Or is it? The much anticipated distribution of the first unleaded aviation fuel to be approved by the FAA was ready to roll out and be offered at many general aviation airports this past week. Until it was blocked by NATA.
Eleven Year Process Of Engineering, Testing And Validation Culminates Successfully
Please read the various linked articles and the comment sections. It appears there may be a conflict of interest brewing regarding who gets to bring this important lead free fuel to market. We haven’t heard anything from Long Beach officials who promised GAMI unleaded fuel would become available at LGB soon. Curt Castagna, the main leaseholder at LGB and CEO of Aeroplex, is also President of NATA (National Air Transport Association) as well as Eagle.
NATA Challenges GAMI’s Assertion Of ‘Commercial Availability’ of G100UL The National Air Transport Association (NATA) says General Aviation Modifications Inc.’s (GAMI) FAA-approved G100UL is not yet “commercially available” even though the licensed manufacturer of the unleaded avgas, Vitol Aviation, has more than a million gallons of it for sale.more…
Airports, communities continue to battle over leaded avgas use as G100UL sale nears FBOs in California are feeling the push from a nine-year-old court ruling to stop selling leaded aviation fuel. A ruling from December 2014 ordered that the many airports operating in the region pay fines, issue warnings over the dangers of leaded avgas, sell avgas with the lowest lead content and once unleaded alternative is commercially available, complete the transition away from leaded fuels.more…
G100UL Maker Refutes NATA Claim That It’s Not Ready To Sell Vitol Aviation, which has more than a million gallons of General Aviation Modifications Inc. (GAMI) G100UL unleaded avgas for sale, is disputing claims by the National Air Transportation that the fuel is not ready to be sold. more…
Back in August of 2023, LGB received it’s first unleaded aviation fuel. To date, the airport is still not reporting any sales of this aviation fuel. See the latest report here. The above screenshot shows no sales reported Oct.-Jan. more…
Of course leaded aviation is not our main issue, it’s the frequency of the training flights that cause constant noise in the neighborhoods day and night! But more frequency means more lead (and other emissions)…over our heads.
Save the Date!
The Saner Summer Fun Fundraiser will be on Saturday, June 22 from Noon to 4 PM! Bring your family, your friends and your neighbors to this event where fun (a bounce house and craft table), food, music, and an opportunity to meet the SANER founders and other community members. SANER leaders will be on hand to speak and update everyone on the issues. Location is 3911 Marshall Way Long Beach. Evites will be sent out in May for RSVPs. Cost will be $25 for adults and $10 for kids under 12.
Come out and join us in our big PROTEST DATE: Thursday May 16th TIME: 4pm-6pm WHERE: Near LGB Contact us for location.
For those who are interested in hearing the Air Control Tower (ATC) live (or even past recordings), you can access it here.
At The SANER Group, our mission is to proactively reduce small aircraft noise and lead pollution around Long Beach Airport.
We advocate for both legislative and local city changes to close regulatory gaps and protect residents’ rights to peace and quality of life.
Through comprehensive research and targeted fundraising, we explore every possible avenue for practical solutions. Our efforts are informed by data and guided by collaboration with experts to develop effective strategies that drive meaningful impact.
Hats off and thanks to those who guided the making of this statement.
One of our SANER FB members started her own $25 matching fundraising drive on the page and people are responding. How about you? With the generous donation of an Anonymous member, today we went over the $20,000 mark. Thank you to all who are contributing.
–Most recently, City officials have done it again folks! They approved a MASSIVE project that will increase airport operations impacting the neighborhoods even more! They approved plans for a large new hangar complex for private chartered flights out of Long Beach Airport.
The company behind the project at 3605 E. Spring St. is Aeroplex Group Partners owned by Curt Castagna the main leaseholder at LGB, which will lease the space to private operators and fixed based operators. The company has similar operations at Van Nuys and Santa Monica airports. The owner also holds the master lease to most of those hangers at LGB that are leased to the flight schools and pretty much runs/controls all of GA at Long Beach Airport! And one more fact he also gave large campaign donations to our elected officials!
