SUPERVISOR HORVATH ADVANCES IMMEDIATE SAFETY ENHANCEMENTS AT WHITEMAN AIRPORT
LOS ANGELES, CA — Today, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved a motion by Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath to immediately implement several safety recommendations at Whiteman Airport following an April aircraft crash near the airport in Pacoima and a subsequent report from the Department of Public Works.
“Aviation safety starts with accountability, and that includes well-trained pilots,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “Over the last two decades, crashes at and around Whiteman Airport have all been linked to pilot errors and aircraft failures—not on the ground airport operations. The FAA has a responsibility to ensure strong oversight, licensing, and training standards and it must fulfill that obligation to keep our skies and communities safe. Los Angeles County will continue doing everything within our authority—and pushing beyond it where we can—to expand pilot education, strengthen safety practices, and protect our community.”
The motion directs the immediate implementation of three recommendations identified by the Department of Public Works in its May 18 report:
- Enhancing pilot safety by sponsoring and coordinating quarterly Pilot Safety Seminars;
- Enhancing airfield safety by completing a Capital Improvement Project to maintain runway and taxiway pavement conditions; and
- Enhancing community outreach regarding airport safety by utilizing media and other communications tools to improve public education, outreach, and collaboration.
The Board also directed the Department of Public Works to provide an update on operational implications for Whiteman Airport associated with the receipt of federal grant funds; the implementation of enhanced FAA inspections; and advocacy in support of heightened oversight of aircraft maintenance and training requirements for pilots. The approved actions build upon recommendations developed by the Whiteman Airport Community Advisory Committee and underscore Los Angeles County’s commitment to strengthening pilot education, improving airport operations, and enhancing transparency and engagement with surrounding communities.
