Land Use Study at California Airport Raises Alarm in GA Community

Purpose of the research, according to Los Angeles County, is to determine alternate uses for Whiteman Airport’s 184 acres.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, October 28, 2024 at 04:00 PM ET

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Edited By: tccjeremy

Whiteman Airport [Courtesy: Los Angeles County Public Works]

Key Takeaways:

Los Angeles County officials have approved a $1.9 million study to explore alternative uses for the 184-acre Whiteman Airport, drawing strong objections from the aviation community.
Advocates for the airport's closure cite safety concerns stemming from two high-profile accidents in 2020 and 2022 where aircraft crashed in or near residential areas after engine failures, increasing pressure from local politicians.
The FAA states that airports receiving Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, which Whiteman Airport has ($4.8 million since 2006, most recent in 2021), are generally obligated to remain open for at least 20 years from the latest grant's date, and some land obligations are "in perpetuity."

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The aviation community in Southern California is raising the alarm over a decision made by Los Angeles County officials to request an expanded land use study for the land that is currently Whiteman Airport (KWHP).

The economic impact and land use study was given the green light at the county’s board of supervisors meeting on October 22. The purpose of the research, according to the county, is to determine alternate uses for the airport’s 184 acres. The facility is located in the city of Pacoima, 19 miles north of Los Angeles International (KLAX). Whiteman Airport is one of five owned by Los Angeles County.