“The discussions over environmental impacts from airport operations will continue, “but this proposal should be differentiated as it will serve newer, clean and quiet jet aircraft associated with private travel,” according to the staff report.” more… -visit the thread on FaceBook to see the conversation there.(can’t provide link since it’s a private group)
–New Noise Study out… “At the UC Davis Noise & Emissions Symposium held on March 4, we heard a deep dive into the history, evolution and legal aspects behind the FAA’s current 65 DNLnoise threshold policy. It supported our view that the threshold policy crafted for meeting airport-specific noise statutes (Part 150 and land use) is not appropriate for National Environmental Policy (NEPA) compliance.” more…
One member shared a response to their email to the Mayor which generated this response. It looks pretty similar to a response that another member in a completely separate email received from Kerr’s office. I received the following response today from my weekly email to the Mayor’s office:
We hear your concerns regarding airplane noise and pollution and want to assure you that general aviation activity is a top-of-mind concern for this office. We have taken note of your input for our records, and we continue to work with our local and federal partners on trying to find lasting and meaningful solutions. Please keep in mind that we do not have local control over federally regulated airspace or flight operations; that is under the regulatory power of the FAA.
Since 2022, a series of actions have been taken by the City Council and Long Beach Airport (LGB) to facilitate the move towards unleaded aviation fuel and addressing general aviation activity. Below is a brief timeline of steps thus far:
· October 2022 – City Manager, Airport staff, and stakeholders began working to establish a plan to reduce and mitigate lead pollution, by exploring possible incentives programs.
· December 2022 – The City Council voted to waive fuel flowage fees for unleaded avgas.
· August 2023 – Unleaded fuel became available at LGB, from Signature Aviation @ Aeroplex.
· September 2023 – Councilwoman Kerr requested a comprehensive report on general aviation, including detail on how the use of unleaded fuel could be incentivized, which the City Council approved. Airport staff subsequently published the Oct. 31, 2023, memo.
· November 2023 – The City Council approved a Supplemental Type Certificate Fee (STC) reimbursement program, which took effect this month and provides up to $300 for aircraft owners to obtain required approval from the FAA before their plane can use unleaded fuel (www.lgb.org/stc).
· December 6, 2023 – Councilwoman Kerr traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with members of the FAA and EPA. In each meeting, each organization fielded at least 10 representatives, all of whom listened intently and in good faith to the issues we are facing locally. We established the need to be partners on these issues moving forward. We aim to enlist the backing of the FAA and EPA when it comes to the actions we can take. She was also able to meet with representatives from Senator Butler’s Office, Senator Padilla’s Office, Representative Garcia’s Office.
· December 2023 – The City Council received a presentation from the Airport and City Attorney that provided an opportunity for Councilmembers and the public to hear and discuss the details of the Oct. 31 report in depth with the relevant departments, to answer any questions, and to clarify any confusions. The City also came up with 7 recommendations that the City and appropriate city departments, including the city attorney, continue to work on:
1. Pursue Voluntary Agreements with LGB Flight Schools
2. Review Increasing the Noise Ordinance Violation Fee Structure
3. Increase Community Outreach and GA Educational Materials
4. Support Strong Federal Advocacy for Lead-Free Skies
5. Confer with FAA on Feasible Operational Solutions
6. Explore Additional Incentives for Unleaded Fuel and Fly Friendly Program
7. Explore with FAA a Temporary Moratorium on New Flight School Business Licenses.
· January 2024 – Councilwoman Kerr met with Congresswoman Barragan to discuss the continued partnership and work needed to address the general aviation activity, including the use of unleaded aviation fuel at Long Beach Airport.
· January 2024 – Councilwoman Kerr met with the Long Beach Airport Association and shared the concerns of the residents.
· January 2024 – Councilwoman Kerr and her Chief of Staff attended Congresswoman Nanette Barragan’s Community Meeting in Cal Heights.
