Agency Says It Needs Time To Complete Its Investigation Into Airport Closure Efforts

The FAA dealt a setback to city officials in Santa Monica, CA who hope to close Santa Monica Airport (KSMO) by issuing a cease-and-desist order to stop the immediate eviction of the two privately-owned FBOs on the field.

The order will stop the forced eviction of American Flyers and Atlantic Aviation. The companies had received eviction notices in mid-September. The city filed lawsuits against the two FBOs in November in an effort to force them off the airport. The evictions were part of the city's overall strategy to regain control of the airport and close it by July of 2018.

The Los Angeles Times reports that the cease-and-desist order states that the city's ongoing efforts to shutter critical services and its "hostility" towards the sale of leaded that is necessary for the safe operation of many aircraft is "a clear contravention of the law."

The FAA goes on to state that “the city has failed to grant any aeronautical leases since 2015 and is alleged to have negotiated in bad faith while seeking onerous and unreasonable terms.” The document also points out that the city's leasing policy for the airport fails to include aviation.

The city says it will continue with its efforts to open its own FBO, but they do not plan to sell leaded fuel and offer only expensive biofuels for jet aircraft. City officials expressed disappointment that the FAA told it to stop eviction proceedings against the FBOs, but said they were not surprised by the move. They have 30 days to respond to the FAA on the matter.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.faa.gov