGT)." Continue HERE to read about it from NBAA.
New airspace procedures have been established for aircraft arriving and departing the Las Vegas, NV area to enable more efficient handling of traffic. North Las Vegas (VGT), Henderson Executive Airport (HND), as well as Las Vegas International Airport (LAS) have updated their arrival and departure procedures. Study these PRIOR TO departing. Expect to fly the procedure as published––do not expect radar vectors. If your clearance includes the phraseology descend or climb “VIA” you must abide by the waypoint altitudes published on the procedure (unless otherwise cleared or instructed). When you hear "Climb or Descend VIA" think Verify Intermediate Altitudes. Lastly, pay close attention to directional arrows that specify the course to be flown on the procedure. - More information on the Las Vegas Metroplex here: https://www.faa.gov/TV/?mediaId=2153
2021 - Presidential TFRs Possible - Wilmington, Delaware Area - Notice: CHECK NOTAMS
Ex.: Presidential TFR
"The TSA began identifying and planning the gateways after receiving the draft restrictions prepared by the FAA. AOPA has been working with the FAA and other agencies since October to gather information about how future presidential TFRs might impact general aviation operations, part of a years long effort spanning many administrations to mitigate the economic damage and inconvenience that these restrictions can cause." - AOPA
California Airports Continue Solar Energy Trend - from AINonline
"With sustainability becoming a major focus in business aviation, more hangar keepers, particularly in California with its abundant sunshine, are turning to solar energy to power their operations. Among the latest are Clay Lacy Aviation at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) and Aeroplex/Aerolease Group at Long Beach Airport (LGB)." Read the article Here
Flying over Grand Canyon?
The Grand Canyon Special Flight Rules Area is a complex set of flight rules. Flight Free Zones below 8,000' and 14,000' MSL. Specific altitudes, frequencies and altimeter settings for each sector on the chart. Familiarize yourself with the flight rules that are published for this airspace under 14 CFR § 93 Subpart U, and the notes on the Grand Canyon VFR Aeronautical Chart.(https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/productcatalog/vfrcharts/grandcanyon/).
If it's summer, the temperatures will be high. That means density altitude will be a factor, so be sure to recognize (and calculate) your aircraft’s limitations, as well as your own. Gusty winds and thunderstorms are a factor, too. Preflight planning to include a check of the forecast weather is essential.
Of Note to ALL PILOTS:
A Guide to Airparks: "Erik McCormack, a realtor and real estate developer from Arizona, created AirparkMap.com, which also proved helpful in adding to the Living With Your Plane dataset." Continue Reading about the Guide HERE. View the Guide HERE.
FAA Begins Adding Weather Reporting Stations across Alaska:
WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has started installing technology across Alaska to provide weather conditions to pilots before they take to the skies. -Eight new Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) will provide continuous, real-time and accurate weather information on remote areas of Alaska. The sites, recommended by the Alaska aviation community, should be operational by October 2022.
“We heard from the Alaska aviation community that they need more real-time weather information to operate safely, and we are delivering on the commitment we made to provide that,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. - The eight new stations will be located in Akiachak, Coldfoot, Crooked Creek, Kotlik, Nulato, Perryville, Tok Junction and Tununak. Weather information from these locations gives all pilots a preview of what to expect when arriving and allows Instrument Flight Rule pilots to conduct instrument approaches to the lowest possible minimums, increasing the safety and predictability of operations.
Last fall, the FAA released recommendations to increase safety in Alaska after a yearlong, sweeping examination of safety challenges specific to flying in the state. The Alaska aviation community repeatedly told the FAA that additional weather information for pilots was necessary. Aviation safety is especially important to rural and Tribal communities in Alaska, 82% of which are only accessible only by air. - The FAA and National Weather Service currently manage nearly 132 similar weather systems in Alaska.
Sustainability is now. How ready is your airport?
12/7/2021 COP26 Info etc. - From Honeywell & International Airport Review - A new survey conducted by Honeywell and The Business Journals revealed that 93% of the U.S companies view sustainability as a lasting trend. According to the same report, companies focus their major sustainability initiatives on the physical spaces where they operate and the energy efficiency of the buildings they own and/or lease.Aviation is one of the most quoted industries when it comes to the public pressure to reduce its carbon footprint. Just before the Transportation Day at the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP26, the United States announced its massive plan of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from the domestic aviation sector by 2050. According to the FAA, the decarbonization of the sector should be achieved through four major initiatives: sustainable fuel, new aircraft technologies, increasing operational efficiency as well as cutting airport emissions and boosting airport resiliency.Airports Council International launched, back in 2019, a Sustainability Strategy for Airports aimed at providing a “systematic approach to sustainability at airports and practical guidance on how to achieve it.” Following this initiative, the European airports committed through ACI EUROPE to achieve net zero carbon emissions for operations under their control by 2050.
Ice Runway anyone?
02/15/2022 ALTON BAY'S FAMOUS ICE RUNWAY NOW OPEN (No Skis Required) - ARTICLE - From AOPA - "Ice runway season at New Hampshire’s Alton Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee is officially underway, and 30 aircraft arrived for opening day. - The ice runway is generally open from January to March, though the date can fluctuate. Airport Manager Paul LaRochelle posted progress reports on Facebook as work to clear and measure the ice was underway, and above-normal temperatures did delay things a bit. (Even more uncooperative weather in 2020 scuttled the runway entirely.) The ice runway is a tradition that dates to the 1960s, and it remains the only airport of its kind in the contiguous United States.
