Santa Clara County Responds to FAA Informal Investigation

County addresses alleged violations at Reid-Hillview Airport in 12-page letter.

Friday, January 14, 2022 at 03:35 PM ET

Verified

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:

Santa Clara County is actively refuting allegations from an FAA investigation into Reid-Hillview Airport (KRHV), primarily addressing concerns over its recent ban on the sale of leaded aviation fuel (100LL).
The county asserts it acted within its proprietary rights to regulate fuel sales from county-owned tanks to protect residents from lead poisoning, arguing it didn't require FAA approval for the 100LL sales ban.
Critics allege that the county's decision to offer short-term leases to airport businesses is a de facto attempt to close KRHV, a claim the county denies, stating the airport remains fully operational and the leases enhance financial stability.
Additional FAA concerns include allegations of improper runway markings and signage, which the county claims it has addressed without further FAA objection or response, indicating an ongoing unresolved dispute.

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Officials from Santa Clara County in California are refuting allegations that sparked an informal investigation by the FAA into alleged violations at Reid-Hillview Airport (KRHV). The county responded with a 12-page letter, addressed to Mark McClardy, FAA director of airports division for the Western-Pacific Region.

On December 21, McClardy sent a letter to Santa Clara County, announcing the launch of a Part 13 informal investigation. Under normal circumstances, an entity has 30 days to respond to an FAA Part 13 informal investigation, but McClardy stated that given the seriousness of the allegations made, the FAA was granting only 20 days for a response.