Former FAA Deputy Administrator Says Terms Of The 'Compromise' Are Not Clear

There has be a lot written since Saturday in both the aviation press and the general media concerning the FAA's decision to allow Santa Monica to close KSMO no later than 2028. But attorney Sandy Murdock, a former FAA Deputy Administrator and one-time chief-counsel at the FAA says the terms of the compromise are not clear, and there are serious threats to the nation's airport system.

Murdock's post is too lengthy to adequately summarize here, but in a nutshell, he says that the decision, which was reached in the closing days of the Obama Administration and released in the first days of the Trump Presidency, could impact aviation policy created by the FAA under President Trump.

Murdock compares the news releases from the FAA and the City of Santa Monica, as well linking to a sampling of the news coverage on both sides of the issue. He also predicts a lengthy legal battle, as well as strong lobbying by aviation interests now that Elaine Chao has been confirmed as Secretary of Transportation, and when Sen. Jeff Sessions is confirmed as Attorney General.

It is likely that the only parties who think this issue is anywhere close to settled are FAA Administrator/Acting Secretary of Transportation Michael Huerta and the Santa Monica Mayor and City Council. Nearly everyone else is predicting a fight that will last several years.

(Image from file)

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