City of Long Beach - File #: 23-1048

• File #: 23-1048
• Version: 1
• Name: CD5&4 - Airport
• Type: Agenda Item
• Status: Approved
• File created: 9/1/2023
• In control: City Council
• On agenda: 9/12/2023
• Final action: 9/12/2023
• Title: Recommendation to request City Manager to work with the Long Beach Airport and relevant City of Long Beach departments to report back to the City Council with a comprehensive report detailing the operations of general aviation at LGB, its ties with the City, the Federal Aviation Administration, and privately-owned flight schools, within the next 45 days.
• Sponsors: COUNCILWOMAN MEGAN KERR, FIFTH DISTRICT, COUNCILMAN DARYL SUPERNAW, FOURTH DISTRICT

Date	Ver.	Action By	Action	Result
9/12/2023	1	City Council	approve recommendation	Pass

TITLE
Recommendation to request City Manager to work with the Long Beach Airport and relevant City of Long Beach departments to report back to the City Council with a comprehensive report detailing the operations of general aviation at LGB, its ties with the City, the Federal Aviation Administration, and privately-owned flight schools, within the next 45 days.

DISCUSSION
Long Beach Airport (LGB) has a storied history, dating back to its inception with fabric-covered biplanes gracing the shores during the early 1900s. Today, this city-managed airport serves as a transportation gateway to Southern California-strategically located between Orange and Los Angeles counties. Known for its convenience and close proximity to renowned destinations in Southern California, LGB offers both domestic and general aviation services.

Owned and operated by the City of Long Beach (City), LGB covers 1,166 acres and has three runways, with the largest extending 10,000 feet. It is a hub of corporate activity with more than 200 businesses located on airport property, including nearly 100 acres of mid-rise business park and hotel uses, several fixed base operators, and specialty aviation service companies.

In LGB’s vicinity are the cities of Lakewood, Signal Hill, as well as many Long Beach neighborhoods who collectively contribute to the diverse character of Long Beach. While generations have grown up understanding LGB and its affiliated private flight schools, there remains ambiguity regarding the precise relationship shared between these flight schools, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the City. The advent of the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a significant uptick in general aviation traffic, consequently affecting the nearby communities.

As a result of the pandemic, work and life patterns changed. Many residents began working from home who had not done so before and spent more time in their homes. Adding to these pattern changes, ongoing runway construction at L...