Acting in violation of the mandate created by its acceptance of federal airport monies, the Santa Monica City Council voted unanimously to ban faster jets responding to concerns about runway over-runs. The Federal Aviation Administration is fighting the ban, sending a letter saying the action is “flatly illegal” because it is a “federally-obligated reliever airport.” A meeting this month will seek to resolve the situation. (See related story on runway landing distance calculations, this issue.)
The ban, which includes a $1,000 fine for each violation, would include all Category C and D aircraft with landing speeds of between 121 and 166 knots such as the larger business jets which would not be allowed to land on the 4,973-foot runway. These aircraft, which include Gulfstream, Bombardier and Cessna aircraft, account for 8,500 operations annually. Airport requirements call for 1,000-foot over-runs at both ends of a runway accepting Category C and D aircraft, but homes are as close as 250 feet from the end of the airport’s single 150-foot-wide runway
“Essentially, the ordinance – if enacted – would limit aircraft operations at Santa Monica Airport to those compatible with the Airport’s FAA designated airport reference code (ARC) of B-II aircraft which have an approach speed of 91 knots or more, but less then 121 knots with a wing span of 49 feet up to but not including 79 feet,” said Airport Director Robert D. Trimborn. “The Airport does not have runway safety areas at either end of its 4,973’ X 150’ runway. The City of Santa Monica is working with FAA staff to establish appropriate runway safety areas to safeguard lives and property for the flying and non-flying public. Based on approach speed at that aircraft’s maximum certificated gross landing weight, Category A aircraft have an approach speed less then 91 knots while Category B have an approach speed of 91 knots or more, but less then 121 knots, thus they would not be impacted by the rule. However, Category C, with an approach speed of 121 knots or more, but less then 141 knots and Category D, with an approach speed of 141 knots or more, but less then 166 knots would be banned.
The city of Santa Monica has had a history of trying to restrict operations, contrary to mandates in its federally provided aviation funding. In a recent letter sent to the city by the FAA, the FAA associate administrator for airports declared Santa Monica's proposed ordinance to be illegal and will take enforcement action if the city persists.