Residents unimpressed with FAA, Long Beach "informational" webinar
Residents are frustrated with rising noise and air pollution from general aviation at Long Beach Airport. During an informational webinar, federal and city staff failed to satisfy concerns. The community group SANeR, which has grown to nearly 850 members, has been protesting against the noise and pollution for a year.
Despite data showing a decline in general aviation operations since 1999, there has been a significant increase since 2018, reaching 310,000 operations in 2023.
The rise in flight training, due to a looming pilot shortage, has contributed to this surge.
Residents questioned why general aviation operations occur outside the airport’s noise ordinance restrictions, which limit operations to specific hours. Airport officials explained that while certain training exercises are restricted, non-training operations can occur anytime. Attempts to close loopholes could jeopardize the ordinance.
SANeR members were dissatisfied with the responses and felt that only a fraction of their questions were addressed. They criticized the enforcement of noise violations, which currently involves notices and fines starting at $100 for third violations.
The use of leaded fuel by general aviation planes was also a major concern.
While an unleaded fuel option has been introduced, its uptake has been minimal. The FAA is working on the rulemaking process to phase out leaded aviation fuel by 2030.
City efforts to mitigate community impacts, including fee waivers and a voluntary “Fly Friendly” program, have seen limited participation. SANeR members remain disappointed, urging the city to do better.