What is the Whiteman Airport Land Use Study Release Date?

4/11/2026 The Southern California Aviation United Working Group (SCAUWG.ORG) Editorial: Regarding the yet unknown Trifiletti Whiteman Airport Land Use Study release date. It should be noted that the Office of Economic Development (OED) just tendered $200,000.00 in addition to the original $1.3 million cost, to per an informed source’s recent published report extend the release date until after the June 2026 elections. This was described as time to allow for MORE community engagement. That may be questionable.

One might ask if the study results have already been foreshadowed, and if the sponsors of the study, who have well voiced their anti-airport bias, feel they need more time and another chance to try and change the already well established pro-airport community position, and save those sponsor’s and their campaign fueled by misinformation, from public embarrassment. So as to avoid continued debate, we hope that the Trifiletti study will accurately describe the majority of community opinion, as well as the facts already agreed to over two decades ago by LA County and the FAA via regulations. That agreement included the benefit of perpetuity for the airport, and dictates the land use must be maintained for aviation. FAA precedent has upheld these types of agreements. It would truly be unfortunate if allowing an important public resource recently used for emergency services and fighting the LA Fires, to be transformed into a non-aviation commercial private development.

SCAUWG.ORG Response – Is Whiteman Airport in Compliance With Federal Regulations? published 4/9/26 by LACP

Editor,

Some of the points mentioned published regarding Whiteman Airport by LACP on 4/9/2026 require further investigation. For example, LA County is the current recipient of a Part 16 complaint (FAA Docket No. 16-24-14). Subject: Incorrect tenant rents. At one County airport the Assessor's office is alleged to be using a, "Light Manufacturing Code" to bill tenants, as opposed to the County code for "T-Hangers." If a parent abuses a child, the child should not be further punished, rather the parenting should be improved. Should this not be the case, pdeARarent governments could just avoid their legal responsibility and then use the poor resultant as the reason to divest themselves of that responsibility.

Whiteman brings in more revenue than any other County airport! That revenue though does NOT stay at the airport! The County sends a partial amount to other County airports! While not illegal, WITHOUT that funding, informed opinion is that two other County airports would be forced to close! Are additional funds available for Whiteman to make associated improvements besides the actual airport income? Yes, and as an example of curtailing funding for Whiteman, the airport that was so important as a provider of emergency services during the LA Fires, it was published on March 4, 2024, by the then BOS Chair on her own website that "...the County will not seek future funding from the FAA that would further lengthen aviation operations at Whiteman Airport, a measure that is also in alignment with her November 7 motion on the future of the 78-year-old airport." At that time a minimum of 90% of a project cost could be applied for, and accepting the federal funds would NOT extend operations at the airport, This, because of a County land purchase and the already agreed to benefit of perpetuity for Whiteman, a point reiterated and made clear in the public record, and addressed to the BOS on October 21, 2024 when the Board voted to spend 1.3 million dollars on a repurposing STUDY. Subsequently, another $200,000 has been allocated for the same purpose. Accepting FAA grant money was also opposed by a local grant-funded group who prefers to close the Whiteman airport in favor of private redevelopment and the resulting area congestion, and no doubt, gentrification, and the exodus of so many current residents due to economic injustice.

Open Letter to Supervisor Horvath – Preserving Whiteman Airport: A Vital Hub for Emergency Response, Public Safety, Community Prosperity & Aviation Education

Dear Supervisor Horvath,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern about the potential closure of Whiteman Airport in Pacoima, California. As a Flight Instructor at Glendale Community College and a member of the aviation community, I would like to bring to your attention some additional critical points that highlight the significance of Whiteman Airport.

Emergency Operations:

· The County Firebase Chief emphasized Whiteman Airport’s essential role in emergency operations during the recent CAC meeting.

· The runway at KWHP is crucial for helicopter departures, especially in urgent situations, serving as a hub for equipment staging during emergencies.

Public Safety and National Security:

· Whiteman Airport is vital for county-wide relief efforts, medical services, and law enforcement operations.

· It is a designated home for press operations and utilized by the Secret Service during the President’s visits.

Community Support:

· Every Neighborhood Council surrounding Whiteman Airport has voted to keep the airport open, reflecting strong community support.

· Polls indicate a vast majority of residents want Whiteman Airport to remain operational.

City Council Dynamics:

· Concerns about the impartiality of the decision-making process, with significant City Council and Pacoima Beautiful influence on the CAC.

· The insistence on the County bearing 100% of sound remediation expenses raises questions about fairness.

Environmental Considerations:

· Recent studies show lead levels below EPA acceptable levels, similar to other areas in Los Angeles.

· The aviation industry’s ongoing transition to unleaded fuel addresses environmental concerns proactively.

Noise and Curfew Issues:

· Disproportionate focus on noise and curfew issues with less than 340 possible incompatible units near the airport.

· Lack of discussion on curfew for Union Pacific trains or trucks on San Fernando road, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.

Lack of Attention to Aviation Commissioners:

· LA County Aviation Commissioners’ insights and recommendations seem overlooked in the decision-making process.

Economic Opportunities:

· Closing Whiteman Airport could hinder economic benefits from emerging technologies like eVtol aircraft.

