Regarding Unmanned Aircraft Systems …

A reminder that as designated by the FAA, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (also referred to as drones) are not permitted on airport property.  Operating UAS around airplanes and helicopters is dangerous and illegal.

The laws regarding UAS, formally known as Part 107, officially took effect on August 29, 2016.  In a release by the FAA, Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx stated that these regulations would help protect the safety of our busy and most complex airspace, without impending innovation.  These new rules have been established to “minimize risks to other aircraft and people and property on the ground,” the release stated. 

According to FAA reports, there were 1,274 reports of drone sightings between February and September of 2016, compared to 874 the previous year. The safe integration of unmanned aircraft into the national airspace system is a top priority of the FAA, so please be sure to review Airspace Restriction guidelines before operating UAS.

For more information on the laws and guidelines regarding UAS, please visit faa.gov/uas.

  FAA Video on Runway Safety @ CNO

The FAA, in cooperation with the County of San Bernardino, Department of Airports and several other agencies, has created a short video regarding runway surface risks and best practices at Chino Airport. 

The diverse mix of traffic and pilot experience at Chino Airport has caused 36 runway incursions over the past two years, of which 75% were caused by pilot deviations.  Because these amounts are well above the national average, the video offers guidance regarding runway incursion hotspots, wrong runway operations and flight training operations, covering key points that will help improve safety at Chino Airport.

The video can be found at https://youtu.be/cO2r5ko7XIo.

  Updated Medical Standards for GA Pilots

Forbes reports that effective May 1, 2017, the Federal Aviation Administration will have relaxed medical standards for general aviation pilots.  The new standards will provide pilots with more practical alternatives to meeting medical licensing requirements. 

For example, it eliminates the requirement of having a physical exam done by an FAA-approved doctor, which many in the industry claimed was costly, time-consuming and did not improve safety.

A pilot does have to meet a long list of requirements such as having completed a medical education course, comprehensive medical examination within 48 months, consenting to a National Driver Register check, fly only within the United States and only in certain small aircraft at a limited speed and altitude, not fly for hire or compensation and of course not having had a recent medical certificate revoked, suspended or withdrawn, among other requirements.

For more on the alternative physical exam and education requirements, visit faa.gov/news/updates/media/final_rule_faa_2016_9157

  Planes of Fame Airshow @ Chino Airport

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the Planes of Fame Airshow at Chino Airport.  The event will be held Saturday and Sunday, May 6 and 7 beginning each day at 8am and will feature over 40 historic aircraft in honor of our veterans. 

There will be historic airplanes on display and performers include the  F-35 Lightning II Heritage Flight, B-25 Mitchell, P-47 Thunderbolt, P-51 Mustang, Pacific, European, Korean & Vietnam flight displays, Sanders Sea Fury Aerobatics, Jelly Belly Airplane, N9MB Flying Wing demonstration as well as military vehicles. 

Additionally, there will be a Kid Zone, food and vendors, as well as a special panel discussion with veterans.  For more information, tickets, or if you are interested in a sponsorship opportunity, please visit http://planesoffame.org/index.php?page=general-info

  News & Announcements

•  Hangar Inspections at CNO and APV

The Department of Airports has begun Phase II of Hangar Inspections at Chino Airport and Apple Valley Airport.  Per FAA policy, we are obligated to ensure that airport property designated as only for aviation-related purposes is being used for aeronautical purposes as required.  For clarifications regarding use of airport facilities or more information on the policy, go to
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2016-14133/p-3  

•  Solicitation for Proposal: Aviation Development at CNO

“NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the County of San Bernardino, Department of Airports, intends to execute a Solicitation of Proposal for the aviation development of parcel B-305 at Chino Airport. The parcel consists of approximately 5.40 acres or approximately 235,224 square feet of unimproved land located at 7000 Merrill Avenue, Chino, CA. The Solicitation of Proposal is from February 21, 2017 through April 7, 2017. For additional information, contact Steven Mintle, Real Estate Services, 385 N. Arrowhead Ave., 3rd Floor, San Bernardino, CA 92415-0180, (909) 677-8294.”

•  #FlySafe

Did you know that in 2015, there were 384 deaths in 238 general aviation accidents? The FAA and GA community have a national #FlySafe campaign that focuses on best practices for GA pilots on calculating and predicting aircraft performance and operating within established aircraft limitations.  This month’s focus is on personal minimums and integrating important safety measure into flight planning. For more, visit the FAA web page Fly Safe: Prevent Loss of Control Accidents.

  About Us

The County of San Bernardino Department of Airports provides for the management, maintenance and operation of six county-owned airports. We also assist San Bernardino County private and municipal airport operators with planning, interpretation, and implementation of FAA general aviation requirements.

Our administrative office is located at 777 E. Rialto Ave, San Bernardino, in the heart of the picturesque San Bernardino Valley, approximately 60 miles east of the city of Los Angeles. The rugged natural beauty of San Bernardino County, from its awe-inspiring mountains to its vast expanses of colorful desert, makes it the aviator's destination of choice.