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FAA approach changes reduce options at Santa Barbara Airport; pilot‑controlled lighting to be enabled
Summary
Airport staff told the commission that recent FAA changes removed some GPS overlay approaches, raised ILS minimums and temporarily curtailed a VOR night listing; staff said pilot‑controlled lighting will be switched on after tower hours and officials are pressing the FAA for faster fixes.
Director Chris Hastert told the Santa Barbara Airport Commission on March 13 that several recent federal actions have reduced available instrument approaches and increased minimums for some approaches into Santa Barbara Airport, and that the airport will enable pilot‑controlled lighting after tower hours.
The developments came during the director’s regular report. “Pilot controlled lighting, I have just been informed, is ready to go at the flip of a switch,” Hastert said, adding that the change will let pilots adjust runway lighting after tower closure and reduce energy costs.
Why this matters: fewer or higher‑minimum instrument approaches can reduce access during fog or low‑visibility conditions, affecting general aviation pilots and commercial operations. Commissioners pressed staff for details…
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