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FAA investigates SMO eviction notices

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Aviation International News is reporting that the FAA has subpoenaed the city of Santa Monica and issued a notice of investigation into the city’s efforts to evict the two main fuel providers at Santa Monica Airport.

“These actions may be causing, and appear intended to cause, impairment of the airport, including but not limited to, a de facto closure of the airport in violation of applicable law,” the agency told the city in a Sept. 26 notice of investigation (NOI), according to the report. Read the full report here.

FAA tells Santa Monica it is required to continue operating airport

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Aviation International News is reporting that the FAA has reacted to the city of Santa Monica’s plan to close Santa Monica Airport (SMO) in 2018.

In a letter sent to mayor Tony Vazquez, FAA director of airport compliance and management analysis Kevin Willis reminded the mayor that under a recent Part 16 decision, “the city is required to continue to operate the airport for public use on reasonable terms and without unjust discrimination.” [Read more…]

FAA rules SMO must stay open

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Aviation International News is reporting that the FAA associate administrator for airports has affirmed an earlier director’s determination that requires the city of Santa Monica, Calif., to keep its airport (SMO) open until 2023.

In a final decision and order, the associate administrator responded to the city’s appeal of the Dec. 4, 2015, director’s determination, which found that the city was obligated by receipt of grant funds to keep the airport open at least until Aug. 27, 2023. The city appealed that determination, and the FAA re-examined the record.

“Based on this re-examination,” the final decision and order noted, “the FAA concludes that the director’s determination is supported by a preponderance of reliable, probative and substantial evidence, and is consistent with applicable law, precedent and FAA policy.”

Read the full story here.

Call to pilots to block latest threat to SMO

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The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) has asked its members in Southern California to contact U.S. Representatives Karen Bass (D-Calif.) and Ted Lieu (D-Calif.), in an effort to stave off the latest attempt to close Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO).

Both members of Congress have endorsed a seven-point plan by local airport opponents to close the airport in the near future. Bass and Lieu have scheduled a July 8 meeting with FAA officials to discuss the plan. [Read more…]

LA Times opines about Santa Monica Airport

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We’ve been saying it for years. But it’s nice to hear the mainstream media pick up the argument. The Los Angeles Times editorial board said, with regard to Santa Monica Airport, “Open to private business and recreational aircraft, it relieves Los Angeles International Airport of some smaller plane traffic. Flight schools, airplane maintenance, charter jet businesses, and emergency and medical flight services all use it as a base.” The editorial goes on to address the safety concerns of neighbors with – are you ready for this – actual data. Well done LA Times.

SMO vote disappointing to GA advocates

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A city sponsored ballot initiative — Measure LC — has passed in Santa Monica, Calif., leaving the future of Santa Monica Municipal Airport (SMO) in the hands of the City Council.

The measure passed with 59% of voters saying “yes” with 90% of precincts reporting Tuesday. At the same time, voters rejected a separate measure — Measure D — that would have given control of the airport’s future to voters.

[Read more…]