FAA Alaska Aviation Safety Initiative (FAASI) FY21 Final Report
03/12/2022 A very complete file that details the Alaska experience. For those of you who might be flying there, and desire to stay in touch with the current safety recommendations, the new weather stations being built, or anything else Alaska, you can View It Here.
Second Round of Airport Improvement Grants - $518 Million
06/26/2022 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded $518 million to build safer, more accessible airports across the country. - “In communities of all sizes, airports are vital to local economies, sustaining jobs and getting people and goods where they need to go,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We’re pleased to announce this important funding to help improve airports around the country and better serve all Americans.”
The second round of the 2022 Airport Improvement Program (AIP) awards includes 416 grants to airports across the U.S. to fund a variety of projects such as construction of new and improved airport facilities, repairs to runways and taxiways, maintenance of airfield elements like lighting or signage, and purchasing equipment needed to operate and maintain airports. View an interactive map with all the awards.
“We’re investing $518 million in airports across America so communities big and small can continue to safely and efficiently connect with the rest of the world,” said FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Shannetta Griffin, P.E
Airport Data and Information Portal
The Airport Data and Information Portal web page of the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). - The information available from this page has been updated to Effective Date August 11, 2022, data from FAA's Aeronautical Data Team.
Ever Landed at an Air Force Base? Visit One with a Fly-In Aviation Museum
From Flying: Find out How - Including one California Base HERE.
An Airport List Follows:
Bakersfield Municipal - (L-45)- Rocket café is gone . Glitz café is now in operation, 7 days/wk, 06:00 -14:00. Used to take my IFR students to Meadows for ILS, go missed and break left for circling into L-45, land, lunch ! - Reported to SCAUWG.ORG by: RS, FAAST Rep.. 11/14/2020
BIG BEAR FOR BREAKFAST - FUN WITH FOREFLIGHT FLY-OUT - Article - From AOPA - "One of my favorite airports, Big Bear City Airport in California, made the ForeFlight Fly-Out list in May, so it was a perfect excuse to get up in the air and fly from Zamperini Field in Torrance to the San Bernardino Mountains." Read it Here.
Brackett Airport KPOC Noise Abatement Program
Brackett Airport (BAA Release) "Currently, we are staging the monthly aircraft and auto display events on the third Sunday of the month without the use of cones and streamers and promotion to the public at large as required by the county. Notably with the impact of Covid-19, public access to the Brackett Field
Terminal has been closed. As a result we will not be able to host the BAAAnnual Christmas Dinner this year."
Cable Airport Suggested Pattern
Catalina - Airport in the Sky - ACE Clearwater Airfield - re-opens MAY 25
Catalina Reopened! See it Here
Chino Airport & Rnwy PowerPoint
Chino Airport Runway Safety Video
Chino Airport traffic Pattern conflict with Ontario Class C
Chino Airport SoCal Pilots Association to be revived - Read about it in this newsletter
Chino - 11/06/2019 - regarding the recent new SoCal Pilots Association debut meeting - "The meeting at Chino went well. Only had about 20 come. Had a new member join, and most seemed interested and supportive. It was a good draw to have the FAA brass (Dr. Paul Foster FAA FPM Riverside) speak. George has done a good job pulling it together. However, Chino will not have another meeting until after the first… due to holidays and Christmas party December 7th." - quote from SoCal Association member in attendance.
Colorado Ski Country Airports
If you are planning to fly in to one or more of Colorado’s ski country airports this season, please be advised that due to increased traffic ATC has instituted some new procedures. - Required routes will be used into ski country airports on days of significant demand. These route structures aid Denver Center in creating the most efficient flows into the mountain airports. These required routes will be sent out daily in the Air Traffic Command Center Advisories < https://www.fly.faa.gov/adv/advAdvisoryForm.jsp>. Additional airports have been added to the ski country required routes this year to include the following: ASE – Aspen; EGE – Eagle; RIL – Rifle; GJT – Grand Junction; GUC – Gunnison; HDN – Hayden; MTJ – Montrose; TEX – Telluride
View the required routing and graphical depiction in the specific Letter to Airmen, which can be found by completing a NOTAM search for your destination (SKI COUNTRY) airport: https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch/nsapp.html#/
Deer Valley Airport (KDVT) Safety Videos
Denver Metroplex Project Environmental Website
El Mirage Dry Lake - El Mirage, CA - To KBFFI (Ken Brock Freedom Fly-In) with Henry - two gyroplanes travel together through the High Desert: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOxfbtbXsrA
Arriving At KBFFI 2020 - two gyroplanes arriving at the El Mirage Dry Lake: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLjIO1dvi_8
KBFFI 2020 - Woodstock (an American Ranger AR-1 gyroplane) Arrives for the Day 2 Activities: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fgb7_xe45XA
Fullerton Airport KFUL Pilot Guide and Noise Abatement Program
Gillespie Field - Pilot & Airport_Resource_Guide_PDF
Gillespie Field NOTAMs - Issued 7/12/2020 - IMPORTANT LINKS: Check your NOTAMs - Download the Pilot Safety Card - 27L T&G VNAP - Helo Pioneer Pattern
Gillespie Field - 01/19/2022 NTSB Issues Preliminary Report on Fatal Learjet Crash Near El Cajon - From San Diego 7 "The Learjet 35 crashed on Dec. 27, killing all four people aboard" Pictures / Illustrations Here.
