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Board directs rapid review of Whiteman Airport safety steps, asks report on FAA Part 150 implications
Summary
After two recent crashes near Whiteman, Public Works outlined pilot-safety seminars, planned runway rehabilitation and community outreach; supervisors added a 30-day report requirement on Part 150 study impacts, federal grant terms and feasibility of mandatory pilot training and enhanced inspections.
The Board of Supervisors on June 30 reviewed safety recommendations for Whiteman Airport following two aircraft incidents this spring. Public Works summarized immediate and medium-term steps: quarterly pilot-safety seminars with FAA participation, runway and taxiway pavement rehabilitation (FAA Airport Improvement Program-eligible) and expanded community outreach.
Director Mark Pastrella said the county has secured FAA commitments to fund rehabilitation work and will begin quarterly safety seminars with the tower manager, flight instructors and FAA representatives. "We are initiating quarterly pilot safety seminars," Pastrella said, adding the planned pavement work is estimated at roughly $5 million.
Supervisor Horvath, who introduced a board amendment, said the community deserves immediate protections and asked staff to examine options that may go beyond the airport's traditional federal regulatory lane. The board approved an amendment directing Public Works, the Department of Economic Opportunity and County Counsel to report within 30 days after completion of the ongoing Whiteman land-use study on operational implications of initiating an FAA Part 150 study, the terms of federal grants that could require the airport to remain open, the feasibility of mandatory pilot seminars at Whiteman, and legislative advocacy to strengthen aircraft maintenance and pilot training oversight.
Mark Pastrella emphasized that many operational and certification items remain under FAA jurisdiction but said the county will pursue every avenue within its authority to improve safety and community communications. Community speakers and the regional state senator's office urged rapid action and transparency. The board approved the measure as revised.
