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Fight Over Santa Monica Airport Heats Up

Santa Monica Airport [FLYING file photo]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • A Part 16 Complaint has been filed against the City of Santa Monica by airport tenants and aviation groups regarding the Santa Monica Airport (SMO).
  • The complaint alleges the city denied leases to long-term tenants, imposed excessive and unreasonable landing fees without proper notice, and diverted millions of airport revenues to its general fund.
  • The City of Santa Monica has openly stated its intent to assert local control, repurpose the airport land for a park and creative businesses, and has taken steps like denying extended leases and attempting to evict current tenants.
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As the fight for Santa Monica Airport rages on, several airport tenants and aviation alphabet groups have filed a Part 16 Complaint against the city of Santa Monica. The complaint alleges that the city has denied leases to long term tenants, imposed unfair landing fees on visitors and airport tenants, and diverted millions of dollars of airport revenues to the city’s general fund.

Pia Bergqvist

Pia Bergqvist joined FLYING in December 2010. A passionate aviator, Pia started flying in 1999 and quickly obtained her single- and multi-engine commercial, instrument and instructor ratings. After a decade of working in general aviation, Pia has accumulated almost 3,000 hours of flight time in nearly 40 different types of aircraft.

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