Hawthorne PILOT GUIDE & NOISE ABATEMENT PROCEDURES PDF
Hawthorne Airport Noise Fact Sheet PDF
Hawthorne Airport Questions & Answers PDF
Hawthorne Airport - Timeline of recent Efforts to Reduce Noise PDF
Hayward Executive Airport Runway Safety Vignette
Henderson Executive Airport (HND) - From the Flight Deck Video Series
03/06/2022 - LRSAT's: The LRSAT for HND, revealed a couple of useful things. First off, they have had continuing issues with pilots leaving the runup area in the northwest corner, and have lined up for takeoff on taxiway A instead of 17R. Solutions are being worked on. Secondly BVU will be getting a control tower, with an associated class D airspace. It is scheduled to be operational at some point after the Super Bowl (in Las Vegas) in 2024.
Hollywood Burbank Airport Info and Noise Issue Data
Honolulu International Airport Runway Safety Video
John Wayne Orange County Runway Safety Video (Updated 2/12/2022)
John Wayne Airport - ACI Jet FBO Info & More
John Wayne Airport Improvement Plan - Read about it in this SoCal Pilots' Newsletter
John Wayne Airport - SoCal Pilots March 2020 Newsletter
The Las Vegas Metroplex - New airspace procedures have been established for aircraft arriving and departing the Las Vegas, NV area to enable more efficient handling of traffic. North Las Vegas (VGT), Henderson Executive Airport (HND), as well as Las Vegas International Airport (LAS) have updated their arrival and departure procedures. Study these PRIOR TO departing. Expect to fly the procedure as published––do not expect radar vectors. If your clearance includes the phraseology descend or climb “VIA” you must abide by the waypoint altitudes published on the procedure (unless otherwise cleared or instructed). When you hear "Climb or Descend VIA" think Verify Intermediate Altitudes. Lastly, pay close attention to directional arrows that specify the course to be flown on the procedure. - More information on the Las Vegas Metroplex here: https://www.faa.gov/TV/?mediaId=2153
KLGB - LGB OPERATIONS ADVISORY 2021-09 and 2021-10 - Two advisory bulletins were issued by the airport in December for work being done on Taxiway Lima. Between January 5th and May 4th 2022:
• Runway 30/12 will be closed from 2200 to 0600 Sunday through Thursday
• Runway 26R/8L will be active nightly from 2200 to 0600 Sunday through Thursday
• Runway 30/12 will be shortened by approximately 1000 feet
This work marks the beginning of a major construction project to improve the safety of the Long Beach Airport and is expected to
last through August 2022. The $25 million project, primarily funded by grants from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
will bring the airport in line with the latest FAA standards.
The project will reconstruct Taxiway L, which is the primary taxiway for all departing commercial aircraft. The asphalt pavement has
reached the end of its useful service and will be reconstructed with concrete pavement that has an anticipated service life of 40 years.
Because the construction will occur adjacent to the main runway, Runway 12-30 will close nightly from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. through
approximately August, with the exception of Friday and Saturday evenings. Due to the closure, operations will shift to Runway 08L26R, which runs parallel and just north of Wardlow Road.
Diagrams are available at Long Beach Flying club. If you have any questions, contact LGBOperations@longbeach.gov.
KLGB - Long Beach Airport Runway Safety Video NEW 2/2022 See it HERE
KLGB - LONG BEACH PRACTICE AREA submitted by RICHARD GARNETT as published in the Feb. 2022 Long Beach Flying Club Newsletter -
"SoCal Approach - “Cessna 48340, traffic alert! Traffic 12 o’clock, one mile, same altitude, opposite direction, if you don’t have
traffic in-sight advise that you climb immediately!”
"As many of you who fly in the Long Beach Practice Area regularly have noticed, traffic volumes have increased dramatically. It is
not unusual for 15 or more airplanes to be operating in our practice area at the same time. All of which are performing various
training maneuvers, moving at a 100 knots in all directions and altitudes.
It has been more than five years since the last mid-air collision in our practice area. Now, with the increase in traffic volume, and the
number of close-calls that several of you have reported to me and that I have experienced, I fear that another tragic accident will
likely occur again soon.
I know all of you are conscientious about staying safe in the practice area. Nevertheless I want to remind everyone to be extra
vigilant in looking for traffic. Use the proper frequencies to announce your position - 121.95 above 2,000 and 122.85 below 2,000.
Be aware however, that not everyone will be on these frequencies. Many pilots may be communicating with SoCal approach and
unable to hear your calls. If you use SoCal for traffic advisories, be aware that VFR traffic separation is their lowest priority and
available on traffic permitting basis.
If you don’t have ForeFlight and a Sentry (SCAUWG.org Note: or other hardware/software) for seeing traffic on your I-Pad, please get it. It’s an investment that may well save your life.
