Congresswoman Luz Rivas and Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath met with officials of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to advocate for improved safety measures at Whiteman Airport in Pacoima following two local aircraft crashes this year.
During the July 9 meeting, Rivas and Horvath both emphasized that protecting residents who reside near Whiteman and addressing their concerns should remain top priorities.
Following the April 20 and June 16 accidents, Horvath sent letters 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.
LA County officials also conducted an analysis of all crashes over the last 25 years and cross-referenced them with National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations. According to the NTSB, every single crash was caused by pilot error or aircraft malfunction.
Although both elected officials indicated they were working with the FAA, LA County Public Works and the community surrounding the airport to help improve airport safety, notably absent from their statement, neither one mentioned working directly with officials of Whiteman Airport.
During the meeting with Rivas and Horvath, FAA officials provided a list of additional actions that will be taken to enhance oversight of flight operations, pilot training and education at Whiteman, including: increased oversight of pilots, flight schools and aircraft repair stations; regular pilot education seminars through the FAA in partnership with LA County Public Works; continued modernization of air traffic control communications infrastructure; additional runway safety initiatives; and continuing investigations into the April and June crashes.
“The meeting was productive; we joined forces,” said Rivas, who represents the Northeast San Fernando Valley. “As a result of this meeting, the FAA will increase inspections at Whiteman Airport and provide us with data if they find any violations. … 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.”
“The safety of Pacoima residents will always be my top priority,” added Horvath. “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.”