Say They're Being Punted For Bigger, More Expensive Jet Customers

Pilots at McClellan-Palomar Airport have filed an FAA complaint against the field, saying they're being unjustly evicted so the airport can bring in better-paying tenants.

KFMB-TV reports the complainants include Pacific Coast Flyers, a flying club with 301 members and 14 aircraft; Donnya Daubney, who owns Carlsbad Aircraft Supply; and retired commercial pilot Roger Baker, who's leased a hangar at CRQ near San Diego (CA) for more than 30 years.

McClellan-Palomar is undergoing a complete renovation. Forty decrepit hangars are falling under the wrecking ball, as are the 45-year old field's historic restaurant and other businesses. They'll be replaced by at least 19 new hangars.

The pilots told the San Diego Union-Tribune that those 19 hangars will be used to house more profitable tenants like commercial and charter jet operations. The project that touched off the FAA complaints belongs to the airport's main leaseholder, Palomar Airport Center. That company has evicted 150 pilots and companies that serve them, promising to start demolition on October 1st.

The airport reportedly promises there will be a place for general aviation when the $30 million makeover is complete.

FMI: http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/dpw/airports/mcpal.htm