Look outside and clear your blind spots! As flight instructors, we can easily get focused on a teaching moment inside the cockpit and ignore what’s going on outside the airplane. I’m sure those were causal factors in the previous mid-air collisions. Recognize when there is just too much traffic in the practice area for you to operate safely. Be flexible and willing to divert to an airport for landing practice for example.
Please, please, please, watch out! The pilot in command’s (PIC) primary responsibility is to see and avoid other aircraft and to help
them see and avoid his or her aircraft."
KLGB Suggested Helicopter Arrival/Departure Routes videoed in-flight HERE
KLGB Covid Alert News: 11/24/20 Pattern work may be "touch and go." Clearance delivery may ask you your intentions. Check NOTAMS!
KLGB - CHANGES TO THE CHART SUPPLEMENT SOUTHWEST - The “Noise” section of LGB’s Airport/Facilities Directory listing was changed from:
Touch and go, stop and go, low apch only permitted 1500–0300Z‡ weekdays and 1600–2300Z‡ weekends and hol only on Rwy 08L–26R and Rwy 08R–26L.
to
Touch and go, stop and go, practice low apch, VFR practice missed apch only pmtd 1500–0300Z‡ weekdays and 0800–
1500Z‡ wkends and hols only on Rwy 08L–26R and Rwy 08R–26L.
Many thanks to RICHARD GARNETT & the Long Beach Flying Club for pointing out this omission!
KLBG - 06/27/2022 - The runways and taxiways at Long Beach Airport soon will be brighter and conserve more energy with the installation of more than 500 new LEDs as part of the Runway 12-30 electrical project. The new lights, to be installed this summer, are expected to save approximately 20KW per night, conserving energy and cutting the electricity bill by about $3,800 per year. Maintenance costs also are expected to be less since the bulbs have a longer life expectancy
KLGB - 09/01/2022 -TOWER SURVEY — Last month we sent a survey with the emailed newsletters to gather information about how Long Beach
Tower was being perceived by our pilots. The reason I was interested is due to the delays and outright denials that general aviation
fights were getting for about two-and-a-half months, from mid-April to late June. Eighty five percent of responses rated LGB
tower a 4 or a 5, on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best. However, sixty percent reported that they were unable to complete
several flights due to the pattern being closed. Tower’s phraseology was reported to be similar to, “pattern work unavailable until
further notice”, which was also put on the ATIS. The most damaging thing for our industry was that there were many checkrides
that couldn’t be completed because the tower would not approve of even a single circuit, with no other traffic in the pattern. DPE’s
were forced to plead for access to the airspace to no avail. The good news is the problems have mysteriously stopped. We don’t
know if the issues were to staffing, a union slowdown, retraining due to a near mid-air event, or a deliberate sabotage of general
aviation. There were understandable tower closures for covid cleaning of the tower; the airport went CTAF for about 3 hours at a
time. It is really hard to understand why the tower would refuse pattern work, some days from 9 am to 7 pm, cancelling the entire
day for touch and goes. We’ll continue to investigate, but for now, we are baffled.
Los Alamitos Army Airfield - Joint Forces Training Base - Unofficial Homepage: http://www.aircav.com/sli.html
8/2021 - The California National Guard is in the early stages of planning to build a solar microgrid at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos that would provide a reliable energy source if a disastrous earthquake were to cut power in the Los Angeles area. The project would consist of 99 acres of solar panels.
Marana Regional (KAVQ). - 09/18/2021 Here is Arizona Aviation Safety Advisory Group's new safety video for Marana Regional Airport (KAVQ) !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTBHrJnpGeo
From YouTube: Arizona Aviation Safety Advisory Group - From the Flight Deck video for Marana, Arizona is the first in a series of videos from the Arizona Aviation Safety Advisory Group (ASAG) produced to complement the FAA's From the Flight Deck videos. ASAG's focus is to raise pilot's awareness of potential problems before they visit an unfamiliar non-towered airports or airspace in Arizona and is not intended as a substitute for thorough preflight planning. Nor is it possible for us to cover all potential hazards a pilot might encounter during a flight. We encourage all pilots to visit these web sites to compliment their normal flight preparation:
https://www.faa.gov/go/fromtheflightd...
