There is a lot of love and gratitude for the organization We Are Blue Skies in this post. First, you need to check out their website.
NEPA-National Environmental Policy Act (looks like all proposed actions lead to the same place!)
The more you delve into this, the more you learn and appreciate Blue Skies. This is the first thing we read start to finish on their site. It got our attention right away. We can identify with so many points here. A few excerpts (too many to choose from and list here!):
“Airports often play an important role in the economy by acting as gateways for travel, trade, and tourism. But that is just one side of the story. Airports always bring a mix of positive and negative impacts, which can vary depending on factors such as the size of the airport, its location, and the level of connectivity it provides. Usually, the first step implemented by those advocating to build new airports (or expand existing ones) is to produce documents that underline to economic benefits that will derive from such actions.These documents (environmental assessments) include tables listing mitigating steps, no action alternatives, monetary gains, jobs that will be created and multiplier effects. What you never see are the negative externalities that come along with all of that. More often than not there is a small paragraph dedicated to those.”
“Uncapped Flight Training Operations – Increased flight training operations at smaller airports can lead to significant noise and lead pollution, which negatively impacts the surrounding communities and environment. These issues often arise as smaller airports become hubs for flight schools and training activities, drawing more aircraft and intensifying operations.
– Noise Pollution
Flight training operations typically involve repeated takeoffs, landings, and aerial maneuvers. These activities can result in a high frequency of flights, often concentrated within a limited geographic area. Unlike commercial flights, which tend to have a set number of arrivals and departures, flight training can occur continuously throughout the day. Issue: The constant noise from aircraft engines, especially during low-altitude operations, can cause significant disturbances to local residents. This noise pollution can lead to a range of health issues, including stress, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and hearing loss. Over time, the persistent noise can degrade the quality of life for those living near the airport, leading to social tensions and declining property values.“
“The economic costs of ineffective environmental assessments conducted by the FAA can be substantial and multifaceted, affecting various stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies, and the aviation industry. Ineffective assessments can lead to unintended consequences, such as environmental degradation, legal challenges, and delays in infrastructure projects, all of which carry significant financial implications.”
Don’t miss their Map page– explore it! We are not alone! This page shows internationally connected organizations with similar issues.
Check out their Issues page. There is also a section in the article linked above to historical lawsuits filed over aviation issues by cities and communities.
Since 2004, the airport has accepted $347 million in federal grants.
Mayor Rex Richardson has stated that the City’s “hands are tied” but said they will attempt to get senators and members of Congress to “back them up.”
Last year SANeR members attended the City Hall meeting “explainer” of airport operations and were told that basically there is nothing they can do to mitigate the noise, adjust the noise ordinance, or even to reduce the number of flight schools operating out of LGB due to grant monies accepted from the FAA.
Next Tuesday, Council has placed another FAA Grant opportunity on the agenda. Item 25.
While this “grant opportunity” is for the purchase of six electric vehicles and charging stations, it still will increase the FAA grant obligation burden on LGB by nearly one million dollars! Grant obligations have a twenty year lifespan. If we ever want to regain some modicum of control over the operations at LGB, we need to have a serious discussion about FAA grant money that is accepted on behalf of the Long Beach Airport.
This item has been placed on the “Consent Calendar” which means it is one of a list of items that will be passed without ANY DISCUSSION AT ALL at next week’s Council meeting. In order for a discussion to take place, a councilmember would have to move that it be removed from the consent calendar and placed on the regular agenda.
You can also submit an ecomment here before 4 PM next Tuesday 8/13/2024.
It is SANeR’s position that we would like the City to pause all applications and acceptance of FAA grant monies until further notice. We think that a discussion is part of transparency. Shouldn’t there at LEAST be a discussion?
SANER is working to expand our reach and we are adding new members/followers every day. More and more people from other neighborhoods are reaching out to us asking about General Aviation noise and lead pollution above their homes here in Long Beach. To more effectively reach impacted residents and assess their health, safety, and noise concerns, SANeR wants to launch an outreach project via direct mail. In order to fund this effort, SANeR is looking at possible grant funding.
