LABOR OF LOVE AT VAN NUYS AIRPORT’S COMMUNITY DAY IN CELEBRATION

(Van Nuys, Calif. – Aug. 31, 2013) Hundreds of Van Nuys Airport fans were treated to free airfield tours, aircraft static displays, free prizes and a day of plane spotting at the popular airport Observation Area. 

In celebration of the airport’s 85^th Anniversary and the re-opening of the airport’s main runway 16R, the airport opened its doors to the public for a day filled of fun this Labor Day weekend.

            Airport tenants were out in force including The Condor Squadron which displayed two T-6 vintage aircraft, Rotor FX displayed two helicopters including their Mosquito, Richard Unander showcased his N3 airplane, and Si Robbins displayed his Staggerwing. Both the Encino Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Greater Van Nuys helped make the event a success by selling refreshments.

            Since 1928, Van Nuys Airport has played a major role in the San Fernando Valley community contributing $ 1.3 billion annually to the local economy and supports over 12,000 jobs. “We are always open to the public. When we reach major milestones like this, it is only fitting that we celebrate with the community,” said Jess Romo, Van Nuys Airport Manager. 

Runway 16R:

Starting in February 2012, a combination of asphalt overlay and partial reconstruction was phased over the runway’s north, south and center sections.  Improvements were designed to meet current Federal Aviation Administration design standards, improve existing run-up and concrete pavement areas, and ensure a minimum 20-year runway lifespan.  Work included:

• Improvements and installation of a new blast fence at the run-up area;
• Repairs to existing concrete runway ends;

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  Page 2—Labor of Love

   

• Repair and expansion of concrete shoulder pavements;
• High-speed exit light modifications;
• New in-pavement approach lighting; and
• New pavement markings

            The project resulted in runway closures for 10 full days and 26 nights, and shortened runway lengths for 65 days.   Operations on VNY’s 4,000-foot parallel runway, used mainly by propeller aircraft, were not impacted.   

            An estimated 2,500 hours of construction in under 300 calendar days, the runway rehabilitation was completed on-time and on-budget using approximately eight acres of infield grass, 2,650 gallons of airfield paint, 57,600 linear feet of electrical cable and 60,000 tons of asphalt.

About Van Nuys Airport

VNY is one of three airports owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a self-supporting branch of the City of Los Angeles, governed by a seven-member Board of Airport Commissioners who are appointed by the mayor and approved by the Los Angeles City Council.

            One of the world's busiest general aviation airports, VNY serves as a valued San Fernando Valley resource, providing ongoing leadership in general aviation, business and community service. Dedicated to noncommercial air travel, VNY had over 260,000 operations in 2012. More than 100 businesses are located on the 730-acre airport, including five major fixed-base operators and numerous aviation service companies.