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Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute any and all documents necessary for a Memorandum of Agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for operational evaluation and testing of a final approach runway occupancy signal at the Long Beach Airport. (District 5)
DISCUSSION
Long Beach Airport has served as a test facility for a variety of FAA runway safety technologies. With its mix of aircraft types and complex airport configuration, the Airport provides a unique environment for assessing the effectiveness of runway safety technologies. One of these technologies is the Final Approach Runway Occupancy Signal (FAROS). The FAROS system utilizes the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lights to provide additional information regarding the runway occupancy status to the pilot preparing to land. The runway approach guidance information provided by the PAPI lights remains available to the pilot, providing appropriate glide path information.
Flashing the lights as a unit when an aircraft is on the runway provides the occupancy status of the runway.
Since 2002, the Airport has been the test bed for evaluating FAROS technology. Since June 2004, the FAA has been conducting an operational evaluation of the FAROS system at the Long Beach Airport. Based on the results of the evaluation, the FAA is now beginning to install FAROS systems at other airports to enhance runway safety.
The FAA has asked the City to extend their Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Airport to continue development of system specifications. Execution of the MOA is required to coordinate City and FAA activities related to the FAROS system.
Use of this technology to enhance airport safety is supported by airport users and aviation safety organizations, including the Aircraft Owners' and Pilots' Association Air Safety Foundation and the Air Line Pilots Association.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard Anthony and Budget and Performance Management...
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