Offers Concession To NIMBYs Complaining About Noise

The owners of six flight schools operating out of Santa Monica Airport have offered to voluntarily limit the number of take-offs and landings during evening and night hours as they come under increasing pressure from state and local governments.

Residents living close to the airport, some within 300 feet of the tarmac, have turned up the volume on their complaints to the point where they have gotten the support of the Los Angeles and Santa Monica city councils, as well as a state Senator for mandatory noise restrictions. The owners of the flight schools jointly signed a letter saying they would not practice touch-and-goes Monday through Saturday after 2000 PST November to March. They will also make only one departure and arrival per aircraft on Sundays after 2000 year round.

The Santa Monica Patch reports that there is already a curfew in effect at the airport. No takeoffs or engine starts are allowed weekdays between 2300 and 0700, and not until 0800 on weekends and holidays. There is also a voluntary night arrival curfew in place during those same hours, though landings are permitted.

City officials said in a news release that the voluntary reductions offered by the flight schools would reduce the number of flying hours by 15 per week during Daylight Savings Time, and 21 hours per week during Standard Time.

FMI: www.friendsofsantamonicaairport.org, www.smgov.net/departments/council