· Whiteman Airport could serve as a natural springboard for air taxi services, fostering economic growth and technological advancement.

Reliever Airport Importance:

· Whiteman Airport serves as a reliever airport, playing a critical role in alleviating air traffic congestion and promoting efficient airspace management.

Glendale Community College Legacy:

· While GCC has not been at Whiteman Airport since the 1930s, its aviation program has operated there for over a decade.

· The potential closure would profoundly impact GCC’s aviation program, jeopardizing student success and weakening the longstanding partnership with Whiteman Airport.

· GCC serves as a vital contributor to the aviation industry by training pilots and aviation specialists, addressing the critical need for skilled professionals in the field. The closure of Whiteman Airport would impede the college’s ability to continue producing well-trained individuals essential to the industry’s growth and success.

In conclusion, I implore you to reconsider the decision to close Whiteman Airport. Its continued operation is crucial for the aviation community and local economy, as well as for emergency response, public safety, and national security. I believe that preserving Whiteman Airport aligns with the best interests of the community, the County, and the broader goals of sustainable aviation.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Edwin Sahakian

Certified Flight Instructor

Glendale Community College

Edwin Sahakian l President l Ardwin Freight l Telephone +1 818 827 5216 l Facsimile +1 818 827 3216 l edwin.sahakian@gmail.com

About the author:

Ed Sahakian has dedicated a significant amount of his time to aiding Glendale College Students advance their aviation aspirations. Besides teaching courses at GCC, he was an early influence in shaping the Aviation and Space Club at the college, and regularly flew students, who did not have access to other planes for scheduled sponsored fly-ins, in his Cirrus, or his Cessna Citation Jet, so that every student interested could participate. Additionally, he fully sponsored a FAASTeam (FAA WINGS) full-day Safety Standdown open to the public held at a well-known local hotel.

10,000th Free Airplane Flight for Kids

For those who desire to search toward the sky for success, this story should serve as an inspiration and a testament that helps to prove Whiteman is a valuable community asset that needs to stay nurtured, polished, and kept shiny like any other prized jewel.

10,000th Free Airplane Flight for Kids – to be Celebrated on November 26th at Whiteman Airport

The 10,000th young person is to get a free “Young Eagles” airplane ride from the pilots of Chapter 40 of the Experimental Aircraft Association based at Whiteman Airport will be on Saturday, November 26, 2022.

There should be about 75-85 flights provided on that day to kids between 8 through 17. All kids are invited to discover the gift of flight, and the rides are entirely paid for by the pilots.

The “Young Eagles” is an EAA National Program, and Chapter 40 has been providing these complimentary introductory flight experiences on the 4th Saturday of every month at San Fernando Valley’s Whiteman Airport since 1992 (except on Christmas Day or Eve). Young Eagle events start at 10:30 a.m. and run to about 2:00 p.m.

EAA Chapter 40 is arranging a VERY special flight for the lucky youngster. Details will be forthcoming.

Caveat: we will not fly if the weather that day is not safe. The alternate date if that happens will be Dec 17.

For More Information about this story, I invite those who decide to build rather than tear down to contact Dave Kolstad – Chapter 40 Young Eagles Coordinator – D_kolstad@yahoo.com YoungEaglesDay.org

WHITEMAN AIRPORT OPPOSITION GROUPS NEED A BETTER CRYSTAL BALL!

WHITEMAN OPPOSITION GROUPS NEED A BETTER CRYSTAL BALL!

LOS ANGELES, CA – Whiteman Airport is the key to Pacoima’s economic future. Some of the airport closure advocates present during CAC presentations say that they want representation and justice for a neighborhood that deserves better. For them, closing a valuable enterprise that provides jobs, education, and community services, in the Pacoima area is their answer. Recently their airport noise concerns were not substantiated by the now-concluded study. The future is greater than presently addressed and has been ignored. Whiteman airport may be the most important gateway to the next generation of neighborhood development.

“Washington, DC, Oct. 18, 2022 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) welcomed President Biden’s signing into law this week of the Advance Air Mobility Coordination and Leadership Act, which will promote policies, procedures, and programs to support the integration of this emerging aviation sector into America’s transportation infrastructure.

Advanced air mobility (AAM) is an air transportation system that moves people and property by air between places using electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft, in local, regional, intraregional, rural, and urban environments.

AAM utilizes aircraft ranging in size from single-passenger vehicles to large shuttles to make cities, underserved communities and geographically distant regions more accessible.” – Dan Hubbard, NBAA

NASA, Major Airlines, our Armed Forces, and big business have invested millions of dollars toward this next-generation air travel potential. Contracts and plans for eCTOLs and thousands of eVTOLs are inked and scheduled. Private industry and government planning agencies are in motion. The question is, do the organizations that feel Pacoima deserves better, also feel that they deserve to be left behind? Should Pacoima erase the already existing Whiteman Airport pathway to the future that will allow their neighborhood to join with the rest of LA, and participate in the transportation and blossoming economic future?

Those that don’t recognize the onset of the sustainable transportation era, and the support for and the benefits of future economic development need to seriously consider shopping for a new crystal ball.

