At last month's meeting of the Los Angeles County Aviation Committee, on August 27, 2025 it was announced that the Aviation Commission Sub-Committee on Sustainability was considering recommending the adoption of the Rent Study that was commissioned in 2019, revised in 2024 and formally submitted in February 2025.  The study recommends rent increases/decreases from plus 121% to minus 9.9%  At whiteman approximately 160 hangars will see little or no change in rent.  These are primarily the small tee hangars. The larger Hangars will see increases up to 42%.  The overall total increase in rents from the study from Whiteman Airport is 12.6%. The Sub-committed is also considering a recommendation made by Paul Maselbas, Aviation Division Director, prior to his retirement, to implement annual cost of living increases.  His recommendations were based on a faulty self-completed prediction of the future financial status of the County operated airports.  His prediction showed a $10 Million deficit within 10 years if no action was taken.  He omitted new income and anticipated changes for hangar ownership, as well as, current cost of living increases impacting third party hangar operators and other tenants.  He provided three scenarios, No increases, Study recommended rent increases and rent increases with cost of living increases.  Only the rent increase with cost of living increased prevented the Airport from falling into the red.

Last week five Zoom Meetings were held, one for each airport, to solicit input from tenants and other stakeholders, about the proposal and alternative possible actions.  At the meeting, problems with the rent study were highlighted by tenants, proposals for an analysis of the impact of Cost of Living only increases, a true representation of the increased revenues for Hangar reversions to County ownership, and consideration of other funding which was omitted by Mr. Maselbas.  County owned hangars and tiedowns account for approximately 40% of the revenue but the County wants them to pay for the full amount of the predicted deficit.

This Wednesday September 17,2025, at 7:00pm, the Los Angeles County Aviation Commission will be holding their Monthly meeting at William J. Fox Airport in Lancaster.  The monthly meeting is being held early, so it does not conflict with Jewish Holidays.  Come to the meeting to hear what is happening within the County Airport System and receive up to the minute information about plans for Whiteman Airport.  These include the Status of the Study on the Future of Whiteman Airport, proposed rent increases, future repairs to the facilities, and current fiscal state of the Aviation Division of the Department of Public Works.

EAA Chapter 40
Meet Your DPE
Pacoima, CA
September 20 at 9:30 am to 12:00 pm
WHAT:MEET YOUR Designated Pilot Examiner... or... I mean "EVALUATOR". Are you NERVOUS about your Check-Ride? All pilots experience this soon after soloing. Welcome to the club!!! Are you CURIOUS about your Flight Review? What should you expect? How should you prepare and what are the recent changes to both. Meet Robin Leabman, 11,000+ hours total flight time. He is an ATP-AMEL/ASEL/Helicopter; B757, B767, G280, G-IV, G-V, and LR-JET type rated; Seaplane: Comm MES/SES; Commercial Glider; CFI-Airplane/Helicopter/Glider, CFII-Airplane/Helicopter, Multi-Engine Instructor. Towplane & Tailwheel endorsed. AND.... an FAA DESIGNATED PILOT EVALUATOR - DPE (Please visit our website EAAChapter40.com for our calendar and any updates)

WHERE:
KWHP - Whiteman Airport
EAA Chapter 40 - (Civil Air Patrol Building)

12653 Osborne St.
Pacoima, CA 91331

 AOPA CEO Darren Pleasance will host a Town Hall Meeting at Livermore Municipal Airport (LVK) on Sunday, October 12, from 2–4 PM.  

At the Town Hall, Darren will share his vision for where AOPA is heading in the coming years, the challenges and opportunities facing the aviation community, and how AOPA is working to support pilots, airports, and the next generation of aviators.

This is the only appearance in California this year by Darrenf.  Niki Britton, AOPA Regional Manager will also be there.

The past 5 years I have been asked, "What can we do to help keep Whiteman open?"  The answer was usually the same, be present at hearings, speak your mind, write letters, stay abreast of what is going on.  It is important now more than ever to be a presence at any meeting involving the airport.  politicians and bureaucrats respond to numbers.  We think they need to be hundreds of thousands, most of the time if you can bring 40 -50 people they are impressed and begin to realize there is a movement afoot.  Our opponents will hire people to come to meetings to present a larger footprint.  We do not need to hire people, just show up.  The number of members at the rnt zoom call was small.  The impact would have been much stronger if there were 100 people listening in.  Only four people spoke and if more had wanted to, the impact of the speakers would have been noticeable.  The Commission Members still talk about the turnout at last April's Commission Meeting here at Whiteman.  They noted the number of people and were impressed by the presentations.

We congratulate Jason Morgan's se;lection as the new Aviation Division Director, replacing Paul Maselbas.  Jason is a former Assistant Manager of Whiteman Airport, when he worked for American Airports.  He knows the airport well and appreciates the challenges we are experiencing.  He is a strong supporter of aviation and knows the value aviation brings to the community,

During the Zoom Meeting, Jason Morgan stated he would present revised estimates of the income and forecast for the financial future of the County's Airports at the Whiteman airport meeting.  Please try to attend his meeting, if at all possible.  The meeting is about your money and you need to be heard.