https://www.asagaz.org
https://www.aftw.org
https://www.faasafety.gov
-The July (2020) issue of the Arizona Pilots Association newsletter included text written about Non-Towered Airport Flight Operations. General illustrations were added that do not apply to Marana Regional during parachute operations so the data found via the following link with the Drop Zone diagram attached is designed to help get the word out about Marana Regional (KAVQ). Get the info by clicking here: https://scauwg.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/AVQ-Parachute-Drop-Zones-r-2020-1.pdf
The problem is at some airports overflying the field and performing midfield entries to the traffic pattern is unsafe. The AWOS at Marana Regional (KAVQ) announces do not overfly the field and do not fly missed approach procedures for the RNAV/GPS 12 and RNAV/GPS‐E approaches during parachute operations. Both the RNAV/GPS 12 and RNAV/GPS‐E missed approach procedures have trajectories that pass directly through the drop zone (DZ), as can overflying and midfield pattern entries. Here is a link to the Chart Supplement for more information on AVQ and nearby Pinal Airpark (MZJ) https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/flight_info/aeronav/digital_products/dafd/search/
KAVQ Marana Regional Airport Voluntary Noise Abatement Program - https://www.maranaaz.gov/s/Noise-Abatement-Flyers-PILOTS-Reduced.pdf - Detailed Procedures are illustrated HERE. Take a Look! 🙂 Added 12/16/2021
March ARB - (and Surrounding Airports) - MIDAIR COLLISION AVOIDANCE(MACA) PAMPHLET - MARCH AIR RESERVE BASE - IMPORTANT MIDAIR SAFETY - "Southern California is noted for many things. One of them, unfortunately, is the potential for a midair collision due to the heavily congested airspace. This part of the country is one of the most hazardous areas in the world for aircraft. In order to reduce the risk of a major accident, know your personal limitations, learn as much as possible about the airspace system you operate in and know the flight characteristics of the aircraft around you. This pamphlet was developed in the interest of promoting flight safety. It details factors affecting vision, collision avoidance techniques and March ARB aircraft and their departure/approach routes. Hopefully this information will assist you in avoiding situations where the potential for a midair collision is the greatest." Webmaster: Dated 2017 but this 16 page PDF is incredibly detailed and provides chart depictions of the many March ARB operations and the airports that surround March ARB. Also provides many references and a link to today's current issue of, "From March Field" with updated events and info. Get it HERE. Note: An Update re: Peris Valley - "Perris Valley: The frequency is 122.775 (see small insert frequency box on chart) We don't listen to 122.90. Please DO NOT fly over this airport 14,000 and below. 9 multi engine jump planes. Maybe 15 ultra lights. Usually one of the top 3 busiest drop zones in the United states."
McClellan-Palomar Airport - Voluntary Noise Abatement Program, See it HERE.
Montgomery-Gibbs Executive Airport in San Diego has been approved to undergo $16 million in improvements, with fixed base operator Executive Airpark set to add parking facilities, build and renovate 69,800 square feet of hangar, install a fuel farm and construct a 5,850-square-foot flight club lounge. Future plans include the creation of an urban mobility hub and the development of an aviation museum.
Ontario International Airport - Ontario International Airport (ONT) is the fastest growing airport in the United States, according to Global Traveler, a leading publication for frequent fliers. Located in the Inland Empire, ONT is approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the center of Southern California. It is a full-service airport which, before the coronavirus pandemic, offered nonstop commercial jet service to 26 major airports in the U.S., Mexico and Taiwan. Please see SCAUWG.ORG's Runway Safety News Page for data about the ONT Runway / Taxiway Improvement program. More information is available at www.flyOntario.com.Follow @flyONT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Ontario International Airport, Ontario, Calif.: September 2021 AIP Supplemental Funding: $15.2 million to reconstruct 832,000 square feet of taxiways and their connectors. The project will allow for a safer and more efficient flow of aircraft traffic on the airfield. This large project will result in jobs during construction and accommodate permanent job growth at this growing airport that is experiencing increased demand for passenger and cargo service.
Oxnard Airport (KOXR) - Runway and Taxiway reconstruction - Aug 4, 2021 - Nov. 4, 2021 - Info HERE.
Palm Springs (KPSP) - The Palm Springs Terminal Radar Service Area (TRSA) was originally designed to define an area containing large
turbine−powered aircraft where pilots could receive air traffic control (ATC) services to/from/around the primary airport,
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) in order to achieve a higher level of overall safety.
Southern California Terminal Radar Approach Control (TRACON) provides approach control services for a diverse
fleet mix including helicopters, single-engine fixed- wing, high-performance fixed-wing and air carrier passenger jets to:
PSP, Bermuda Dunes Airport (UDD), Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (TRM) and several local hospital helipads.
The PSP TRSA (depicted by black border on figure A-1 and figure A-2 on the file linked to below); extends upward from the surface within the
PSP Class D airspace to 10,000’ MSL. The TRSA floor outside the PSP Class D airspace alternates from either 2,000’
MSL or 3,500’ MSL to permit free movement of nonparticipating aircraft; however, this is the very aspect of the PSP
TRSA that generates safety concerns. SEE the DETAILS & CHARTED Airspace HERE. Posted 12/17/2021
Palomar Airport CRQ - News from the Airport Association Highlights the Volunteer Noise Abatement Program in place. You are requested to follow it, particularly because so many more folks are at home at present due to the health crisis. See it Here- You can read this August 2020 edition of the Palomar Airport Association newsletter by clicking Here. Thanks to Steve Nelson FAA FPM from San Diego FAASTeam for this update.
Porterville Municipal Airport - 09/02/2022 - "The City of Porterville announced Friday it has been awarded $4.44 million in federal grant money to go toward the rehabilitation of the Porterville Municipal Airport taxiway.
Awarded by the US Department of Transportation through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), the grant will pay for 90% of the project to rehabilitate the parallel taxiway." Continue Here.
Prescott Regional Airport - Earnest A Love Field - (PRC) - A wonderful Safety Video FROM the FLIGHT DECK VIDEO from FAA Runway Safety. You can view it by Clicking HERE.
REI - Redlands Airport - Will be affected by if approved, the SBD / UPS Proposed Approaches - Comments and Info HERE
REI - Redlands Airport - 7/2021 SO CAL TRACON LTA that addresses area WAKE TURBULENCE Avoidance - See it HERE.