Recommended reading might include this Aviation Today Magazine article focused on developments at the recent NBAA-BACE convention. Panelists at NBAA Discuss Certification and Infrastructure for Advanced Air Mobility – Avionics International (aviationtoday.com) – To find out more you are invited to join us at www.scauwg.org

New Data, A New Time – Whiteman Airport Shouldn’t be Under Siege!

LOS ANGELES, CA – Whiteman Noise Study Revealed – A New Perspective – An Open Letter to Elected Officials
“Whether we are a father or a friend or a community leader, we need to make sure that we are impeccable with our words and that we constantly be mindful of what we say and always try to be loving and caring with everything that we say,” Congressman Tony Cardenas
“City Hall hits a New Low. Is this a Turning Point?” LA Times.

SCAUWG.ORG, the aviation safety website operated on behalf of the Southern California Airspace Users Working Group, is issuing this open letter to Los Angeles Council Members and to Congressman Cardenas and asks that they should no longer be moved in the direction City Council previously determined regarding Whiteman Airport.

Whiteman Air Park was established in 1946, and purchased by LA County in 1970. City zoning has allowed building residences and businesses right up to the airport boundaries. Ironically, the LA County owned airport is blamed by city closure supporters for it’s proximity to residents. Now is the time for unity, not division in Los Angeles, now is the time for real community service, for community resident support, and not community misrepresentation, or political jockeying. Now is the time to take advantage of the local airport already in place, to reap it’s obvious benefits, and to plan future enhancements that will multiply it’s value for the neighborhood.

The recent Whiteman noise study results appeared to disappoint two vocal community organizers that promote airport closure. One, who has been aided by a City Councilwoman with a real estate background, already has plans rendered for airport closure and land development. SCAUWG.ORG wonders if implementing those plans might promote future area gentrification, and as a result, force current residents from their homes.

The second closure advocate initially called for the expensive noise study to be done again after hearing that there is no real noise to hear! The result as reported: Out of over 17000 Pacoima residential units, only 335 (less than 2%) are qualified for noise relief services under the part 150 process.

Additionally, the railroad noise from the tracks that closely parallel Whiteman’s runway, and train whistles (both appear much louder than the aircraft) were not requested to be evaluated, and neither was a study evaluating noise resulting from busy San Fernando Road which parallels the runway. Nor were any noise restrictions upon rail and road traffic requested at the recent Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting when the noise study results were announced, but a nighttime curfew was proposed by closure advocates for the airport, who were dismayed when the consulting firm expert revealed data that indicated only a voluntary curfew might be feasible.

Now those who may be biased against the airport whilst purporting to represent the local residents have a possibly uncomfortable choice to make. They can either support pursuing the Part 150 soundproofing for those units located very close to the airport that experience a sound level a little over the acceptable 65 Db, or they can choose to not pursue the relief, pursue closing the airport, and leave the current residents subjected to the noise that the anti-airport advocates have complained about for years, as Whiteman cannot be closed any time soon due to the County’s previous acceptance of Federal Airport Improvement Grants.

Closure advocates may be disappointed on the pollution front as well! Not only are aircraft LESSOR POLLUTERS than San Fernando Rd Diesel trucks right now (EPA 2007- citing more lead is located near freeways than at KWHP), a fact not accented by those who refer to that report, but GAMI 100 Octane UNLEADED fuel (Just FAA approved) is being looked into for KWHP. That fuel would replace the 100 Low Lead fuel currently in place, hence, it is possible that within a reasonable time period there may be no lead argument at all that those who claim pollution can advocate.

Finally, airport operators do not cause accidents. Think of a car low on gas with the driver knowing that there is a gas station a few blocks ahead. The driver continues toward the gas station, but the car runs out of fuel and slows. The car then gets hit by a vehicle following behind it. Does anyone conclude that the gas station should be closed? However, that is essentially the argument critics point to who accuse Whiteman Airport as a threat instead of a refuge, because a pilot experiencing mechanical difficulties in 2020, tried to reach Whiteman Airport, but failed to do so.

To our elected officials: SCAUWG.ORG is hopeful that you will be able to review your positions regarding Whiteman. Include Pacoima and Whiteman Airport in the healing process, and work together, not for personal interest, but for community interest.

The “privileged few” (those closure advocates criticize for having an aircraft at KWHP) are really those that live within easy airport access and take advantage of the community perks the airport offers. EAA Chapter 40 even invites area youth to help build an airplane that they will fly when completed! They offer free flying for youth monthly as well! The EAA Young Eagles program has flown over 9000 free flights at Whiteman.

These examples do not even begin to touch upon the KWHP Air Explorers program, Glendale Community College’s aviation program, the local jobs, aviation training and the GA flight community, the search and rescue facilities, the firefighting headquarters, the police activity facilitated, the public press helicopter support, the financial benefit for area businesses, plus the monthly free aviation safety programs sponsored by the FAA Safety FAASTeam, and more.

To find out more about aviation safety and airspace education, you are invited to join us at www.scauwg.org
To listen to the recent noise study report, you can access it at https://www.reenvisionwhitemanairport.com/resources