Hope to see all of you soon,

Jim Miller,

Whiteman Airport Association

Friends of Whiteman, Chair

Agenda August 27, 2025.pdf

239 KB

J. Marc Haney, DDS, MS

166 West College Street, Suite B

Covina, CA 91723

Compliments of M.S.

5/30/2025   Another Pollution Study supported by Pacoima Beautiful.   

Excerpt from Community Air Monitoring Plan {CAMP} download:

"The targeted area study for Pacoima, North Hollywood, Sun Valley, San Fernando, Sylmar will be conducted by
Aclima and will address the community identified concern about Whiteman Airport being the primary source of
concern. The primary monitoring objective for this targeted area study is characterizing sources. Some of the key
pollutants that will be of focus include TVOCs, black carbon, PM2.5, CO, and NO2. This targeted area study will be
conducted using the following monitoring approach:

SCAUWG.ORG Comment:  Lindsey Horvath prior to becoming Supervisor Horvath replaced Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, who proved to be very accommodating to Pacoima Beautiful by allowing many supporters to become panel members on the KWHP CAC panel.  Supervisor Horvath's past includes a real estate management position in charge of substantial developments, though that position often does not appear on published resumes.

Taken together, Pacoima Beautiful has been recognized as an effective fund raiser with political cover but criticized for professing supposed environmentalism that should not be taken seriously.

May 28 7:00pm Los Angeles County Aviation Commission Meeting at San Gabriel Valley Airport KEMT (AKA El Monte)

See Flyer HERE

05/24/2025   Whiteman Airport Update by James Miller  -  "The pattern is full, state your intentions!"

05/24/2025  Program Guidance Letters (PGLs) and Program Information Memorandums (PIMs) for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) - This page includes the following guidance for the Airport Improvement Program:

05/22/2025   COUNTY COUCIL RESPONSE TO PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST - WHAT DID SUPERVISOR HORVATH SAY & WHEN?' - A well written pertinent request initiated by Dr. Marc Haney DDS.

 

5/22/2025   SCAUWG.ORG NOTES REGARDING THE COUNTY RESPONSE ABOVE:

1. Btw, their May email includes Paul Maselbas.  He retired in March.  Jason Morgan C.M.  is now acting chief of the County Aviation dept. - Obviously, they are lawyering up.

2. "Cc: Paul Maselbas <pmaselbas@dpw.lacounty.gov>, "W. Eric Pilsk" <epilsk@kaplankirsch.com>, Warren Wellen <wwellen@counsel.lacounty.gov>
   Subject:RE: Public Records Act Request 6050 -  AMCG Airport Rent Studies"

• Kaplankirsch is the County's attorney!  One might ask if most records requests go through the County Council, and the very expensive Attorney that represents the County.

3. Already they are announcing that they will feel free to review and withhold info.  e.g.    "On April 30, 2025, our office provided a letter response that included non-exempt responsive records. The County has located additional records responsive to your CPRA request. The review process is ongoing,..."

5/13/2025   WHITEMAN AIRPORT – Recent Aviation Commission Meeting – Information & Update
“The two new Commissioners. appointed by Supervisor Horvath were in attendance for their second meeting. The large conference room above Vista Aviation was standing room only with over 60 people in attendance. There were 24 speakers, the majority Whiteman Airport tenants, businesses, and users. The longer-serving Commissioners commented that the meeting was one of the best they have attended and the energy in the room was very high. OUR challenge is to find a way to get that energy in front of the Supervisors. Five Cadets, Three Senior Members and three Parents of Cadets in Sq 137 spoke. The Cadets drove home the value of the Airport to them, and their future. It was also noted how diverse the youth are who use the airport.

Please write to your Supervisor and tell them how important the airport is to you, the community and the future. Encourage them to talk with the Aviation Commissioners they appointed to better understand the value of the airports. (SEE EMAIL INFO BELOW)

Whiteman Airport has been very busy lately with Runway 16L at Van Nuys being closed, the 18 flight schools at Van Nuys, are all coming to Whiteman for pattern practice. The tower closes the pattern when 5 aircraft are flying “closed traffic”. If you get caught up in this, the tower will tell you the pattern is closed and ask your intentions. I believe they will allow you to depart the area but will not allow any closed traffic. This has caused students at Vista Aviation to not be able to solo, other tenants to not be able to conduct quick test flights (once around the pattern), and other types of flights.
During the week any time after noon seems to be the most likely time to encounter the closure. Your “intentions” means your choices are to either depart the area, or prepare to tie down your aircraft. Unfortunately, the ground controller may not warn you of the pattern issue. You then find out after you have completed your runup and request to take off. This results in an unnecessary cost. Possibly 0.1-.0.2 hours on the Hobbs meter, which may mean $15 to $30 for the plane plus any instructor time as well.. It should all end soon with the reopening of 16L, but expect Van Nuys students to still spend a lot of time at Whiteman. I attended a meeting at Van Nuys Airport on April 1, 2025. At the meeting Los Angeles World Airports (LA City) stated it is their intent to begin charging landing fees to all itinerant aircraft (aircraft not based at Van Nuys Airport) at a rate of $6.40 per 1,000 pounds. The stated goal is to pay for all of the costs of operating the airport with these fees. Tenants, except Part 135 operators, are exempt from the fees. No one knows what they plan on using the $18 million in rent they collect for.. – Jim Miller – Whiteman Airport Association – Friends of Whiteman Airport”

Aviation Commissioners can be addressed by calling or sending email to:
Claudia M. Delgado
(626) 300-4611

Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors
Contact Information: Supervisor Fact Sheet – Click Here
For the County Supervisors Executive Office:
Supervisors Executive Office Email
.
Additional 4/30/25 Aviation Commission Meeting Coverage – Special to SCAUWG.ORG
written by Matthew Stone.

