Simi Valley residents confront flight schools over noise and community impact

The Simi Valley City Council meeting on April 8, 2025, focused on community concerns regarding increasing flight training noise from local airports, particularly Van Nuys Airport. Residents expressed frustration over a lack of communication and responsiveness from flight schools and airport management regarding the impact of their operations on the community.

One community member highlighted that flight training activities are becoming more concentrated over Simi Valley, rather than being distributed among surrounding areas like Santa Clarita and Malibu. This concentration has led to increased noise levels, which residents find disruptive. The speaker emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue before it escalates further, noting that once the situation is established, it may be difficult to implement changes.

In response to these concerns, local residents have taken proactive steps by organizing meetings with flight schools and noise management representatives. Approximately seven to eight flight schools participated in these discussions, indicating a willingness to engage with the community. However, the effectiveness of proposed measures, such as potential landing fees at Van Nuys Airport, remains uncertain and may not significantly mitigate the noise problem.

Council member Imelda Padilla acknowledged the community's efforts and expressed a desire for the city to initiate its own initiatives to address the noise concerns. Other council members discussed the limitations of the city's jurisdiction over the airport, noting that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the appropriate agency for noise complaints. They encouraged residents to utilize the FAA's resources for reporting issues.

The meeting also touched on other topics, including infrastructure improvements and support for local businesses, particularly food trucks. Council members expressed their commitment to addressing community needs and fostering dialogue with residents.

As the city grapples with these challenges, the council's next steps will likely involve further discussions on how to effectively engage with the FAA and explore local initiatives to alleviate noise disturbances for Simi Valley residents.