REI - Redlands Airport - 7/12/2022 - Airport Association President Ted Gaplin joined the SCAUWG.ORG webmaster for a terse interview and description of the dangerous airspace challenges that reside at the airport. "See and Avoid" takes on a new meaning in the traffic pattern at Redlands. You can view to the interview Here. (40:05)
REI - Redlands Airport - Heard 8/23 from a local UPS contact that the simulator evaluation of the SBD Rwy 24 RNAV approach is complete. They have scheduled one of their 767’s to conduct a flight test on Aug. 30th . UPS hopes to have the approach approved by the end of September or early October. What is still unclear is if this will be a public or private approach.
REI - Redlands - 09/01/2022 - Get a PROGRESS UPDATE re the UPS RNAV 24 TEST FLIGHTS made by UPS. See it HERE.
REI - Redlands - 09/08/2022 - Progress Report re UPS RNAN 24 proposed approach to SBD See it Here.
RHV - Reid-Hillview Airport - San Jose - ARTICLE re: Potential Closure and FAA position - Read it HERE
RHV - Leaded aviation fuel (100LL) MAY NOT BE AVAILABLE for purchase at Reid-Hillview Airport (RHV) in East San José and San Martin Airport (E16). - In its notice, the City of Santa Clara says, “To use the unleaded fuel, an aircraft must be certified that it can do so safely and will be outfitted with a decal indicating this status. Aircraft that cannot use unleaded gas will need to obtain aviation fuel from other facilities.”
RHV - 06/13/22 Santa Clara Soil Tests Show Low Lead Levels - "Santa Clara County officials in California dug deeper into the leaded aviation fuel debate hobbling their local airport, and a study found the ground around the airport has acceptable levels of lead. However, it took some dogged determination by the local newspaper to bring the study to light. The $130,000 probe took samples from 32 locations around Reid-Hillview Airport the airport at 6 and 18 inches below the surface and none exceeded local, state or federal standards. A similar study of San Martin Airport, 23 miles south of Reid-Hillview, turned up similar results. The study was not publicly released until the San Jose Mercury News did a public records check." Story Here.
SNS Salinas Airport - SNS RUNWAY 31 MALSR Construction Project - Notice Number: NOTC2472 - Subject: SNS RUNWAY 31 MALSR Construction Project - Cancellation: 09/13/2022 1200 (UTC) - DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration - Salinas Tower - 1645 Moffett St. - Salinas, CA 93905
• From July 11 to September 13 the RWY 31 MALSR will be out of service.• Pilots should be aware of construction in the vicinity of the approach end of RWY 31.• Pilots should use extreme caution due to increased approach minimums while the MALSR is out of service.• Practice approaches to RWY 13/31 will not be approved while the RWY31 MALSR construction project is active.
RWY 13/31 will be closed at night at various times. See NOTAMS for details.
NOTAMs at https://notams.aim.faa.gov/notamSearch/disclaimer.html.
David A. Greene Air Traffic Manager, Salinas Tower
Saline Valley Warm Springs Airfield - AIRPORT NEWS - AVweb - "Flooded airports are nothing new but volunteers are being sought to fix up a runway in a seemingly unlikely place to see flooding. Saline Valley Warm Springs Airfield, better known as the Chicken Strip, in California’s Death Valley has been closed after flooding cut deep ruts in the gravel runway. In a three-hour period on Aug. 5, a little less than two inches of rain fell." Volunteers Needed to help restore the airport. - Continue Here.
KSJC - San Jose Airport - 8/25/2022 Article by Meg Godlewski in Flying Magazine - Read it Here.
SBD Emergency Parking Issue: The COVID-19 issue is impacting KSBD (San Bernardino) directly as KSBD accepts many Delta aircraft for << … overflow parking on movement areas (runways and taxiways) of many air carrier aircraft that are not flying during this time. >> And as most of you know, KSBD generally has the lowest cost Avgas in the LA Basin … which, in turn, generates a fair amount of transit traffic (which now must pass a bunch of Delta A320’s to get to the fuel pumps). Reported by Richard Eastman
SBD Proposed Approach Comments and Details
SBD Dec 2019 Additional INFO re: UPS Proposed Approach
SBD 7/2021 SO CAL TRACON LTA with Procedures to Limit WAKE TURBULENCE DANGER - See it Here
SBD - 08/25/22 - UPS will begin testing their proposed RNAV 24 approach to KSBD with a 767 doing the work. UPS reports that their flight approach simulator is now in place.
SBD - 09/08/2022 - Progress Report re: SBD RNAV 24 Proposed approach. See it Here.
San Diego County Airports - CLICK HERE
San Luis Obispo Airport KSBP - Pilot Alert on Approach to Rny 29
San Luis Obispo Airport Runway Improvement Finished - 11/15/21 article AINonline Here
KSJC - San Jose Airport - 8/25/2022 Article by Meg Godlewski in Flying Magazine - Read it Here.