Attendees lamented that the Whiteman CAC meetings of 2021-23 had not seen such large crowds.

Meeting themes of the night included:

• Widespread anger over Lindsey Horvath’s decision to unilaterally deny FAA
  funding to a critical County facility with no public input whatsoever.
• Re: Pacoima Beautiful and other anti-airport protestors – there was plenty of furorin that room against anti-airport messages. An incredulity at even considering the elimination of LA County’s breadwinner airport; Whiteman is the most fiscally successful of the 5 County airports and subsidizes the other four in the system as well.
• Discussion about Pacoima Beautiful raised concerns about its substantial ties to various local politicians and the numerous lawsuits–brought by former Pacoima Beautiful staff which alleges the nonprofit has routinely engaged in discriminatory practices and harassment in violation of labor law.
• It was pointed out that are current legal woes for Pacoima Beautiful as there appear to be various lawsuits naming Pacoima Beautiful levied by ex-staffers.
•  The new Commissioners, Charles Nelson and Jerilyn Lopez-Mendoza, did attend the meeting.

• Medoza was about 25 minutes late. To her credit, Mendoza acknowledged her
  tardiness at the meeting’s end, apologized and insisted it “will not happen again”
• Mendoza also acknowledged Penny Alderson’s (Vista Aviation) offer to tour WHP and expressed interest in such action.
• Nelson asked about the results of the WHP “land study’ initiated in Oct. 2024
  which per Jason Morgan LACDPW are somewhat expected in late 2025 or early
  2026.

Webmaster’s note: The “closure (Land) study” author is charged with researching grant assurance obligations. It has been discovered that KWHP by regulation is entitled to stay in operation per a perpetual benefit resulting from a real estate purchase in 1999. See details and documentation HERE.

Study author: Trifiletti Consulting
info@trifiletticonsulting.com
213 315 2121

05/01/2025   WHITEMAN Airport – Emergency Services & County Income! 4/30 Commission Mtg. held at KWHP.  -Approximately 70 attendees, all in support of saving Whiteman Airport.  Most notable, approximately 12 Civil Air Patrol Cadets, all genders and ethnicities, and parents, gave well-spoken and impressive testimonies of how CAP at KWHP has changed, molded and improved their lives! I believe Eric Hasse, YouTube’s “SoCal Flying Monkey,” pilot, tenant and film maker recorded some of the testimonies.

With over 500 aircraft based at Whiteman (more aircraft than KEMT and KPOC combined), $1.9 million is generated in surplus revenue, it was brought to light that the county, facing $88 million dollar deficit, should not spend $1.3 million on a study to close its best revenue producing airport asset, that also was so important as a firefighting base during the recent LA fires helping to save over 7000 homes and businesses.

Pointed out, $51 million earmarked for KWHP federal funds should not be declined in light of pending runway improvement needs, and the two new commissioners recently appointed by Supervisor Horvath, were asked to carry this message to the Supervisor.  The CAP testimony was very strong in support of what the airport means to the youth of the community.  (Additionally, the Whiteman EAA Young Eagles program provides free flights for kids, the FAA Safety Program provides free recurrent community pilot training. and the airport provides many opportunities and jobs.)   Special to SCAUWG.ORG by J. Marc Haney, DDS, MS

April 13, 2025, 10:00am to 2:00pm Display Day - We will hold our monthly Display and open hangar day on Sunday April 13, 2025. Signing of Display Day paperwork will occur between 10:00 AM and 1:00pm at Hangar HH09.

April 30, 2025, 7:00pm, Los Angeles County Aviation Commission Meeting - This meeting will be held at the Whiteman Airport Administration offices conference room (upstairs above Vista Aviation), 10000 Airpark Way, Pacoima, CA, 91331.  Please come and support the airport.  Let the Commissioners know that Whiteman is a critical part of the National Airspace system and has a major impact beyond the boundaries of Pacoima.  The airport is a valuable asset for the County, generating approximately $2 Million annually to support the other four airports and over $100 Million is economic impact on the area. Letting your representative (appointed by your supervisor) know your support for the airport and the political implication of its closure is critical to keeping the airport open.

 

(Clickable Image)

04/19/2025   County Document (March 24, '25) Turning Down a Public Records Request for Data that confirms Supervisor Horvath (or other Supervisor) ordered that cessation of Federal Funds acceptance by Whiteman Airport. Read it Here.

04/09/2025  Imelda Padilla appeared challenged when asked to defend her policy agenda at the April Sun Valley Area Neighborhood Council Mtg. Special to SCAUWG.ORG

When asked about her own stances about Whiteman, past and present, an evasive Padilla claimed she had never spoken of the airport nor taken a definitive position amid the conjecture of possible closure. Instead, she reiterated her focus was Van Nuys Airport and brushed Whiteman off as a matter for City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez (District 7), who represents the area Whiteman sits within.

