Calls On Administrator To Stop Testing On Changes To GA IFR Departure Procedures

Congressman Henry Waxman (D-CA) (pictured, below) has sent a letter to FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt saying the agency should "immediately suspend" testing of new GA IFR departure procedures at Santa Monica airport (KSMO).

Waxman was responding to complaints from local residents near the airport. He also joined neighborhood activists and Santa Monica city officials in criticizing the FAA for not holding public hearings before beginning the flight-path experiment. In the letter, Waxman said "(a) test with such far-reaching impacts requires adequate public education and outreach. Yet, the FAA did not make presentations to the Santa Monica Airport Commission or to communities living in the vicinity of the airport before the test was initiated. Furthermore, despite a request from the City of Santa Monica, no public outreach program was conducted once the test commenced. The lack of public outreach as these decision are made is unacceptable."

The new IFR departure procedures for GA airplanes takes them over residential housing near the Santa Monica Pier, rather than a direct route to the ocean before turning north. The Santa Monica Daily Press reports that the procedures account for about 10 operations per day, on average. Residents are complaining about the "increased noise" from the departing airplanes.

An FAA spokesman said the agency was reviewing the letter, and would respond as appropriate.

The FAA and airport officials say they are looking at procedures for IFR departures that will relieve congestion and delays at both KSMO and Los Angeles International.

FMI: http://waxman.house.gov, www.faa.gov, www.smgov.net