Santa Monica KSMO_Airport_Notice
Santa Monica KSMO 6/31/19 Runway Destruction Notice
SMAA Santa Monica Airport Association UPDATE 2021
Santa Paula Airport Arrival Information
Santa Ynez KIZA Airport Information - NO STRAIGHT INs! - 2 Airport Info files follow:
Jen's letter sized SANTA YNEZ VALLEY AIRPORT DRAFT PILOT INFORMATION
SANTA YNEZ VALLEY AIRPORT DRAFT PILOT INFORMATION (2)
SEZ - KSEZ Sedona, Arizona - Great New (03/21/2022) Airport Safety Video - See it Here.
SFO - San Francisco - Gets GBAS - future noise abatement benefit? - Read the story Here
Thermal Airport - 01/19/2022 Ross Aviation (KTRM) Offers Sustainable Aviation Fuel from Avfuel - PR Release - "THERMAL, Calif. / January 17, 2022 /. Ross Aviation, in partnership with fuel supplier, Avfuel Corporation, is now offering customers sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) at its Palm Springs/Thermal, California, location." Read the Release Here.
Torrance Airport (KTOA) Zamperini Field - 12/26/2021 City Council approves $284,000 to install new Torrance Airport noise monitoring system - NEWS - From Daily Breeze - Read about it HERE.
Torrance Airport (KTOA) Zamperini Field - 01/07/2021 - Runway / Taxiway Closures - (Subject to change) - Click Here for data & Contact Infp
Tucson AZ TUS - Airport General Information
Tucson AZ TUS - Phase 1 taxiway rehab - possibly starts Nov. 4 - DETAILS Here
Tucson AZ TUS - runway Safety and Local Practice areas / Reporting Points 18 Min. Version
Tucson AZ TUS - runway Safety Video - details HotSpots - 4 Min Version (Brand New)
Van Nuys Airport Runway Safety Video (Updated 2/12/2022)
Van Nuys General Info www.iFlyVNY.com
Van Nuys Airport Noise Restrictions
Van Nuys Airport LAWA Published Preferred Helicopter Routes
Van Nuys Airport - EARLY IFR TURN upon Departure -BIG PROBLEM -Read More Here
Van Nuys (CBSLA) – The Van Nuys Airport will break ground later this month [Feb 2022] on a $13.1 million runway improvement project, the Los Angeles World Airports announced Friday.
The project will reconstruct Runway 16L and rehabilitate Runway 16R over eight months to improve safety and extend the lifespan of airfield facilities, according to the LAWA, which operates the Van Nuys Airport along with LAX. Runway 16L will close for 161 days during construction. Full Story Here.
03/06/2022 - Airport update, VNY: 16L/34R is closed for reconstruction, It will be closed now for approximately 6 months. Further details will be discussed on their special focus LRSAT on April 19th. Meantime, traffic counts at the surrounding airports (especially student pattern work) is up significantly. Special operational protocols are in effect.
KVNY / LAWA "FLIGHT TRACKS" Newsletter (issued quarterly) - ACCESS it HERE
KVNY REPORTS NO RUNWAY/TAXIWAY INCURSIONS IN 2018 - READ IT HERE
Victorville (VCV) Airport Reconfiguration
Notice Number: NOTC1992 -
- First 1999ft of Runway 17 has been removed.
- Taxiway E2 is now E1
- Taxiway E3 is now E2
- Taxiway E3 assignment removed
- Current airfield diagrams will not depict the changes until the next publication in October 2021.
- Ground Control is making corrections, notifications of changes and verifying taxi instructions, but pilots still get confused because it appears that they are still just following their charts on taxi and not looking at the taxiway signs
- Taxiway signs have been changed to the current and correct taxiway configurations. (See link below)
https://www.faasafety.gov/files/notices/2021/Aug/VCV_spark_page.pdf
Pilots need to check the LTA that will be sent out which will include the revised diagram, receive the revised diagram in person from the FBO and, as always, thoroughly review the airport NOTAMS prior to operating at KVCV.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Andrew Switzer - Air Traffic Manager, KVCV - Serco Inc. - T: 760.246.4085 - andrew.switzer@serco-na.com
Whiteman Airport (Los Angeles) - Display Day Back - "Display Day Personnel will be there for signing (starting) on Sunday, November 8
from 10am-1pm. They will be in front of the CAP Building. Strict Covid 19 Rules will be in place. - 1. Please have your paperwork ready to sign. 2. Masks are mandatory! You will be turned away without one. 3. Bring your own pen. 4. Don’t linger and keep physical distancing when possible. 5. If you are ill, do not come and send someone else to do your paperwork." - This per the secretary of the Whiteman Airport Association.
Whiteman Airport (Los Angeles) - L A County has a Master Plan for KWHP - Read about it Here.
Whiteman Airport (Los Angeles) - 12/14/2020 - LA City Council seems to be possibly inappropriately assessing the community value of KWHP and has stated that the airport should be closed. The airport is not under the LA City jurisdiction. KWHP is owned and operated by LA COUNTY. There appears to be a feud brewing between the two spearheaded by 7th district councilwoman Monica Rodriquez. Same is not an admirable circumstance. AOPA has commented on Twitter as follows:
"We are aware of comments made by the LA City council. We are confident that LA County Airports Aviation Division and Aviation Commission, who have sole authority and jurisdiction over KWHP, will continue to operate the airport."