Imelda Padilla was confronted with a February 2023 video recording of then-candidate Padilla speaking about Whiteman and stating her opposition to closure--citing its role in serving and supporting nearby communities. Padilla acknowledged only certain parts of her own remarks, but otherwise ignored her own statements. When it was pointed out that Whiteman Airport is a County facility not subject to Monica Rodriguez' oversight, Padilla echoed her previous comments to say decision making around the airport was up to LA County Supervisor Lindsey Horvath.

When asked about the youth activities Whiteman has hosted for many decades, Imelda Padilla flippantly derided these--implying she "knew all about them" and that they were initiated for optics after recent mishaps. In actuality, the various programs based at the airport date back over 40 years and are possible thanks to volunteers.

As Imelda Padilla's district includes Van Nuys Airport, which has been the subject of significant controversy and whose neighbors fear increased air traffic and its effects, it is flatly bizarre that Padilla apparently wishes to cede all future decision-making regarding the nearby Whiteman Airport to others. Given this abdication, Van Nuys Airport and its surrounding neighbors must accept and be prepared that Imelda Padilla may ignore them and their concerns altogether.

04/08/2025   The nearby "4 STACKS" long out of industrial use are in the process of being removed.  This presents a plethora of problems as they are depicted on Procedure Charts and Navigational Charts and have been used as the basis of situational awareness (e.g. departures from WHP) in the area.  The removal is being completed with the goal to restrict toxic emissions from escaping.

This affects the 4 Stacks Visual Runway 15 procedure into BUR in addition to other examples (the 4 stacks depicted as a charted obstacle) that must be rewritten. Several agencies including FAA Runway Safety, Tracon, the FAA Western Region Service Center, are concerned. As the 4 Stacks sit on the boarder of Whiteman's Class D airspace and the inner circle of Burbank's Class Charlie Airspace, one concern is that pilots from out of the area will follow the AIM departure procedure to climb to 700' departing KWHP prior to turning crosswind and incur a Burbank Class C airspace violation. An are of concern is possible confusion created by three airports in close proximity that upon occasion has resulted in aircraft approaching an unintended airport.

04/6/2025   Please be mindful of the LA County Airport Commissioner Meeting scheduled to be held at Whiteman April 30, 2025, at 7 p.m. - Additionally, a WHP Display Day will be held on April 13, 2025, 10 am-2 pm.

04/6/2025   Whiteman April 1, Meeting Notes - James Miller, former manager of Whiteman Airport under American Airports Corporation, and certainly a prominent and knowledgeable advocate conducted the meeting attended by about 20 people.  Current events were discussed as well as WHP's Grant Assurance benefit.  (Webmaster Note: WHP by FAA regulation supported by precedent because of a 1999 real estate county real estate purchase using Federal Funds, is entitled to perpetual status benefit, and the county is barred from closing the field.)  Within that context, Banning Airport was mentioned and how anti-airport folks are seeking a work around obligations.   (Webmaster note: Banning recently signed an ENA with developers. -Exclusive Negotiation Agreement - ENA means a legally binding agreement used to dispose of “ surplus land ” that binds a prospective buyer and seller under which neither can make any similar deals with the other's competitors for a specified period. ).   The prospect of Van Nuys Airport landing fees was also announced.

Discussion was critical of stated county finances and financial planning and there was continued perceived alleged contempt for recently retired Paul Maselbas' budget projections. Some who were present vocally expressed happiness to hear of his retirement. Others were more moderate.

The site promotes her as:    “Rivas has been a consistent and unwavering champion for communities, public health, and bold climate action. She not only helped pass major climate legislation in 2022, but she also pushed to make these policies even stronger.”  - California Environmental Voters

Her Offices: 

03/29/2025  URGENT - Upcoming EVENTS:  April 1, 2025, 7:00pm Whiteman Airport Association Meeting at Civil Air Patrol Classroom 1, 122653 Osborne Street, Pacoima, CA, 91331.

3/17/2025    Letter to the Editor: 

Here are a few LA County Updates   Some folks may already know about.

1. Supervisor Horvath has ordered Public Works to decline any further FAA airport improvement grant funds.  Over $50,000,000 has been per-approved for Whiteman airport over the next  few years, including reducing the runway that is currently in disrepair. A request for the paper trail of the order from the Supervisor the public works to the Aviation Division resulted in: one does not exist.  A California Public Records Request was made to Public Works for the Supervisor’s directive.

2. Supervisor Horvath replaced the sitting Airport Commission Chair, Anton, and another commissioner, Pascucci, with one weeks' notice to vacate through a phone call from a staffer.  These two-aviation knowledgeable and LAC airport supportive commissioners were replaced with an environmental attorney and a community organizer, both sympathetic to efforts to close the airport.

3. Whiteman airport is the most profitable airport in the LAC airport system, operating nearly 2 million dollars in the black.  Closure of this airport will harm the entire county airport system economically.

4. The Aviation Director secured a one-year extension to the FAA grant preapproval, yet the county needs to execute the final application.  So, the funds are earmarked yet need to be acquires.

5. Suspicion is that Horvath intends to decline the funds therefore establishing 2013 as the beginning of the end of the airport.  This is the last time LAC received FAA funds establishing 2033 as a date the county can legally close the airport.  (Webmaster Note: SCAUWG.ORG & NBAA have proven that KWHP enjoys perpetuity despite the misinformation circulated.)

