Land Softly and Carry a Quiet Prop at Long Beach Airport

PVPA was pleased to host Karl Zittel, Airport Operations Coordinator for Long Beach Airport at the April 2007 meeting. When Perry Rogers touched down in the Vin Fiz to become the first to complete a 4,000 mile transcontinental flight back in 1911 he didn't have to be concerned with setting off noise a monitor.

Such is not the case today when even at idle some airplanes have been known to exceed the noise limits. “Some of the larger business jets will set off the sensors with just airframe noise,” Zittel said.

Aircraft operators may contact the Airport at (652) 570-2635 to make arrangements to test flight procedures and determine the most effective approaches to the Airport while remaining in compliance with published noise abatement procedures. Aircraft are exempt from noise violations during these testing periods. The field has an Aviation Noise Abatement Committee made up of aircraft operators, owners and FBOs. The group works with pilots to minimize noise impact on the Airport's neighbors.

One of the problems is that the neighbors are getting closer. The entire aircraft assembly facility north of runway 25R has been torn down and plans are reported to be in the works to build over 700 residential units. This will no doubt result in the closure of runway 34R/16L at the very least.

Throughout the remainder of 2007 the Airport will be undergoing a runway improvement program. In order to facilitate the work, 25/L/7R has been reset at 1520 ft with 3900 ft available for landings and touch and go's. Touch and go operations are restricted to 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. M-F and8 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekends and holidays.

For more information, contact Karl at (562) 570-2638.