New IFR Departure Procedure Is Basis For Complaints

The city of Santa Monica is not happy about new IFR departure procedures being tested by the FAA at Santa Monica Airport (KSMO), and says it will "aggressively persue all avenues" to force the FAA to conduct a full environmental impact study before any change is made permanent.

Santa Monica Airport

The FAA began a 6 month test in December of potential new departure patterns at KSMO. The previous procedure had GA airplanes flying to the coastline before making a 40 degree Northwest turn. Several of the new patterns being tested move that turn to a point over Penmar Golf Course, which then take the aircraft over a residential neighborhood near the Santa Monica Pier. It is those residents who in large part have raised the objections about the proposed change.

The Santa Monica Mirror reports that the FAA implemented the test period without conducting a formal public briefing which the city had requested. In a statement released late last week, the city said it "will not accept such disregard of the City and its residents in the future.” "“The City insists on the inclusion of the City and its residents in reviewing any proposed change before final departure procedures are decided,” it says.

The tests are being conducted due to the proximity of KSMO to KLAX. It falls within the provisions of the National Environmental Protection Act, and the study will help determine if a change in the IFR departure pattern will ease departure delays at both airports.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.smgov.net