As it turns out, there is a grant opportunity right here in Long Beach funded by fines collected from Noise Ordinance violations! This grant, titled Airport Noise Ordinance Neighborhood Impact Fund is administered by the Long Beach Community Foundation who distribute the fine monies once a year. A small committee has worked on the grant application which is due this week.
The Airport Noise Ordinance Neighborhood Impact Fund states the following purpose:
GRANT PURPOSE The Airport Noise Ordinance Neighborhood Impact Fund was funded with fines paid by certain airlines that have violated flight path noise restrictions at the Long Beach Airport. These charitable dollars can be used to fund projects that improve or benefit residents under the flight paths who are most impacted.
Examples of worthy projects include public area improvements that benefit the impacted residents, community gatherings, neighborhood festivals, and nonprofit programming benefiting residents within the flight path, just to name a few. The more people benefitting in an area under the flight path, the better. Projects that work to gather people together to encourage neighborliness are prioritized.
Past grantees can be found here. The Foundation only list grant recipients up to 2021 and we are looking forward to seeing their page updated.
We are just about ready to submit our application. Wish us luck!
In Airport related news, Long Beach Airport celebrated the reopening of its historic terminal building (read more here). Next time you are at LGB, give it a look!
We have retained an attorney and now need to raise funds on a monthly basis to sustain our efforts. The required amount to continue our case is $5000 per month, though this amount will likely change in the upcoming months. If each of us can set up a recurring payment of $20-$100 on our PayPal site, we should be able to meet this goal. Those who can contribute more will greatly support our cause and help those who are unable to contribute as much. To date, we have raised a significant amount, which will be used for retainer and attorney fees. Please reach out to us personally if you would like more details.
If we want change, this is our only path forward at this point. While there are no guarantees, having one of the most qualified and highly recognized attorneys, with a vast amount of experience, gives us confidence in a positive outcome for the impacted communities.
We are a strong, tight-knit community that has united us in this fight, and we have confidence we can do this! Let’s all come together and start making the needed contributions today. We are extremely grateful for each of you and will continue to keep you updated on our progress.
A monthly contribution in whatever amount you can afford is gratefully accepted.
Many of us attended the FAA/LGB Airport webinar, and as we suspected, it was very disappointing. There were many repetitive questions with no solutions or clear answers, and many responses were defensive. Most of the questions submitted by SANER members were not chosen to be answered. Over 200 people participated. You can watch the recorded session at the link provided here. As was mentioned on the FB page, there were no panel participants from the community. The Long Beach Watchdog published this article after the webinar.
ScreenshotScreenshotMany of us shared our submitted questions with each other during and after the webinar and for the most part, the important questions we wanted to have answered were not selected. The public was not allowed to see the questions submitted. For weeks leading up to the webinar, the city had gone overboard, sending the same copy and paste emails to anyone who had any questions or comments regarding the airport directing us to attend the webinar to have our questions answered there.
Our fundraiser was a success! A huge thank you to everyone who braved the extreme heat to attend and to all the members who helped set up, donated, and contributed in various ways. We are incredibly grateful for all of your support. We enjoyed delicious food, desserts, and music, and it was wonderful to finally meet many of you from our Facebook community in person. We raised approximately $4,000.💥💥💥
ATTORNEY UPDATE
We have finally selected a phenomenal and highly qualified attorney. We are currently awaiting a conflict of interest clearance and a cost sheet to move forward. Out of all the attorneys we consulted, this one stood out due to his strategic approach and extensive knowledge of Long Beach Airport, having worked with the FAA in his career. We cannot provide more details until we file the lawsuit. However, we need to start collecting donations, seeking grants, and increasing our fundraising efforts. To sustain the lawsuit, we will need to raise money on a monthly basis. We have also set up a recurring PayPal page for those who prefer not to receive weekly reminders. You can sign up for recurring payments here.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Volunteers Needed for Flyer Distribution! We’re looking for volunteers to help distribute flyers in various different Long Beach neighborhoods. If you’re interested, please email us at lbsanergroup@gmail.com to sign up. If you are associated or a member of a Long Beach neighborhood group whose members are concerned about aviation noise and pollution and would like to have a speaker from SANER address your group, please contact us. It takes a village to create change, and your efforts will help raise awareness for our group, increasing our influence on elected officials. Join us in making a difference!
