Community Group Fights Against Its Skies Becoming an AI Test Bed

Archer Aviation’s plan to turn Hawthorne Airport into the heart of its Los Angeles air-taxi network earned it a big “WELCOME” from the mayor… and exactly the opposite from locals. Members of the community started the “Hawthorne Quiet Skies” group to express both confusion and disappointment with the decision.

Hawthorne is an 80-acre airfield that sits just a few miles from LAX. The company plans for Hawthorne to serve as its primary operational base for the LA28 Olympics, acting as a “plug-and-play” hub for charging, maintenance, storage, and scheduling. Archer also intends to expand testing of its Midnight eVTOL at the site, banking on proximity to major destinations as it strides toward commercial service.

Archer’s two-phase redevelopment plan calls for upgraded hangars and FBO control first, followed by AI-based traffic management, smart-sensor runways, and a digitized passenger flow system.

The company’s partners are eager. United Airlines CFO Michael Leskinen said Archer’s work is “part of the next generation of air traffic technology that will fundamentally reshape aviation.” Hawthorne Mayor Alex Vargas gave a little less formal tribute: “WELCOME ARCHER TO THE CITY OF HAWTHORNE!"

The community is less charmed, but surprisingly willing to compromise. Hawthorne Quiet Skies says it only learned about Archer’s takeover when the press releases went out, despite years of unresolved noise complaints and a 2021 city noise study identifying more than 160 homes already exposed to unhealthy noise levels. The group argues that converting the airport into a 24/7 AI test bed without updating noise standards or setting clear safety guarantees puts families at risk with no reward.

“We think the revolution in autonomous air transportation is exciting and we support the California innovators working towards a better quality of life for all,” the group wrote. “But that’s the key – all of us need to participate in this process as respected, trusting, and collaborative partners.”

In the meantime, Archer’s numbers are coming in strong. It added $650 million in new equity funding, lifting its liquidity to more than $2 billion, while its Midnight aircraft logged a 55-mile flight at over 126 mph and reached 10,000 feet in testing.

FMI: https://hawthornequietskies.com