Long Beach Airport
With construction on the Long Beach Airport (LGB) airfield causing a temporary, nighttime closure of its primary runway, the Long Beach Airport Association (LBAA) is encouraging flight schools to voluntarily reduce their nighttime training maneuvers to limit noise impacts on the community.
What is the LBAA’s Voluntary Pilot Program?
LBAA is a nonprofit organization representing LGB tenant members. LBAA’s voluntary program asks flight schools to cease pattern work, which consists of low altitude practice circuits close to the airport, after 9:59 p.m. on evenings when there is nighttime construction work that closes Runway 12-30, the primary runway. Please note that LGB operates 24 hours per day, although commercial flights may only schedule service between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.
The LBAA also provided “How to Fly a Friendly Pattern at LGB” best practices to LGB-based flight schools, master tenants and operators. Recommendations include using the full length of the runway, full power on departure and techniques for achieving maximum altitude. More details available here.
How will pilots be made aware of the Voluntary Pilot Program?
The LBAA is conducting outreach among its members, including holding several meetings and providing educational flyers for pilots. This voluntary program applies to LGB-based flight schools only.
Who has regulatory authority over flight paths?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has regulatory authority over flight paths.
What happens if an aircraft operator violates the procedures outlined in LBAA’s Voluntary Pilot Program?
LBAA’s program is 100% voluntary and is not enforceable by law or policy.
How long will LBAA’s Voluntary Pilot Program be in effect?
At the present time, LBAA’s Voluntary Pilot Program will be in effect while there is a nighttime closure of Runway 12-30 in effect for the Taxiway L construction project (closures expected to end by the end of November). The program will re-start when nighttime closures go into effect for the Runway 12-30 Electrical Improvements Project, which will replace more than 500 incandescent lighting fixtures with light emitting diodes (LEDs) for improved safety and sustainability. This project is anticipated to begin in the spring of 2023.
