Sup. Horvath, Rep. Rivas Meet with FAA to Advance Safety Improvements at Whiteman Airport
LOS ANGELES, CA July 10, 2026 — Yesterday, Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath and Congresswoman Luz Rivas met with officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to advocate for stronger safety measures and oversight at Whiteman Airport following two recent aircraft crashes involving aircraft landing at the airport in Pacoima.
The meeting follows Supervisor Horvath’s and Rep. Rivas’ continued advocacy after the April 20, 2026 and June 16, 2026 crashes. These efforts include Supervisor Horvath’s letters sent directly to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford calling for a temporary suspension of flight operations pending comprehensive investigations into the recent incidents, enhanced oversight of pilot training and aircraft maintenance, a thorough review of airport operations, and immediate safety recommendations.
Los Angeles County has conducted an analysis of crashes that have occurred in the last 25 years and cross referenced them with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations. According to the NTSB, every single crash has been caused by pilot error or aircraft malfunction.
“The safety of Pacoima residents will always be my top priority,” said Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath. “Yesterday, Congresswoman Rivas and I made one thing clear to the FAA: protecting this community cannot wait. We expect the FAA to fulfill its responsibility to improve safety at Whiteman Airport, and we will continue pushing until every resident feels safe.”
During the meeting, Supervisor Horvath and Congresswoman Rivas reinforced the community’s concerns and emphasized that protecting residents living near Whiteman Airport must remain the highest priority.
“Yesterday’s meeting with myself, Supervisor Horvath, and FAA was productive in ensuring safety and accountability at Whiteman Airport,” said Congresswoman Luz Rivas. “I look forward to seeing the FAA fulfill its commitments to increase inspections, community outreach, and education at Whiteman Airport. I have the highest standards and expectations for the FAA to ensure safety for those who use the airport as well as the continued safety for the surrounding community of Pacoima.”
In response to continued advocacy and communication from Supervisor Horvath and Congresswoman Rivas, the FAA provided updates on additional actions now being taken to enhance oversight of flight operations, pilot training and education at Whiteman Airport, including:
- Increased oversight of pilots, flight schools, and aircraft repair stations, including expanded weekend inspections;
- Regular pilot education seminars through the FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) in partnership with Los Angeles County Public Works;
- Continued modernization of air traffic control communications infrastructure at Whiteman Airport;
- Additional runway safety initiatives, including annual Runway Safety Action Team meetings and a new Arrival Alert Notice program for pilots; and
- Ongoing investigations into the April and June aircraft crashes.
Supervisor Horvath and Congresswoman Rivas will continue working with the FAA, Los Angeles County Public Works, and the surrounding community to advance additional safety improvements and strengthen accountability at Whiteman Airport.
