Aug. 24, 2015
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Business aircraft operators based in Southern California, as well as those that travel frequently to the region, have until Sept. 8 to send comments to the FAA regarding the SoCal Metroplex Project, adoption of which NBAA believes will improve the safety and efficiency of Southern California airspace for all operators.
The FAA extended the public comment period on the draft environmental assessment (EA) by 60 calendar days to Sept. 8, and NBAA is encouraging the business aviation community to their submit comments by the deadline in support of the project.
“NBAA unequivocally supports this metroplex effort, as it will greatly benefit business aircraft operations in Southern California,” said Bob Lamond, NBAA’s director air traffic services and infrastructure. “The SoCal Metroplex project has been a multi-year effort, and we are looking forward to its implementation in 2016.”
Lamond added that NBAA staff and local members have attended meetings and provided input on key business aviation airports included in the project, including Van Nuys Airport (VNY), Santa Monica Airport (SMO), Long Beach Airport (LGB), Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and several others.
Stacy Howard, NBAA’s Western regional representative, stressed the importance of business aircraft operators submitting comments to the FAA before the Sept. 8 deadline, as public interest in the project – which will affect arrivals, departures, routes, procedures, etc. – is high. “Business aviation comments in support of the SoCal Metroplex and implementing the procedures are essential,” said Howard.
The FAA held 11 public workshops on the metroplex project throughout Southern California this past summer. “Although it is clear to NBAA and its local members that the SoCal Metroplex will enhance safety and provide a more efficient operating environment, the general public does not always understand how they also benefit from the improved safety and efficiency of the metroplex plan,” said Howard.
Review the SoCal Metroplex environmental assessment.
Comments can be emailed to:
9-ANM-SoCalOAPM@faa.gov
Comments can also be submitted by regular mail to:
SoCal Metroplex EA
Federal Aviation Administration
Western Service Center – Operations Support Group
1601 Lind Ave. SW
Renton, WA 98057
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.