Welcome to CAAPSO!

Background

The County airports have been operating without FAA grants, a vision for the future, or a plan to address ongoing maintenance and upkeep issues since at least 2011. As a result, airport facilities have deteriorated to unacceptable levels and the future of both airports is in question. In 2017, the County Board of Supervisors instructed the airports staff to develop an update to the Santa Clara County Airports Business Plan. This update was supposed to address FAA Grant funding and revisions to the revenue and expense projections linked to the Airport Enterprise Fund and potential commercial developments on unused airport land. It included a staff recommendation to resume FAA Grant Funding, along with a number of other contentious recommendations around airport businesses and activities.

What options are the Santa Clara County Supervisors still considering for the County airports?

The Business Plan was presented to the Board of Supervisors in December of 2018 after numerous revisions and public hearings, and after many hours of testimony and debate, the Board voted to:

– Apply for Grant funding for San Martin Airport

– Continue declining FAA grants for Reid Hillview, leaving open possibility of closure after some existing grant obligations expire in 2031, and

– Direct Airport Staff to study: (1) Options for unleaded fuel supplies, (2) more detailed impacts of leaded AVGAS on the airport communities and (3) the possibilities and issues around relocating Reid Hillview activities and FAA Control Tower to an expanded San Martin Airport.

Following the results of these studies, the Supervisors must vote again on the ultimate future of Reid Hillview Airport, and any enhancements to San Martin Airport. This vote insured that no commercial development at Reid Hillview is likely for years, and that the County’s Airport Enterprise Fund will not be self-funding for several years, as FAA Grant Funding is needed to cover capital cost investments.

The Supervisor’s vote left other unanswered questions at both Reid-Hillview airport and San Martin Airport

Because the Supervisors voted on a memo prepared by Supervisor Chavez, rather than the “Business Plan”, a number of issues and recommendations in the Business Plan were not addressed at all. Those still need to be addressed over the coming year(s). Among the open issues to be addressed are:

  • The future of San Jose State’s Aviation Program and Facility at Reid Hillview Airport.
  • Lease renewals or extensions for FBO’s at both airports. Many business leases are due to expire by 2021 with no certainty of continued viability for the decade from then until 2031
  • Compensation from County funds into the Airport Enterprise fund for existing non-aviation uses of airport land (Little League/Lions Club)
  • FAA and former County Counsel position that use of FAA Grants for land purchase create perpetual obligation to operate Reid Hillview as an airport, or repurchase the land at present market value
  • The Business Plan presumed FAA approval for commercial non-aviation development along Capitol Expressway and at Tully Road. The FAA has consistently stated it will not approve such development without a commitment from the County to maintain Reid Hillview as an airport.
  • The County VTA staff is moving ahead with plans to construct elevated light rail tracks across the clear zone at the corner of Tully and Capitol, with no communication between VTA and the FAA.
What are the political opponents of the airports telling the community?

Sadly, the airports’ opponents are using both the current affordable housing crisis and old blood lead-level studies to argue for airport closure. While the airport has never exceeded EPA lead levels, older homes and schools with lead in plumbing and paint surround the airport, and those have consistently been shown to drive lead levels in children’s blood. In addition, airport closure is far morel likely to drive extensive redevelopment and gentrification in the area, which will only make housing availability worse for the residents, and drive many of them out of the area.

In addition, it is likely that any decision to attempt to close the airport would result in lengthy and expensive litigation, with the best possible outcome being the repayment to the FAA of land purchase funds but at current market prices for land. There is no scenario that suggests any land at Reid Hillview Airport could be converted to housing within less than 10 to 15 years, unless there is a negotiated settlement to retain the airport and work with business and the FAA to develop some housing along Capitol Expressway on land not needed for aviation use.

Here’s what you can you do to help:
  • Join CAAPSO at Reid-Hillview. CAAPSO is the sponsor of the Reid-Hillview Disaster Airlift Response Team (DART) and organizes pilots, community and airport supporters to ensure ongoing and safe operations at Reid-Hillview.
  • CAAPSO is the only organization working with AOPA, CAL Pilots, SCAPA at San Martin and other organizations, as well as direct outreach to politicians and their staff members to build support to save Reid Hillview Airport.
  • Stay informed and active. Come to forums like this one and attend public meetings held by the County to show your support for the airports.
  • Be vocal. Let your City and County officials know how you value these airports and their responsible management. Educate your non-flying friends and family about the value of the airports for all. The County Supervisors did NOT vote to close Reid Hillview last December! They did vote to restrict funding and do studies and stall, but there will be another vote of the full Board before any attempt to close the airport, and we need to educate and work with Supervisors to drive a positive outcome.
  • Fly friendly. Pilots must be considerate of airport neighbors. Follow established noise abatement procedures and avoid pattern work after 10PM and before 7AM.

Your support right now is critical to stop these efforts to shut down RHV. These candidates are both bright and savvy. They understand how public opinion can both support their political aspirations as well as derail them. Come out on October 20th and show them through your voice, your vote, and your contributions that you support Reid Hillview Airport.

Did you know a Disaster Airlift Response Team (DART) is organizing right in your own back yard?

We’ve got some great news!   Reid-Hillview is in the process of becoming an official DART operator.  Why is that so important?  Well, the purpose of creating a RHV  DART  program is to be able to quickly come to your aid  should a natural disaster occur.

Here’s a link to more information about DART.

Support Your Local Airports and Register with CAAPSO Today!

    • Join CAAPSO and stay informed. The modest annual dues are critical to cover expenses for communications and activities supporting the airport.
    • Tell others how the airport is under threat, and needs everyone to pull together to keep it viable.
    • Contact your elected officials (county supervisors and city officials), expressing your support for the airport and a new business plan built around resumption of FAA grant funding and realistic development plans to create revenue streams from compatible uses around the airport property.
What is CAAPSO?

CAAPSO is a collaboration of interested parties that want to maintain Reid-Hillview (RHV) airport as a  vibrant resource for the general aviation community and a benefit to the local community.

CAAPSO stands for what we believe in: a Community And Airport Partnership for Safe Operations.

Explore our website to learn more about our mission!