In the mean time, the county will be required to maintain the airport as an airport for public use.  This means the county will need approximately $6,000,000 to repair and maintain the currently declining runway.  -  Marc Haney D.D.S MS

3/17/2025, Display Day 4/13 - 10am -2 pm   We will hold our monthly Display and open hangar day on Sunday April 13, 2025. Signing of Display Day paperwork will occur between 10:00 AM and 1:00pm at Hangar HH09.

4/01/2025, 7:00pm, Los Angeles County Aviation Commission MeetingApril 30- This meeting will be held at the Whiteman Airport Administration offices conference room (upstairs above Vista Aviation), 10000 Airpark Way, Pacoima, CA, 91331.  Please come and support the airport.  Let the Commissioners know that Whiteman is a critical part of the National Airspace system and has a major impact beyond the boundaries of Pacoima.  The airport is a valuable asset for the County, generating approximately $2 Million annually to support the other four airports and over $100 Million is economic impact on the area. Letting your representative (appointed by your supervisor) know your support for the airport and the political implication of its closure is critical to keeping the airport open.

02/19/2025   Special to SCAUWG.ORG- One authority called this "one of the best pieces of intelligence about who the people are behind the movement to close WHP that has been seen." On this newly established board, some panelists include Whiteman CAC alumni, including Veronica Padilla-Campos and Rudy Ortega, an alleged who's who of political favorites of Lindsey Horvath. Allegedly she is surrounding herself frequently with cronies.  the document doesn't directly relate to the airport but the listed commissioners on the new committee bears striking ties to anti-WHP moves. Webmaster:  "Though the document doesn't directly relate to the airport, the listed commissioners on the new committee bear striking ties to an alleged political anti-WHP movement." You can DOWNLOAD this 2/16/2025 PR Release from Supervisor Lindsey Horvath HERE.

02/15/2025   Lake Balboa Neighbo/rhood Council to Present Community Needs to Councilmember Imelda Padilla on February 5, 2025

Lake Balboa NC Supports Whiteman- From Lake Balboa Neighborhood Council Newsletter dated 2/4/2025 - "Van Nuys and Whiteman A irports - With approximately 2 million of Los Angeles’ 4 million residents living in the valley, a backup airport is needed in case of emergencies for FEMA, the RED Cross, water scoopers, and other emergency agencies. L.A. City Council voted to support closing Whiteman, LA County airport (CF20-1538). LBNC opposes the closing of Whiteman."

Van Nuys Airport - Notes from a neighborhood group

Van Nuys Airport was primarily for general aviation enthusiasts. Currently, it has morphed into an international commercial enterprise. It has jet maintenance facilities, charter vendors with 150+ passenger seat aircraft, and U.S. Customs facilities, which increases traffic at this general aviation airport. These “upgrades” were created without consideration for the surrounding schools and single-family homes. Where there was once a buffer to the community, there is now a jet hangar blasting fumes throughout the neighborhood. The aircraft noise and fumes constantly drift through the neighborhood.

We Want:

1. Stop the fumes that permeate the neighborhood
2. Stop the sale of individual seats on charter flights, which is considered commercial airline activity and not appropriate for a general aviation airport
3. Post the Citizens Advisory Council’s agenda on the city’s Early Notification System
4. Include all the communities affected by noise, fumes, and soot in all Van Nuys Airport Vision Plan meetings
5. Implement a curfew for all aircraft from 10 PM to 7 AM (Burbank has a curfew, so why can’t VNY?)
6. Stop Personal Air Vehicles (PAVs), Flying Cars, and Air services like Uber/Lyft in the sky

You can view the entire Newsletter Here.

02/04/2025   NO Practice Approaches into WHP and VNY until 2/4/2027 - LTA Details Here.

01/15/2025   Whiteman Airport Played Vital Role in Combating the Hurst Fire in Sylmar - San Fernando Valley Sun

Firehawk Helicopter at Whiteman Airport   -   Photo: James Miller

When the Hurst Fire was still burning last week in the hills of Sylmar, Whiteman Airport in Pacoima served as a base for the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) to combat the flames and contain the spread.

James Miller, squadron commander of the Civil Air Patrol’s cadet squadron at Whiteman, explained that on Wednesday, Jan. 8, when the fires began to rage around Los Angeles, Cal Fire brought in Firehawk helicopters to specifically battle the Hurst Fire.

It served as an ideal location due to its close proximity to the fire. The Van Nuys and Burbank airports were already filled up with other assets that were being deployed to the Palisades Fire.

 

11/12/2024   "Blinded at Night" -  By report, an apartment building nearby apparently installed three very bright lights that face the airport runway. Approaching at night allegedly can cause significant distraction, impaired vision, and subsequent lack of runway situational awareness, resulting in impaired ability to see the last two runway exits.  -  A SCAUWG member will address the Airport Manager on 11/13.