We are thrilled to announce our monthly recurring donation PAYPAL link. Many have asked to be able to do this on the GoFundMe site but it’s not possible there. Setting up a recurring donation is an easy way to support SANER on an ongoing basis. You set the donation amount that suits your budget. Your contribution helps us with legal and operational costs. All donations are tax deductible Thank you for all of your support and dedication.
(Post date 5/26/24) Last week news broke over several media sites that reported the firing and subsequent lawsuit against Curt Castagna who was a CEO and managing member of the AeroLease Companies. It’s a convoluted web that Castagna seems to have woven using the name Aeroplex Managing Partners as his own separate company while employed by AeroPlex/AeroLease. This will all play out in court.
Citizens calling for Curt Castagna to be REMOVED from the federal program EAGLE which is to “Eliminate Aviation Gasoline Lead Emissions”. Castagna (two lease tenant at VNY with the 3rd ambition thwarted by community) was accused of spreading misinformation to stall “getting the lead out”.Both protests (LBG and Van Nuys airport)from 5/16 sported signs calling out Castagna regarding stalling the new unleaded Gami fuel
Here are some of the article links to read if you haven’t yet seen them. LB4D News reports : “The lawsuit alleges that Castagna used Aeroplex/Aerolease resources and personnel to form a competing airport hanger management and consulting company called Aeroplex Group Partners and took various steps to interfere with Aeroplex/Aerolease after that Board terminated Castagna’s employment. more…
The Press Telegram reported: “A 50-year-old company that leases hangers and office space to more than 100 tenants at the Long Beach and Van Nuys airports has fired its longtime, nationally known chief executive officer, accusing him in a blistering lawsuit of using its employees and resources to enrich his competing consulting firm.” more…
LB Post reports it this way: “A major hangar-leasing business at Long Beach Airport fired its longstanding CEO this month and then swiftly sued him, alleging he tried to walk away with company property to prop up his own competing business. The former CEO has denied the accusations, saying the situation is an unwinding of a complicated business relationship “that unfortunately went public.”” more…
Aviation International News wrote: “The company owns the leaseholds of extensive hangar space at Van Nuys and Long Beach airports, and according to a press release issued yesterday, its majority-in-interest owners voted to remove Castagna, after filing a lawsuit against him in the Superior Court of Los Angeles under allegations of conversion, breach of fiduciary duty, unfair competition, and violation of the Computer Data and Access Fraud Act.” more…
Curt Castagna put out his own announcement reported here: “Curt Castagna, former president and CEO of the Aerolease Group entities, announced that he has stepped away from managing the company’s leaseholds at the Van Nuys and Long Beach Airports to focus entirely on serving as principal of the consulting firm Aeroplex Group Partners.” more…
It is important to note that at the April 18th Planning Commission meeting, officials approved plans for a large new hangar complex for private chartered flights out of Long Beach Airport. This project was submitted to the city planning commission by Aeroplex Group Partners (Curt Castagna) who is the named defendant in the above court filing.
Last Thursday SANER staged a protest on Spring Street in front of the Aeroplex complex to bring attention to the increased high volume of flight school aviation operations that create noise and lead emissions over neighborhoods surrounding the airport. Over 100 neighbors came together in this weekday afternoon protest with homemade signs. For many, this was their first time meeting in person but all were drawn to make their voices and concerns heard and seen. This was a great turnout considering many Saners work, have young children, and other obligations on a weekday. Signs were pointed, funny, and creative. Several news media were there to cover the protest and interview participants.
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…)
Long Beach SANeR Group 