· January 23, 2024 – Council voted on Item 14, to take another step in incentivizing the transition to unleaded aviation fuel at LGB. With this vote, the city will implement a new subsidy program to offset unleaded fuel costs for general aviation users. LGB is one of a handful of airports across the nation to offer local subsidies and incentives as we continue to advocate for federal regulations.
· March 15, 2024 – City staff released an updated report on general aviation at LGB, which also addressed a number of questions brought forward by community members at the Council meeting presentation in December.
While we understand the concerns and frustration you and more of our neighbors are experiencing, it is important to remember that as a City, we do not have local control over federally regulated airspace or flight operations; that is under the regulatory power of the FAA. We will continue to work with our federal partners and advocate for our community.
In the meantime, we encourage you to continue to share your concerns with us, the Long Beach Airport hotline at 562-570-2665 or email lgbnoise@longbeach.gov, and your federal representatives. We will continue to provide updates as they come via our weekly newsletters. We will also add you to our list of constituents interested in Airport-specific updates to ensure you are aware of any news as soon as it comes.
Office of Mayor Rex Richardson | City of Long Beach
Office: 562.570.6801
This, in spite of the fact that NOTHING HAS CHANGED! In fact, it’s gotten worse. Seems like they are reverting to auto reponses now.
May the skies be Peaceful this weekend. (may be worse as it’s Grand Prix weekend…)
We appreciate ALL the recent donations and thank each and every one of you! The goal this week is more fundraising participation! Not a dollar amount but a new donator goal- 50 new fundraising participants is what we are aiming for. We love our “frequent flyers” who donate regularly but we don’t want them “flying solo”. Many of us in the neighborhoods often see geese flying in formation overhead, those leading the V formation making it easier for those behind to fly. When the lead geese fall back, other geese fall in forward to lead. The geese honk loudly getting our attention and we look up in appreciation. Let’s honk loudly and increase our flock! Here’s where to do it in any amount.
And the Award Goes To:
So many late night and loud planes it was an easy choice, unfortunately. Seems like Candace Larned (Robinson) and Long Beach Flying Club just don’t want to “Fly Friendly”. Pretty sure they’ve gotten “the memo” as they are the oldest flight school operating out of LGB. We could also give awards to many of the SANeR volunteers who walked flyers, organized walkers, provided free printing, and kept us going all month. 🌟💥💫 Thank you- even though we won’t name names here.
Fun Upcoming Fundraiser Event!
The first SANeR in person fundraising event is in the planning stages. Likely a Saturday in June but as of yet we don’t have the date set in stone. We will have food, live music, a bounce house and other family style fun. We are still looking for a location so if you want to host- let us know. A private home, office space with outdoor area, a warehouse… we are considering all private space low cost options.
In the News and Links to Explore
–A proposed 200-foot tower could obstruct Long Beach Airport operations, FAA says. To what extent? “Outside of the safety concerns, Castanga noted that the project would not have to go before the Planning Commission or City Council for approval, meaning no there will be no public comment outside of the FAA study.”more…
–Florida Airport explores landing fees as a way to raise revenue and decrease it’s dependence on FAA grants and their obligations... “Fernandina Beach Municipal Airport Director Sam Carver supports airplane landings fees as an additional revenue stream for facility maintenance like next year’s $4 million runway refurbishing project.” more…
–Aviation insurance...is it a requirement? Where is it required and who monitors whether a flight school, a pilot, or a plane owner is insured? Turns out you might be surprised at the answers. Here are a few links to get you started… Mandatory Aviation Insurance- A Domestic and International Perspective
–Update on GAMI UL100 Fuel General Aviation Modifications Inc.’s (GAMI) announced in a seminar Wednesday at the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo in Lakeland, Florida, that Vitol, a commodities trading company, has brewed 1 million gallons of GAMI’s GL100UL, 100-octane unleaded aviation fuel, stored in a tank at its Baton Rouge plant. more…
That’s it for the weekend reading list. Have a wonderful weekend and may the skies be Peaceful!
Long Beach SANeR Group 