 

10/30/2024   Land Use Study at California Airport Raises Alarm in GA Community - From FLYING - "Purpose of the research, according to Los Angeles County, is to determine alternate uses for Whiteman Airport’s 184 acres. - The aviation community in Southern California is raising the alarm over a decision made by Los Angeles County officials to request an expanded land use study for the land that is currently Whiteman Airport (KWHP).  - The economic impact and land use study was given the green light at the county's board of supervisors meeting on October 22. The purpose of the research, according to the county, is to determine alternate uses for the airport’s 184 acres. The facility is located in the city of Pacoima, 19 miles north of Los Angeles International (KLAX). Whiteman Airport is one of five owned by Los Angeles County.

 

10/26/2024   A New ISSUE has surfaced: A National Magazine Reporter seems to doubt the Perpetuity Claim made by the ASSOCIATION LETTER (see below).   These are some talking points that support the claim:   THIS ATTITUDE HAS SINCE BEEN RESOLVED!

• Since at least 1982, an airport that accepts AIP grants to acquire real property creates perpetual obligations for the entire property, not just the parcel acquired.  That is a well-established FAA policy.
• Los Angeles County acquired the Osborne Street properties in 1998-99 using AIP grants; we now have documentary confirmation of that.
• The ALP, among other documents, confirms that those parcels have been and are still considered to be part of the airport by Los Angeles County.
• So far as we are aware, there is no master list maintained by FAA of perpetually-obligated property.  But, given the records we have obtained, any omission of WHP from such a list would be erroneous.

The last point included as the reporter claimed that an FAA Source spoken to related that a "list' existed that details airports with perpetuity.  We have politely asked for that source so that further conversation can evolve.

 

10/23/2024   Study on other uses for Whiteman Airport approved by LA County supervisors - From The Los Angeles Daily News - The Study will focus on alternatives if the airport closes, and the economic activity and impacts of aviation

"An expanded land use study will examine other uses for the county-owned Whiteman Airport in Pacoima should it be shut down, including the possibility of building affordable housing, according to a motion approved Tuesday, Oct. 22 by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.

Its action adds $1.3 million for a consulting firm already charged with studying the airport, bringing the study’s cost to $1.9 million to look at economic impacts and alternative uses “for the potential repurposing” of the general aviation airport, according to county documents. The study will also determine the economic benefits of aviation operations.

“Although no final decision has been made to close Whiteman Airport, it is prudent at this time to investigate all potential impacts of airport closure to the Pacoima community and the County,” wrote Kelly Lo Bianco, director of the county’s Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) in a letter to the board dated Oct. 22.

Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, who represents the area, authored a motion in April that asked for the study about operational impacts, as well as shutting it down and using the 184-acre site for other purposes. Tuesday’s action sets that full study in motion.

“An economic study is a critical next step in a process to reimagine the Whiteman Airport site in Pacoima,” said Horvath in a prepared statement. “The results of the fiscal analysis and land use study will inform future actions while we take immediate steps today to protect the health of the residents of the Northeast San Fernando Valley, including the transition to unleaded aviation fuel.”

SCAUWG.ORG Comment: Having watched the proceedings and being in a telephone queue waiting to give a one-minute response for what was hours, I can testify that item # 29 (the measure to study closure) was never discussed. Two speakers did get to address the Board via telephone, They requested opposition.  No one spoke in favor. Unfortunately, my telephone connection failed.  The speakers spoke during what was a form of "cattle call" as the discussion of agenda items by the Board ended at #17 wherein it seemed as if the discussion on that item lasted at least an hour. At that moment callers and those present in person were invited to address any of the remaining 58 items that were also not read but lumped into what was a bulk vote.

SCAUWG.ORG submitted evidence into the written record that Whiteman Airport enjoys the benefit of legal perpetuity (described in the section that follows). The release took some time to prepare even on a rushed schedule.  The notice of the 10/22 morning meeting was dated 10/16. The notice was sent to Dawyn Harrison, County Counsel, as well as to each Supervisor. And so, with one rapid vote of either Yea or Nea, (all voted Yea) all of the "special items" that were not individually addressed (like the study) were approved.  It mattered not that one of the #29 speakers addressed the Board saying that records show the airport should not be closed, and it mattered not that the notices were sent, and that two entries into the public record were made and their acceptance was confirmed. Number 29 was not addressed, nor was the vote delayed, allowing consultation with County council.

The above Los Angeles Daily News story reveals data that seems to infer that the decision to approve was made, and statements were prepared before the meeting. The rush to vote without adequate notice of the issue skewed a thoughtful and timely response, and in this case, approved a 1.3-million-dollar expenditure to study closing an airport that by regulation enjoys the right to stay open into perpetuity.

It is ironic that item #17 which garnered so much Supervisor conversation, addressed the notion that last-minute agenda notices created a lack of adequate notice for responsible parties to respond to proposed measures.

It is recognized that the County has the right to order studies and that in this case, that study doesn't affect the legal right for the airport to remain perpetually.  SCAUWG.ORG is proud to have participated with NBAA, and later with the endorsements of AOPA, NATA, and VAI, bringing the matter of Whiteman Airport perpetuity to the fore, and to LA County Supervisor's attention.  Read the Entire Article Here.

 

10/21/24   Whiteman Airport - ENJOYS PERPETUITY - SHUT DOWN the SHUT DOWN TALK!

The Following Letter was meant as a Notice to the Board of Supervisors that research has uncovered the data to support that Whiteman Airport is subject to Perpetuity.  SCAUWG.ORG worked closely with NBAA and NBAA later obtained the endorsements of AOPA, NATA, and VAI prior to the notice being sent to the LA County Board of Supervisors as well as the LA County council.

