Tue, Sep 27, 2016
Editorial Points Out Advantages, Importance Of The Facility
The Los Angeles Times Editorial Board has published an editorial supporting the continuing operation of Santa Monica Airport as an airport.
The Editorial Board points out that there are many "compelling reasons" to keep the airport open. They say that KSMO is a "crucial air-transportation artery" in southern California, and that closing KSMO would push business jet traffic to an already-congested Los Angeles International airport (KLAX), where it would compete with commercial traffic.
They also note that the airport supports more than just recreational pilots. Business travelers, organ transplant transportation flights, animal rescue, Angel Flight West, and many others regularly use KSMO.
The board says that KSMO is not a "frivolous playground for the '1 percenters'" as it is often portrayed by its opponents. Rather, "it is a vital hub in an already crowded air transportation system." They point to a safety record that is exemplary, with no fatal accident, either to people in aircraft or on the ground, in the past three decades. And, they say that the changing fuel landscape will soon ease environmental concerns expressed by some airport opponents.
In closing, the Editorial Board says that while the issue works its way through the courts, the city of Santa Monica should continue to fulfill its legal obligations to run the airport well, and not actively and obviously work to discourage people from using it.
(Images from file)
More News
Chaff Thin, narrow metallic reflectors of various lengths and frequency responses, used to reflect radar energy. These reflectors, when dropped from aircraft and allowed to drift d>[...]
“Today, XB-1 took flight in the same hallowed airspace where the Bell X-1 first broke the sound barrier in 1947. I’ve been looking forward to this flight since founding>[...]
“Teaming up with the EAA and Berlin Express for this event in Cincinnati will give warbird fans a unique opportunity to see the aircraft that helped defend freedom and gave t>[...]
Hazardous Weather Information Summary of significant meteorological information (SIGMET/WS), convective significant meteorological information (convective SIGMET/WST), urgent pilot>[...]
Aero Linx: The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission The Nebraska Aeronautics Commission was created by the 1935 Legislature to oversee the development of aviation in the state. The Comm>[...]