FAA Investigates Alleged Safety and Grant Violations at Reid-Hillview Airport

The FAA has launched a Part 13 investigation at Reid-Hillview Airport (KRHV) in San Jose, California.

Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at 12:28 PM ET

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The FAA has launched a Part 13 investigation at Reid-Hillview Airport (KRHV) in San Jose, California. [Courtesy: San Jose Convention and Visitor Bureau]

Key Takeaways:

The FAA has launched a Part 13 investigation into Santa Clara County, the sponsor of Reid-Hillview Airport, primarily due to the county's proposal to ban 100LL leaded aviation fuel.
The county's decision to ban 100LL fuel stems from concerns over lead exposure in local children and an aim for early airport closure, despite federal grant assurances requiring the airport to remain open until at least 2031.
The FAA alleges the fuel ban violates federal grant assurances, poses significant safety risks to aircraft operations, and may infringe upon the commerce clause.
Additionally, the FAA is investigating allegations of the county economically stifling airport businesses by denying leases and creating various safety hazards.

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The FAA has launched a Part 13 investigation at Reid-Hillview Airport (KRHV) in San Jose, California. Part 13 covers the FAA’s investigative and enforcement actions, and this investigation was allegedly triggered by the Santa Clara County board of supervisors proposal to ban the sale of 100LL fuel beginning on January 1, 2022.

The county is the airport sponsor. The fuel ban is one on a laundry list of potential safety issues and alleged violations at the airport.