 

The following is a Capture of the LA County Dept. Public Works Document that illustrates Federal Funding:

To SEE THE ENTIRE DOCUMENT Sent to the LA County Board of Supervisors that also has a full copy of the LA County Dept. of Public Works  Document proofing Federal Funding for the Purchase of REAL PROPERTY  - CLICK HERE

 

 

RELEASED OCT. 16, 2024    LA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AGENDA OCT. 22 MEETING

ITEM #29

 

SCAUWG.ORG Comment:   For years now there have been efforts to close Whiteman Airport and redevelop the land. These efforts have been characterized by local politicians who make environmental arguments that LA County-sponsored studies discount, but they continue to make them. They think that those who listen will believe their statements if repeated often enough.   They pretend to help the local citizens who live near the airport, yet they refuse to accept the Federal funding (95% of the cost) needed to renovate the approximately 300 units nearest to the airport determined to be eligible. Instead, they wish to spend almost two million dollars for a study.  They also choose to ignore the will of the local citizens, who via surveys, and statements from the local neighborhood councils, all favor supporting Whiteman Airport. The fire chief of the associated County Heliport/Firebase at Whiteman vocalized that keeping the KWHP runway open to facilitate emergency response is important, and preferred.  In addition to all of that, they are seeking to close the airport while in 2005 the BOS voted unanimously to extend a lease of Whiteman Airport land used for parking vehicles. The land was voted to be leased through January 2044. Other land parcels were purchased for Whiteman Airport and the purpose was stated in writing as for "public purpose." Of all the five County-owned airports Whiteman Airport yields the largest income for the County. Presently, testimony describes the alleged co-mingling of funds between the airports.

Worse yet, though the politicians and one particular 501 (c) (3) organization declare they want environmental justice for Pacoima residents who live near the airport, fiscal justice is being ignored. Whilst they desire to move closer to closing the airport, the neighborhood is closer to gentrification and development making the new cost of rentals unaffordable and forcing the current residents to relocate.

* Edited 10/16/2024

 

4/24/2024

Aviation Commission Meeting -  From San Fernando Valley Sun

Aviation Enthusiasts Comment in Favor of Keeping Whiteman Airport Open

A decision or even definitive direction regarding the fate of Whiteman Airport in Pacoima remains up in the air.

The campaign to shut down the airport, citing potential health and safety concerns, was propelled by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors’ motion calling for an economic analysis and planning study for both an airport closure and if it were to remain operational.

Supporters of the airport are making sure they are not forgotten. At a recent LA County Aviation Commission meeting at Whiteman Airport, aviation enthusiasts spoke strongly in favor of keeping the airport operational.    Continue HERE

 

4/15/2024

   Airport Monthly Newsletter - Dept of Public Works

Read it HERE.

 

4/5/2024

WHITEMAN AIRPORT UPDATE - Board of Supervisors News. - Letter to the Editor Submitted to SCAUWG.ORG by KWHP Airport Advocate M. Stone.

Agenda Items to be Considered.

Item 16: Re-envisioning Whiteman Airport: Expanding Economic Opportunities (link to agenda)

Recommendation as submitted by Supervisor Horvath: Direct the Chief Executive Officer, in collaboration with the Director of Public Works, to report back to the Board in 60 days with a plan and cost estimate to conduct a study of potential land uses for the 184-acre Whiteman Airport Property, both as an operational airport and if the airport were to close, along with an economic analysis of the impacts to the County and the Pacoima community if the airport were to close, the economic analysis should include the following:

Community jobs created and resulting direct, indirect, and induced effects; Financial implications of existing airport property contract rights and prior lease agreements; Impacts to airport businesses; Financial impacts to the overall system of five County airports; and An appraisal of the fair market value of the land and existing improvements. (24-1281) (link to full text of motion)

If you wish, public comments may be submitted to the BOS here (item 16).

In addition, I believe SCAUWG visitors may be interested in this early March press release from Supervisor Lindsey Horvath, especially for the bolded section:

Los Angeles, CA – "Today, Lindsey P. Horvath, Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, announced an important step to a healthier Northeast San Fernando Valley. Beginning June 1, 2024, unleaded aviation fuel will be commercially available at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima. This transition from leaded to unleaded aviation fuel is the result of Chair Horvath’s November 7, 2023, motion to reimagine Whiteman Airport.

“Los Angeles County is taking action to safeguard the health of our Pacoima and Northeast San Fernando Valley neighbors surrounding Whiteman Airport by transitioning to unleaded aviation fuel,” said Chair Horvath. “I wholeheartedly support Senator Menjivar’s legislation to ban leaded fuel outright. Until we have that directive Los Angeles County will do everything within our authority to prioritize unleaded options countywide.”

Moreover, Chair Horvath emphasized, 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.

Beginning June 1, LA County Public Works will provide Swift Fuels UL94, unleaded aviation gasoline at all five LA County-operated airports. This gasoline is usable by approximately 60-70 percent of the piston aircraft fleet. The unleaded aviation fuel industry is quickly developing. The Federal Aviation Administration has not yet approved an unleaded fuel for all piston aircraft. Given this, a low lead fuel option will still be available for sale. Public Works will encourage and prioritize the use of the new unleaded option.