More on KWHP: A resolution calling for the eventual closure of Whiteman Airport was unanimously supported Wednesday by the Los Angeles City Council. Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez called the 182-acre general aviation airport a blight on the Pacoima neighborhood, where it was founded as Whitman Air Park in 1946 and eventually purchased by Los Angeles County in 1970. Continue Reading More About This by Clicking HERE.
03/06/2022 - Airport update, (written by a KWHP Airport Supporter & Submitted to SCAUWG) WHP: Our beloved ATM, Chris Cooper is now doing double duty, also as the ATM of FUL. There has been formed a stakeholders working group, led by Melissa McCaffrey of AOPA (with Ed Story participating) to help inform and educate the community about the airport, and to present an opposing viewpoint to the a vocal and small minority who wish to have the airport closed. A community advisory committee (CAC) was formed by the politicians to explore “the re-envisioning of the airport”. The committee consists of 20 people; 2 from the airport community, and 18 anti-airport. This last Thursday and Saturday, the CAC held an 'Open House' to bring the representatives and the community together to have open dialogue. It has proven to be of benefit to the airport, as many in the community are having their mis-perceptions changed, and are actually seeing the benefits of having an airport in their community. The open house committee has been reformed, and Whiteman's open house and display is set for June 25, 2022. Since the airport could not have a open house for the 75th anniversary due to Covid, this open house is being billed as 75+ years serving the community! The airport is still working on getting the nighttime instrument approach restriction lifted.
06/05/2022 WHITEMAN AIRPORT OPEN HOUSE - 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Produced by the WHP Open House Committee. Planned is a presentation honoring the police officers that rescued valiantly the pilot of the plane that recently made an emergency landing on the railroad tracks, prior to a train crashing into it. PLUS, Free Rides for Kids 8-17 years old, Demonstrations, Displays, Food Vendors & More. This will Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of KWHP, EAA, and CAP's 80+ years. Download the 75th Anniversary Event Poster Here
06/26/2022 GOOD NEWS at WHITEMAN (KWHP) ! - the 75TH ANNIVERSARY Open House was a Success! - Here is the text of an email written by a SCAUWG / Cal Pilot's member to Meg Godlewski Flying Magazine:
Meg,
Per your request and for your article on organizing airport promotions, here are 38 pictures from Whiteman Airport’s 75th Anniversary Day yesterday, June 25th. https://photos.app.goo.gl/6FG5AbT7deaphyaw8
According to estimates, there were over 3000 attendees. Jim Miller can give you more statistics. From my perspective, it was very well organized with quite a variety of aircraft (over 20 different ones at least), classes in hangars, booths under tents, food trucks, water (it was hot), shelter in the hangars, a mariachi band (!), a KTLA TV interview, a good spread of people from the community, knots of folks near this or that (one of the first pictures shows folks congregating for free intro flights). Many young folk from the Civil Air Patrol guided attendees into the area and across taxiways. County was involved in putting out a lot of the rails, tables, tents, etc. plus recovering all at the end of the day.
Here's a video of parts of the day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Unrcving3gc
Jim can give you an idea of how the Friends of Whiteman Airport (originally assisted in organizing by Melissa McCaffery and Bill Dunn of AOPA) personnel (about ten at least) divided up responsibilities. CalPilot’s Whiteman Airport Chapter was well represented by Don and Shellie Hagopian.
Great variety. Good feeling. Looked like an outstanding success to me! - Ed
Morning Landing at KWHP - an American Ranger AR-1 gyro landing before the tower opens...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lpb2LO-low
7/13/2022 Info about the Community Advosory Council:
The CAC will use their local insight and knowledge to understand community concerns and identify new opportunities, such as the creation of local jobs, community beneficial uses, and dedicated open space at the airport.
During the 12-month planning process, members will need to commit to attending at least six bi-monthly meetings, approximately two hours in length. These meetings will also be open to the public.
09/05/2022 - SCAUWG.ORG received confirmation that LA County is looking into the feasibility of installing 100UL at KWHP.
09/11/2022 - LA County PW Documents from Jan & Apr 2022 addressed to the Board of Supervisors disclosing steps necessary to Close KWHP - Read it Here.
10/22/2022 KWHP NOISE STUDY OVERVIEW - At the September 22, 2022 CAC meeting, a presentation was given regarding the preliminary noise
assessment that was conducted for Whiteman Airport (WHP). While this memo summarizes the presentation, the full presentation can be view by following this link. - A summary of the findings can be Read by CLICKING HERE.
10/22/2022 WHITEMAN CAC (current) DRAFT - Overview From Public Works / Re-envisioning Website - This document is a “working” document that has been and will continue to be refined as the Re-envisioning process concludes over the next few months.
For the purpose of this working document, it is organized in three parts:
Part 1: Discussion of long-term scenarios and their influence on recommendations, and
Part 2: The draft recommendations themselves.
Part 3: Relevant Best Practices to potentially incorporate into these recommendations.
Please review the information as it is presented and provide any feedback. It’s anticipated that further refinement may include overall format of this document, incorporating additional recommendations (best practices in particular), additional supporting information if needed (key information and factors, current status) and further consolidation to make sure all priority recommendations are included and in the right spot.
View the Re-envisioning Working Document DRAFT HERE.
Zamperini Field - See Torrance Airport (KTOA)