A voluntary airport curfew is also in place at Whiteman Airport, limiting departures and arrivals between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. daily. A process is underway to move toward a mandatory curfew."

................

LACoDPW officials earlier in the week said no such determination with the FAA has been made yet. Lindsey Horvath's office was asked to elaborate. The request, at the time of publication, was still outstanding.

 

2/10/2024

   PR Release from SCAUWG.ORG

 

Read the Lead Study Here.

Read the entire PR Release HERE

 

2/5/2024

   County of Los Angeles "Reimagining" Letter to Supervisors from Public Works &  Public Works Ordered Health Dept. Report Results:

 

Read the Entire Letter HERE

.

11/7/2023

Letter addressed to the Whiteman Airport Tenants from the County re 11/7/2023 motion addressing:

• Leaded Fuel
• Nighttime Curfew

Read the full letter Here.

 

11/03/2023

FURTHER CORRESPONDENCE FROM THE LA COUNTY AVIATION COMMISSION TO THE LA COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND DEPT. OF PUBLIC WORKS · Please see an earlier Banner that links to Commissioner Curt Castagna’s Oct. 29, Email

From: Curt Castagna <ccastagna@nata.aero> Date: November 3, 2023, at 4:21:17 PM PDT To: ThirdDistrict@bos.lacounty.gov, firstdistrict@bos.lacounty.gov, hollyjmitchell@bos.lacounty.gov, fourthdistrict@bos.lacounty.gov, kathryn@bos.lacounty.gov Subject: LA County Owned Whiteman Airport- Nov 7th motion

Honorable County Supervisors Horvath, Solis, Mitchell, Hahn and Barger

We understand the motion details outlined below to be heard on Nov 7th. It is not yet clear, given the manner in which the BOS agenda is managed, whether or not this will be taken in order, as a consent item or pulled for discussion. We imagine that complexity of taking items out of order now makes community engagement more challenging.

We are pleased to see the BOS now taking a more proactive approach to that investment needed to implement the currently commercially available unleaded aviation gasoline to speed up the transition in LA County. As well, a review of the lead studies that have been available…..

We note the item seeking a voluntary curfew program. We would encourage the BOS and staff to review what other airports in the region are doing in similar regards. Long Beach has a wonderful report out. See attached. We do encourage staff and the BOS to consider the federal requirements needed for any formal regulatory program to restrict access, mitigate noise, etc. at WHP Airport- so to not be out of compliance with the need to adhere to a FAA Part 150 and/or 161 study.

We understand the County’s Airport Capital Improvement Program (ACIP) and the attached summary from the FAA, that indicates that the last grant that the County accepted for airport infrastructure improvements at Whiteman Airport was for the installation of perimeter fencing in FFY 2013. Grant assurances under that funding agreement require the airport to remain in operation until at least 2033. Also attached the County’s Federal ACIP showing the County airport projects tentatively programmed by the FAA for grant funding over the next five years. It includes the following projects tentatively scheduled for Whiteman Airport:

FFY 2024 - Rehabilitate Runway and Taxiway A & Construct Runway 30 Hold Apron – Design ($400k)

FFY 2025 - Rehabilitate Wash Rack and Apron Area Pavements – Design ($800K)

FFY 2026 - Rehabilitate Runway and Taxiway A & Construct Runway 30 Hold Apron – Construction ($4M)

FFY 2026 - Reconfigure Airport Entrance Road – Design ($400K)

FFY 2028 - Rehabilitate Wash Rack and Apron Area Pavements – Construction ($9M)

The total estimated cost of these projects is $14.6M. About $13.9M of this amount would be financed with Federal and State grant funds.

We learned at the October Aviation Commission meeting, although the runway pavement at Whiteman Airport is in very poor condition, later this month we plan to ask the FAA to delay for one year the programmed funding grant for the design of the needed runway improvements ($360,000), due to the current uncertainty of the future of the airport. Acceptance of the funds would invoke grant assurances requiring the airport to remain in operation for 20 years. THIS IS A VERY TROUBLING NOTICE THAT WE BELIEVE..."    Continue Reading by Clicking Here.

 

09/25/2023

Read the Entire Document Here. This is the motion that established the "CAC."

 

12/17/2020

 

 

08/08/2007   County Lease Agreement with Augerbrite Consruction for land to store Construction Materials.  See it Here.

 

From the BOS Meeting February 1, 2005:  

Recommendation: Approve and instruct the Chair to sign amendment to lease agreement with Richard S. Coulter for an additional 3,220 sq ft of unimproved land to be used as vehicle and equipment parking at Whiteman Airport, Pacoima area (3), and to increase monthly rental rate to $1,686, effective upon Board approval through January 31, 2044; and authorize the Acting Director to make the necessary changes arrangements with the County's contract airport manager and operator for the collection of all rents to be paid. 4-VOTES (05-0314

APPROVED; ALSO APPROVED AGREEMENT NO. 74741, SUPPLEMENT 1

Webmaster: Included herein as I believe this might illustrate the "maintaining the airport into the future" mindset of the BOS at the time, If they intended building homes eventually on the property why would they lease it as a parking lot through 2044?

* Edited 10/17/2024